Page 27 of The Maine Event

Chloe nods, a watery smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Thanks,” she says, leaning into me for a quick hug.

I squeeze her tight, feeling a sudden rush of affection for this brave, resilient girl.

“Do you talk to your dad? About missing your mom, I mean?”

“Sometimes. But whenever I do, he starts acting weird. Sort of tries even harder to be perfect. You know? Like he’s messed up, and I hate seeing him like that. It makes me feel like I’m the one making things harder for him.”

My heart aches for her. For both of them. I think back to how fiercely Dan spoke about parenting the other night, how he seemed almost desperate to get it right.

“Chloe, your dad loves you more than anything. You know that, right?”

She nods, but the doubt is still there, swimming just under the surface. “I know. But… it’s like he never takes a break. It makes me feel like I’m the problem.”

I reach out and touch her shoulder gently. “You’re not the problem. You’re his whole world. He just doesn’t want to let you down.”

Chloe gives me a small, shaky smile. “He never talks about Mom. Like, ever. I feel like I have to be good all the time because… what if he thinks I’m too much? Or that I remind him of her too much?”

“Oh, Chloe.” I pull her into a hug, her head tucked under my chin. “You’re not too much. You’re exactly enough. And I know your dad wouldn’t change a single thing about you. He’s just… figuring it out as he goes. It’s messy, and it’s hard, but you’re both doing an amazing job. I think he’s just scared sometimes. Scared of losing you too.”

She sniffles against my shoulder, her arms tightening around me. “I just wish he’d talk about her more. So, I don’t forget stuff. Like… how she used to braid my hair. I don’t even remember what her laugh sounded like.”

I pull her closer. “Maybe you can ask him to share stories with you. He’s really good at stories. I think it would help both of you.”

Chloe pulls back and wipes her nose with the back of her hand, giving me a small, determined nod and the hint of a smile. “Yeah. Maybe I will.”

“Come on,” I say, standing up and holding out my hand. “You ready to join your dad?”

“No,” she says, her smile replaced with a frown. “I’m still mad at him.”

“Why?”

Chloe sighs dramatically. “I asked him for a new dress to wear to the final rehearsal tomorrow night, something that I could wear at the heats too, but he said I should just pick something from my closet. But it’s all baby stuff! He doesn’t get it—I’m not a little kid anymore.”

I nod empathetically. The frustration of feeling misunderstood at her age is still vivid in my memory. “That’s tough. It’s a big moment and you want to look and feel your best.”

“Exactly! I’m practically a teenager. But Dad still treats me like I’m five.” Chloe crosses her arms, pouting.

As I look at Chloe, I’m struck by how she’s caught between two worlds right now—not quite a child, but not yet an adult. It’s a tricky tightrope to walk. An idea starts to form in my mind… Maybe what Chloe needs is a little old-fashioned girl time to help her find her footing in this new phase.

A smile spreads across my face as the plan takes shape. “You know what, Chloe? I think I have the perfect solution. What youneed is a girls’ day out—just you and me. We’ll go shopping tomorrow, find you a fabulous new outfit that makes you feel like the amazing young woman you’re becoming. What do you say?”

Chloe’s eyes widen, a grin tugging at her lips. “Really? You’d do that for me?”

“Absolutely! Every girl deserves a special shopping trip now and then.” I wink conspiratorially. “Now, let’s go talk to your dad and make it official.”

We march over to where Dan is chatting with some other parents, determined expressions on our faces. I’m pleased to note that the red-haired interloper is nowhere to be seen. He turns as we approach, quirking an eyebrow at our matching stances—hands on hips, chins held high.

“Dan, Chloe and I have an announcement,” I declare, fighting to keep a straight face. “We’re commandeering the day tomorrow for a very important mission: Operation Shopping Spree!”

Dan’s eyes dart between us, taking in Chloe’s hopeful expression and my resolute one. I can practically see the wheels turning in his head, calculating the odds of winning this battle.

“I don’t know, Rachel… Chloe, don’t you have plenty of clothes already?” he tries, but his heart isn’t in it.

Chloe and I exchange a glance, then unleash our secret weapons simultaneously—the dreaded puppy dog eyes. We’ve got this down to a science.

Dan throws up his hands in surrender, chuckling. “Alright, alright, I know when I’m beat. Listen, Rachel, there’s something important I need to tell you.”

“Uh oh,” I jest.

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