Page 17 of Single Dad Dilemma

“You know, if you keep rolling your eyes that way, you’re going to lose all control of them. That’s all they’ll do all day, just roll around in your head.”

She giggles, picturing it.

After breakfast, we both head out to the garage and Margo plays in the corner. We bring some toys out and her iPad for her. She plays for a while, then she moves on to watching YouTube Kids and snacking on Goldfish. She behaves extremely well for a young child, and I never have to get onto her. She doesn’t run off or play with things she knows she shouldn’t. It gives me the time I need to get some actual work done.

I take a break around lunch and decide to treat Margo for being so good and patient all day by taking her to the restaurant in town. We drive over to the diner and head inside.

“For being so good, you can order anything you want,” I tell her, picking up a menu.

“Anything?” she asks, her eyes wide.

I laugh and nod.

“Ice cream sundae?”

“Sure, but after your lunch. Deal?”

She nods twice. “I want a corndog and fries. And ice cream,” she tells me.

“Okay, I got it.” I go back to looking at the menu to figure out what I want. The bell above the door rings and I look up, finding Violet. She hasn’t noticed me, but she’s got a donut box in her hands and she goes straight to the counter.

“Here’s the order you placed, June,” she says, handing the box across the counter.

“Thank you, honey. Let me get you some money,” the waitress tells her.

Margo’s head pops up, and her eyes get big when she sees Violet standing only a couple of feet from us. “Violet! Violet!” she shouts, sitting up on her knees and waving like a crazy person.

Violet turns and finds us. She looks a little nervous at first, but then she smiles and walks over. “Hey, what are you two out doing?” she asks, eyes moving from Margo to me and back.

“We’re having lunch! I’ve been a good girl today.” She beams proudly.

She laughs. “I have a feeling you’re a good girl every day.”

“Have lunch with us, Violet. Please, please, please,” Margo begs.

This kid is trying to kill me. I’m sure of it.

“Oh, well, I don’t want to ruin your lunch. You guys go ahead.” She tries to turn away, but Margo clutches onto her hand, stopping her.

“No, you’re not ruining anything. You make it better. Please stay. Dad, tell her to stay,” she adds on, looking at me.

I laugh. “Violet, you’re always welcome.”

“I really do have to get back to the bakery. There’s a few more orders to deliver.”

“No, Violet. After lunch. Come on. Please?” she asks again, this time giving her the saddest face she can make.

I see Violet’s resolve fall away. “Alright,” she agrees.

“Here, sit by me,” Margo says, scooting over in the booth.

Violet takes her seat. “What are you ordering?”

“Corn dog. You?”

“Hmmm, I think I’ll get a big juicy cheeseburger.” Her eyes stretch wide.

Margo giggles. “That’s what Daddy always gets too.”

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