Page 120 of Ice Darling
I hate being left out of their girl pact, but what can I do? It’s enough that Gordie has Cordelia to rely on.
Still, it stings when my baby girl remains silent and doesn’t talk to me.
I drive Cordelia back to the garage to pick up her bike. Once I park, she swings around to look at Gordie. The two share secretive nods.
I feel that jealous sting again.
Cordelia turns to me with a smile. “Thanks for tonight. The meal was great. By the way, who won the cake round? I slept through most of the episode.”
“I turned it off when you fell asleep.”
She seems surprised to hear that.
“Next time you come over, we can finish it,” I add.
She tilts her head, making her short hair swish. “Are you saying you’re not going to watch another episode without me?”
“Yeah, I guess I am.”
“I’m honored.”
I return Cordelia’s smile. It’s so rare to see her this bright and happy. What on earth did she and Gordie talk about?
After Cordelia leaves, I drive off. Gordie’s staring through the window, looking somber.
“Did you enjoy your play date with Vinnie?”
“Mm-hm.”
“What did you do?”
“We baked cookies and made puppets and watched cartoons.”
“Did…” I lick my lips, approaching the topic carefully. “…Anything else happen? Anything you want to talk to me about?”
Gordie shakes her head.
“Are you sure?”
She nods.
I try not to let the desperation seep out. “You know you can talk to me about anything, don’t you?”
“Yes, sir.”
I heave a deep sigh and concentrate on driving. I guess that’s that. Forget the fact that I fed her, clothed her, changed her dirty diapers, cleaned up her vomit when she was sick, and practically lived my entire life to improve hers—Cordelia’s her favorite now.
When we get home, I help Gordie brush her teeth and tuck her into bed.
I normally leave with the door slightly open, but tonight, I remain seated by her side and rub her hair.
She’s grown so much from a tiny infant to the bright kid she is now. But she’s still so small and fragile. How do I protect her from a pain I can’t see? What if I never find a way to get her better?
Her eyes flutter closed. “Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“I like Delia.”
