Page 54 of Ace of Spades

The little girl looks at Levi, as if asking if I’m okay to talk to. Levi nods to her.

She has big beautiful brown eyes that remind me of aPrecious Momentsfigurine my mom had.

“And who might you be?” I say, taking a knee to meet her at eye level.

She slowly approaches me, but doesn’t say anything.

“This is Josie. She’s… well, she’s Theo’s sister,” Levi says, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Theo’ssister?

I had no idea Levi had another kid. From my understanding Theo was it.

And wikipedia says he and Evie split up years ago, but here’s living proof that that may not have been the case after all.

“Oh,” I say surprised. Then turn back to the little girl, “Hi, Josie. I’m Sienna.”

The girl still doesn’t say anything. Instead, she reaches for the two small braids I have going down either side of my face and gives them a tug.

“How old are you, Josie?”

Still nothing. She seems absolutely captivated by my braids.

“Hey, bug, you wanna help with the papers today?” Levi attempts to get her attention.

Josie looks at Levi for a split second, but keeps playing with my hair.

“Sorry about that,” Levi says, “She’s four and she doesn’t talk. Her doctor says she has a speech delay.”

I look at the little girl, she keeps running her little fingers up and down my braids.

“You like them? I can do them for your hair, too. If you want.”

She drops her little fingers and reaches for her own hair.

“Yes? Do you want braids?” I put my braids against hers to show her.

Josie doesn’t respond. She just keeps touching her own hair.

“Can I?” I say, looking to Levi for permission.

He clears his throat. “Sure.”

I hold my hand out for Josie to take it, and when she does I lead her to an empty bucket, flip it over and pat it for her to sit.

She looks at the bucket and back at me in question.

“You can sit here. And I’ll do your braids.” I point to my hair and then hers.

She seems to understand that and sits down, putting her little hands on her lap like a perfect little princess.

Oh my gosh, this girl is so freaking cute.

Levi hasn’t moved from his spot. He just stays watching us, like something crazy just happened.

“You okay over there, boss?” I say, brushing my fingers through Josie’s soft, wavy hair.

“Uh… it’s just,” he stumbles over his words. “She usually cries around strangers,” he replies, dumbfounded.

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