Page 26 of Finally Found You

“Then why don’t I hang out with you during the summer?” She looks around the office, her gaze taking in the surroundings. “This place isn’t that bad.”

“I have to go back to the vineyard. That’s where I work most of the time,” I inform her, and since she’s trying my patience, I offer her a new option, “But you’re welcome to join me. You’ll help me with the grapes.”

She studies me for a moment, her expression unreadable, before shifting her focus back to the brochures. “What about this one?” She points to a camp that combines art and science in a creative, interdisciplinary approach. Earlier, she said it was for children. Now…

“Are you sure about it? It’s a four-week camp with younger children.”

She nods. “Yes, I’m sure. It might be a lot better than spending my day with grapes.”

“I’ll book it later today, then. In the meantime, we can figure out what to do next week. I’m taking it off.”

Suddenly, she throws an unexpected question, “Can you take the summer off?”

I could, but I have to head back home and keep an eye on my mother. The thought of her reminds me that we need to ensure Kenzy has a bodyguard like the rest of the family. We don’t want anyone else to be in some bizarre accident plotted by our mother dearest—my daughter included.

“Not all the summer, but I can skip a day or two every week. We can play hooky and do something together,” I suggest, trying to mask my concern.

She leans over to examine the brochure one more time, her brow furrowing as she reads. “I guess we could do that,” she says, her tone noncommittal. “But I also found this one, and it’s only two weeks,” she adds, handing me a flyer for a camp focused solely on art.

I study the information, weighing the pros and cons of each option. I want to find a balance between her interests, but I also want to respect her opinions and give her a sense of autonomy. It’s a delicate dance, and one I’m learning as I go.

“How about we compromise?” I suggest, looking up to meet her gaze. “You attend this one after a week in Palo Alto.”

Kenzy considers my proposal, her expression softening slightly. “Fine.” The way she says it reminds me she’s still a child, and I should be thankful she’s not having a meltdown.

Cami mentioned it would be helpful to get a counselor to help her with all the changes and the grief. I should do it soon. That makes me wonder if I should find one for Camilla, as well. She lost her grandmother. Tonight, I’ll discuss it with her. My current focus is Kenzy.

“Glad we could find a solution that works for both of us,” I say, hoping this is a good start for us. “And during weekends, we’ll plan some fun activities together, so we can spend more time getting to know each other.”

Her eyes light up at the prospect, and for the first time since we started this conversation, she genuinely smiles. “That sounds great, Lysander.”

I smile, wondering if we’ll ever get to a point where she might call me Dad and truly trust me.

“In the meantime, let’s go to Golden Gate Park for a hike,” I suggest, sending a text to Cami and inviting her.

* * *

I lace up my hiking boots, hoping the tennis shoes I got for Kenzy are good enough for today.

There’s a balance between respecting her decisions and putting my foot down when she’s about to make a mistake. I’m not pushing for anything since we’re just getting to know each other, but I want to make sure she realizes I have authority—since she’s still a child.

“Why is it so cold here?” Kenzy says, adjusting her beanie hat. “Isn’t it supposed to be summer?”

“Summers in San Francisco are different,” I explain, gently adjusting her hat one more time. “We have a unique microclimate. It’s a lot warmer in Paradise Bay, if you want to go there.”

She scrunches her nose. “To squish grapes? No, thank you.”

I chuckle. There’s a lot more to Paradise Bay than just squishing grapes. Besides, harvest season occurs from late August through October. By then, she’ll be in school, hopefully in San Francisco, with me. How long is she going to give me to convince her that I’m the best for her?

Will she leave in a couple of weeks if I fail?

My phone buzzes, signaling a text from Benedict.

Ben: I heard you’re a father. Congratulations.

Lysander: Thank you?

Ben: And you gave me shit for knocking up the mother of my child. At least I’m raising her.

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