After breakfast, Dallas and Gray head back into the city for practice, and Scarlett and I spend the day baking cookies with my mom. Scarlett’s leaving tomorrow, and while Gray hasn’t said anything, I have a feeling it’s going to be hard not to have her around anymore. Halfway through our third batch of oatmeal cookies, I get a text from him.
Gray
Do you have time to help me with some reservations?
I wanted to do something to celebrate Scarlett’s last night here. Maybe dinner or something?
Eloise
Like a Daddy/Daughter date?
Gray
Or just dinner.
Eloise
If you take her on a date, it’ll help teach her how she deserves to be treated.
Gray
Is this a thing people do?
Eloise
My dad did.
Gray
She’s not even eleven.
I don’t want her dating until she’s 30.
Eloise
Ha
It’s never too early.
It’ll be good for her self-esteem.
I think back on the times I got a turn “going out” with my dad. He was always clear that his girls deserved to be treated with respect and kindness, no matter what. Maybe it was a little old fashioned, and I’m all for equality, but it made me feel special to be doted on. To be taken care of. To have the door opened for me and my opinions heard.
I glance back at the screen and see Gray hasn’t replied. The whole idea is probably freaking him out.
Eloise
Wear something nice. Open doors for her. Listen when she talks. You know, be a gentleman.
Gray
That’s it?
Eloise
And tell her all the things you love about her.
And that she looks pretty.