Page 33 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

What did he think of me anyway? That I hated children?Just because I didn’t plan tohavechildren myself didn’t mean I didn’t like them. And the only reason I didn’t want kids myself was something I rarely admitted: Parenting would just be another thing I’d fail at—and, even worse, I’d probably pass along my worst traits to innocent children. It seemed immoral.

“She’s so pretty, Daddy.”

My eyes flew back to the girl, but before I could respond, Jeff said gruffly, “That’s not really appropriate in a workplace, Lila.”

I made a dismissive motion with my hands. “Thank you, Lila. You’re very kind. Andyoulook gorgeous, I must say.”

Her eyes lit up. “You like my look today? Dad rolled his eyes when I was putting on the makeup in his car mirror, but I think I look amazing.”

“You absolutely do,” I said warmly.

The girl had a positive self-image … during my brief stint as a therapist, I often observed a connection between parenting and self-image. And this very topic was one of the reasons I was so excited to support Hazel in opening a counseling center for women with body image issues and related concerns. So this could mean … Jeff might be a pretty decent parent. Who knew? I shook my head at the unkind thought. I might not like him very much, but I shouldn’t be so shocked that he might be a good dad. I shouldn’t be so quick to judge.

I turned to him with a tentative smile. “She is lovely, Jeff. I’m happy you brought her in. Will you both be staying all day, or …?

“Mom’s picking me up later.”

“She should be here any minute, actually,” Jeff added.

Lila’s face fell as she turned to him. “Oh, I thought we were going to spend most of the day together, Daddy.”

His face took on a tender expression I’d never seen on him. “I wish, sweetie. But work is really busy this week, and your mother said she wanted to take you to brunch.”

Lila nodded, a flash of disappointment crossing her adorable face before being quickly replaced with an excited smile aimed at me. “Until she comes, can I hang out with you, Roxanne?”

“No, she is busy—”

“I’d love that, Lila,” I interrupted him. “And please call me Roxy.”

Her smile widened further. “OK, Roxy!” She looked up at her father briefly before running around the desk and darting toward me. Just before reaching me though, she tripped on her high heels, which were obviously too big for her, and fell toward me.

I caught her, which surprised me as I’m not often quick to react to sudden events. “Lila, I’ve got you. Are you all right?”

Jeff walked over but seemed unconcerned.

She giggled. “NBD. I’m a klutz, Mom always says. It’s not a normal day if I don’t trip or bump into something at least a few times.”

“Oh … well, I’m glad you’re all right.” My eyes shifted to Jeff briefly, whose arms were crossed over his chest.

“I won’t even ask what NBD is,” he said.

Lila rolled her eyes dramatically. “It’s no big deal, Daddy.”

“I know it’s not,” he said with a shrug as he stuffed his hands in the pockets of his pleated black pants.

Lila burst into laughter, and I couldn’t help chuckling with her. “Daddy, you’re hopeless. NBD stands forno big deal.”

The corner of his lips twitched upward as though he was holding back a smile or laughter. Whowasthis guy?

“All right, Lila,” I said. “Let’s head over toward that side, and I’ll show you my office.”

It wasn’t really my office, just a temporary workspace for now. I still didn’t know what kind of role I wanted to assume in Hazel’s new business, if any. Yet another to-do: Figure out what to do with my life.

As I took a step in the direction of the office, I felt the lightest hand on my sleeve, just briefly. I stilled. Jeff had never touched me willingly before, and even though this was barely even a touch, I felt my breath hitch.

His voice was gruff as he asked, “Are you sure?”

I stared into his eyes. This close, I realized they were not brown after all. “Hazel,” I whispered, unable to look away.

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