Page 15 of The Summer Arrangement
Cameron shakes his head. “Nope. My fridge and pantry are stocked, so help yourself. I’ve got a little of everything. I’ll get you a credit card to use when we’re done eating in case you have any expenses while you’re out and about together.”
“Okay,” I say, taking another bite. This is standard. Many families I’ve worked with often hand me a card to use for expenses while spending the day with their children.
“I’ve got a few meetings today, so if you need anything small, a text would be best, unless it’s an emergency. I’m never too busy for my daughter.”
“Is the number you originally called me from your cell?” I ask, making sure I have his most direct line of communication.
“Yeah. You can text me anytime if you have questions. I’ll try to get back to you as quickly as I can. Service out here at the beach can be spotty, so I’ll text you the land line, should there be an emergency.”
“Oh, I’ve already got it, unless there’s a different number I should call. Since Sloane has worked there, I’ve had the studio’s main line.”
“Ah…” A slight grin tugs at his lips. “I keep forgetting how small our world is. If you call the main line, they’ll put you through to me.
“Milli’s swimming class is at nine this session. She’s got multiple suits, so I find it best to let her have a choice if you want to arrive on time. You may pride yourself on being early, but I swear, toddlers have no concept of minutes ticking by.”
“Oh, I’m fully aware. Trust me.”
Eyeing his daughter, he says, “She’s mostly potty trained, but we’re still using swim diapers and Pull-Ups at nap time. Milli, will you tell Lizzy if you need to go?”
“Uh-huh.” She grins and puffs her chest. “I’m a big girl.”
“Yes. You. Are,” he drags out with a grin and bops her on the nose, making her giggle with delight.
To me, he continues, “Her bag is well stocked with everything you should need. She’ll need reminders if she’s too engrossed in her activities. As you could see with her drawing, she’s extremely focused when she’s engaged. She waits until she’s ready to burst, then rushes to the bathroom, which unfortunately results in accidents.”
“That’s to be expected,” I assure him. “She just turned three, right?”
“Yep. When’s your birthday, Mills?”
A grin splits across her face. “June eleventh,” though it sounds like elebenth. Holding up three fingers in my direction, she adds, “I’m three now.”
“That’s right,” Cameron agrees. “Even big girls need help sometimes, so if you need anything, you be sure to tell Lizzy, okay?”
She rolls her eyes and huffs. “Hmph… Daddy. I can’t do itallmyself. I only three.”
“Three going on thirteen,” Cameron grumbles under his breath.
Covering my mouth to hide my reaction, I do my best not to laugh at their interaction. Without thinking, I add, “I’m the youngest of four girls. What can I say? She’s not wrong.”
“Lord help me when she’s a teenager.” He rolls his eyes, and my belly flips at the sexy smirk thrown my way.
He’s your boss, Elizabeth.
Forcing myself to stay professional, I clear my throat, then ask, “I know your schedule can be unpredictable at times, butshould I feed Milli dinner if you’re not home by a certain time tonight?”
Closing one eye, he stares at his plate of food for the briefest of moments. “I think I have a light afternoon. I can double check my schedule, but if she’s hungry, feed her and yourself for that matter.No onewants to see hangry Milli, trust me.”
“Hangry isn’t a good look on anyone.”Me especially,I almost add, but he doesn’t need to know that, just yet.
Pivoting back to Milli, I quickly add, “I forgot to ask earlier. Does Milli have any special toys or blankets she uses for comfort… especially at N… A… P time?” I spell it out in case naps happen to trigger her. There’s no way I’m starting the morning off on a bad foot if I can help it.
“She’s usually pretty good, especially if she’s swimming this morning. She’ll be exhausted. She couldn’t wait to see you today. She’s been up since five thirty.”
“Wow. Is that what time she usually wakes?”
His head shakes before he tussles her hair. “Nope. This girlusuallysleeps in ‘til nearly seven.”
This gets her attention. A wide smile spreads across her face. “I play with Iz today! We’re gonna swim and read!”
