Page 6 of Sexted By Santa
I nodded, making a mental note to locate the holiday decorations stuffed in the shed out back. “We can.”
We trudged through the snow blanketing the street to reach Shirley’s house, situated catty-corner from ours. “My friend Madison’s house is already all done up for the holidays. She showed me pictures.”
“That’s nice.”
“She invited me for a sleepover.”
I glanced sidelong to see Tori biting her lip.
“I want to go,” she added.
I sighed. “Tori, we’ve been over this. Until we get a handle on your illness—”
“Things have been fine! I know how to manage the insulin pump.”
I wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she stopped short in the street to argue. Nudging her forward, I said, “I’ll think about it, all right? I’m not sure I’m comfortable trusting your care to other people.”
“You trust Shirley.”
“Shirley was a nurse. Shirley helped me figure out what was wrong when you were so sick,” I said. “It’s not the same.”
“I know what to do,” Tori insisted. “Even without Shirley.”
“I said I’ll think about it,” I repeated, speaking firmly to put an end to the discussion.
Tori stomped ahead, snow flying up with each step, as she made a production of her anger. My gut clenched. I didn’t like making her unhappy about anything, but her safety had to come first.
Shirley opened the door. “There’s my favorite girl! Are you ready to help me decorate some Christmas cookies?”
“Yes!” Tori flashed me a mutinous look. “And Iknowto put in the carbs before I eat anything.”
I lifted my hands. “I didn’t say anything.”
Tori flounced inside, and Shirley turned a curious look to me. “What was that all about?”
“She’s upset with me because I’m hesitant to let her spend the night with a friend.”
“Ah.” Shirley’s tone was knowing. “I’m sure if you explain the pump to her friend’s parents, it’d be fine, Jax.”
I nodded. Logically, I knew that was true.
Her insulin pump had been a lifesaver for us since she got it. We could input the carbs she was planning to eat and it would release the right amount of insulin to keep her blood sugar level. It was really quite simple to operate. Not like when I’d had to inject her with a slow-release insulin several times a day and hope I’d estimated the amount she’d need correctly. But even though the pump was easier, I worried that we would become so complacent we’d slip up.
And easy or not, handing my daughter’s life into others’ hands was difficult for me. I only trusted Shirley because of her nursing experience. The school had an entire care plan in place to ensure Tori’s safety, and even that made me a little nervous. But work and school didn’t stop just because I would prefer to watch over Tori 24-7.
“I should get going,” I said. “You’ll text me when she eats?”
Shirley nodded. “As always. Have a good day at work.”
I could see from her expression that Shirley thought I worried too much. I couldn’t help it. No matter how many times I had to let Tori out of my sight, it didn’t get easier. People were fallible, and my girl would pay the price if a critical mistake was made.
Tori reappeared at the doorway as I prepared to leave. “Love you, Daddy!” she said, throwing herself into my arms.
I hugged her tight. “Love you too, Glitterbug.”
“I’m sorry for being mad.”
“That’s okay.”
