Page 92 of Whiskey Wednesdays

Dad, Connor, and I sat in undersized folding chairs at Elodie’s elementary school auditorium that Friday night, watching her Spring dance recital with the other parents. Before the recital started, Elodie’s dance teacher, Ms. Sissy, came over to Connor about ten seconds after we walked in.

“I’m so glad you could make it. Elodie is such a precious little girl,” Ms. Sissy gushed at Connor as she took hold of his arm.

I’d been standing next to Connor as we looked around for seats, and she’d slid right in front of me. I stepped back so I wouldn’t get trampled. She didn’t acknowledge either me or my dad.

Dad tapped my shoulder. “I’ll go save us seats.”

I turned to follow him. “Good idea. I’ll go with you.”

Before I could take a step, Connor reached around the dance teacher and grabbed my arm. “Javier, we’ll meet up with you. I want to introduce Bella to Miss Sandra.”

The big, bright smile on Ms. Sissy’s face slipped a little. “It’s Sissy.”

Connor stared down at her but didn’t respond. She finally took a hint and stepped back, letting go of him.

He pulled me next to him and put his arm around my shoulder. “This is Bella, and I think you know Javier. He’s Bella’s father.”

Ms. Sissy stared at Connor and me, then watched Connor lightly run his fingers along my collarbone.

She pursed her lips. “It’s nice to meet you. Bella, is it? I’m going to say hello to the rest of the parents.” She turned away and marched over to the stage.

I watched her go then looked around. “Let’s find Dad.”

Connor scowled. “Don’t abandon me to the likes of Ms. Sissy again, eh?”

I patted his hard stomach. “It’s kind of sad seeing their faces when you call them by the wrong name.”

He wrapped his arm around my neck. “Should I be bothered you don’t seem to care she was hitting on me?”

I shrugged philosophically. “If she’s your type, then I’m not. Same with the secretary at the arena.”

Connor’s smirk turned into a real smile. “You’re the most blunt, straightforward woman I’ve ever met. And you don’t play games. It’s refreshing. And so you know, Idoget jealous.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of that. And I never said I didn’t get jealous.”

We found our seats, and searched for Elodie among the little dancers lined up onstage. She crinkled her brow and looked anxiously through the crowd until she saw us in the audience, waving enthusiastically at her. She broke out into a big smile, then waved back and giggled nervously behind her fingers.

The dancers were young and enthusiastic, and their costumes were so adorable I had to hand it to Ms. Sissy. She’d put together a cute recital. I pulled out my phone and took several photos and videos.

The next morning, I went with Connor to Elodie’s soccer game in Palm Springs. On the sidelines, I recognized a parent from the opposing team who’d brought his little boy, Tyler, to the pediatric clinic with a broken finger a couple of weeks ago. He’d been in a month before when the flu was going around, and Tyler couldn’t keep anything down.

Daniel, the dad, was probably in his late twenties and looked like he spent a lot of time outside or at the gym. While I’d treated his son, Daniel mentioned a couple of times he was divorced.

He walked over and stood in front of me, grinning. “Hey, Isabella. It’s good to see you again. Who’re you here to watch?”

I waved half-heartedly. “Hello, Tyler’s dad. How’s his finger doing?”

He stepped closer. “It’s Daniel, and Tyler’s finger is fine. We have a follow-up appointment next week. What’re you doing for lunch after the game?”

Connor came up behind me and wrapped his arm around my chest. “She’s eating lunch with my daughter and me.”

I clasped Connor’s forearm. Daniel straightened and studied Connor, then glanced down at my empty ring finger.

He nodded at me. “It was good to see you. I’ll talk to you at the clinic next week.” He glanced at Connor. “Enjoy the game.”

When Daniel walked across the field, Connor tightened his grip. “He’s a fucktwit.”

I rolled my eyes. “You don’t know that.”

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