Page 22 of Soothed By Daddy
“I’m not sick. I was daydreaming, and the answer is always yes when it comes to that.”
“If you’re sure you’re all right, then let’s get that done so we can go. I’m pretty sure I owe you a push on the swing.”
“How come you never swing?” I asked, tilting my head to one side. “You don’t have to be little to like swings.”
“Can I tell you a secret?” Cyrus asked as he booped my nose. I nodded eagerly. “The whole reason I like the park is because you like the park, and I know how much you like it because you get excited, clap your hands, giggle, and you’re happy, and that’s what makes me happy. I don’t need to swing, but I do need you to swing.”
“Quill? Is this where you want to have dinner?”
I stood outside the restaurant, looking up at the sign on the brick door. Cyrus had mentioned getting dinner before the night market, but I wasn’t exactly dressed for this kind of dinner. It was nice. I looked down at my outfit, which very much looked dino-esque.
“Yes, because they’re doing a special dinner tonight and I wanted to surprise you. The project from hell is finally finished—I bet you thought I missed that—and you deserve a treat for not murdering anyone.”
Cyrus took my hand again and led me up the stairs. The heavy wooden door led us into the hushed interior with an entry desk and a harried host. While Cyrus checked us in, I studied the darkened interior. It screamed monied elegance.
I’d done googling after he mentioned what Tye had told Cyrus. Reservations were required, the cost of dinner was enough to keep the looky-loos away, and the food was rumored to be phenomenal.
“You ready, baby?” Cyrus called and held out his hand.
I snuggled my hand into his, and we followed the host to a booth toward the back. It was a bit like a rabbit warren, with little pathways and alcoves. The place could be packed, but you’d never know because it was arranged for privacy. Even in the open area we passed, the round tables with high backs shielded the occupants from view.
“Gentlemen, here’s your table. We hope you enjoy tonight’s special menu options,” the host said before hurrying off to seat another customer.
Cyrus sat on one side of the booth while I took the other. The table wasn’t covered with a cloth, but with white paper. There was also a small brass basket with crayons, a few squishy fidgets, Montessori-style cars, and a ring of ribbons.
“Cyrus, what’s going on?”
“They are having a little dining night, and I thought it would be fun,” Cyrus said confidently, but I heard a tiny bit of nervousness hidden in his words.
It was the sweetest. Yes, we were friends, but this might be the nicest surprise of my life. I’d be hard-pressed to think of the guys I’d dated who’d have even tried to pull this off, let alone do it without asking for anything in return. “We’re friends. Friends celebrate each other.” He grabbed the menu from the basket and studied the options. “Want to read for yourself or have me read them?”
“You, please.”
“Hummus dunkers or crustless grilled cheese and soup?”
“Grilled cheese!”
“Chicken parm with house-made dino nuggets or Shepherd’s Star pie?”
“Dino nuggies!”
“Cake stack or caramel apple nachos?”
“Ooh, harder, but I think nachos.” I paused when he turned over the card to look at the big people options. “What are you getting?”
“I think salad, steak, and chocolate lava cake for dessert.” Cyrus studied it more. “Want a mocktail flight or a juice one?”
“Mocktail, please.”
“Got it. I’m going to stick to boring beer.”
“But you like beer, even though it’s totally gross.”
“Ha! I think it’s delicious, but I’m going to try and talk my way into a sip of your flight.”
“I don’t mind sharing mine, Daddy, but I don’t want any of yours.” The weight of my words settled over me. “Gah! Sorry, the moment got away from me.”
“Hey, it’s fine,” Cyrus answered with a careless shrug before reaching out to take my hand. “We’re at a little dinner, so of course your mind will go there. Call me that tonight. It’s cool.” He paused before adding, “And I told you that I don’t mind taking care of you.”
