A clatter of footfalls on the uncarpeted stairs heralded Becky’s arrival. She had an overnight bag and her skates thrown over her shoulder. She dumped both onto a chair in the front hall before racing into the living room.
Kim hadn’t seen Becky since the previous Sunday when they’d spent a happy day at a nearby ski area, and Becky acted accordingly. She made a beeline into Kim’s arms and gave him an enthusiastic hug, momentarily making him lose his balance. With his face pressed up against her head, Kim could feel that her brunette hair was damp from a recent shower. The remnant odor of the shampoo made her smell like an apple orchard in bloom.
Without letting go of Kim, Becky leaned back and assumed a mock reproving expression. “You’re late, Daddy.”
Kim’s aggravations of the day melted as he regarded his darling, precocious ten-year-old daughter who, in his mind, glowed with grace, youth, and energy. Her skin was flawless, her eyes large and expressive.
“I’m sorry, pumpkin,” Kim said. “I understand you’re hungry.”
“I’m starved,” Becky said. “But look!”
Becky turned her head from side to side. “See my new diamond earrings? Aren’t they gorgeous? Carl gave them to me.
“Just chips,” Carl said self-consciously. “Sort’a late Christmas present, and something for letting me borrow her mom for the weekend.”
Kim swallowed. He was taken aback. “Very impressive,” he managed.
Becky let go of Kim and went out into the foyer to gather her things and get her coat out of the front closet. Kim followed and went to the door.
“Now, I want you in bed at your normal time, young lady,” Tracy said. “You understand? The flu’s making the rounds.”
“Oh, Mom!” Becky complained.
“I’m serious,” Tracy said. “I don’t want you missing school .“
“Chill out, Mom,” Becky said. “You have fun and don’t be so nervous about…”
“I’ll have a great time,” Tracy said, interrupting her daughter before she could say something embarrassing. “But I’ll have a better time if I don’t have to worry about you. You have the phone number I gave you?”
“Yeah, yeah,” Becky intoned. Then, brightening, she added: “Ski the Big Burn for me.”
“Okay, I promise,” Tracy said, as she took Becky’s coat from her daughter’s arms. “I want this on.”
“But we’ll be in the car,” Becky complained.
“I don’t care,” Tracy said, helping her daughter into the coat.
Becky ran to Carl, who was standing in the doorway to the living room. She gave him a hug and got her mouth close to his ear. “She’s real nervous, but she’ll be okay. And thanks for the earrings. I love them.”
“You’re welcome, Becky,” Carl said nonplussed.
Becky ran to Tracy and gave her a quick hug before dashing out the door held open by Kim.
Outside Becky ran down the stairs and waved to Kim to hurry up. Kim broke into a trot.
“Call if there’s a problem.” Tracy yelled from the porch.
Kim and Becky waved as they got into Kim’s car.
“She’s such a worrywart,” Becky said, as Kim started the car. Then she pointed ahead, through the windshield. “That’s a Lamborghini. It’s Carl’s car, and it’s awesome.”
“I’m sure it is,” Kim said, trying not to sound as if he cared.
“You should get one, Dad.” Becky said. She turned her head to look at the vehicle as they drove by.
“Let’s talk about food,” Kim said. “I was planning on picking up Ginger. I thought all three of us could go to Chez Lean.”
“I don’t want to eat with Ginger,” Becky said poutingly.
Kim drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. The stress of the day at the hospital, even the meeting with Carl, had him on edge. He wished he’d had time to play some tennis. He needed some form of physical outlet. The last thing he wanted was a problem between Becky and Ginger.
“Becky,” Kim began. “We’ve been through this before. Ginger likes your company.”
“I just want to be with you, not your receptionist,” Becky complained.
“But you will be with me,” Kim said. “We’ll all be together. And Ginger is more than my receptionist.”
“I don’t want to eat at that stuffy old restaurant either,” Becky said with emotion. “I hate it.”