It was nearly eight oclock when Jack stepped inside the living room and closed the door

behind him. Tiffany and Andee, the babysitter, sat on the couch. They were engrossed in the TV, but that didnt last long when Tiffanys eyes fell on her father. Jack! He smiled and tossed his workout bag aside. Theres my little partner. Tiffany leapt from the couch and crossed the living room in a second. Her pigtails bounced in the air as she ran with her arms out, a huge smile on her face. He dropped to one knee and nearly fell over as she tackled him. They hadnt seen each other since he dropped her off for school, and Tiffany was on a select list of people that he actually missed when they were away. She kissed him on the cheek as she wrapped her arms around his neck. I missed you, she said. Do you see my pigtails? Andee did it. I see. They looklike pigtails. So cool. Did you get done what you had to get done after school today? Indeed, I did. Good. I dont like other people getting me from school. Pick me up. Youre too big for that. No Im not. Pick me up. He rolled his eyes as he scooped his daughter in one arm. She had gone long enough thinking she didnt belong to anyone, that she didnt have a family. Being carried around at nine years old was perhaps beyond her age, but if thats what she wanted, Jack would carry her anytime she wanted. He looked down at Andee. She was a decent enough babysitter. Polite girl, oversized glasses, charged a fair rate. The only thing that annoyed Jack was when she unleashed her teenage speak, a seemingly foreign language in and of itself. But Andee had a few benefits other babysitters didnt bring. She was seventeen, and had her drivers license. Jack wasnt sure he could handle her if he had to tote her b ack and forth to her home. For a few extra dollars, she also had no problem picking up Tiffany after school. His daughter also simply liked Andee, which carried significant weight. Deep down, if he was pressed to answer, he didnt hate the girl, either. She made him laugh. Hi, Mr. Jack. He winced. He always insisted she call him Jack, but she couldnt bring herself to do it. How did the PTA meeting go? Well, Mrs. Galloway got so mad at me I thought shed spank me in front of everyone. I compared to her Hitler, and told her her husband doesnt like hugging her. Andees eyes shot open as she adjusted her glasses. She burst out laughing. Are you serious? Oh, I wish I could have seen that. I always hated her. Jack laughed with her and gave the first floor of his home a quick glance. He could see clear into the eat-in kitchen. Nothing was out of place. Any problems on this end? Andee shook her head. Nope. Picked up Tiff after school. She did her homework. We watched a cartoon, and then some TV. Did you bring any guys over? She frowned. Mr. Jack, please. That would be sounprofessional. He looked at Tiffany. Did she bring any boys over?

No. She just talked to one on the phone. His names Chris. They talked about how they were gonna sneak out this weekend Okay, Tiffany! Andee interrupted. He gets it. Anyway, weve eaten dinner already. We ordered a small pizza, since, you knowyou wont let me cook in the kitchen. No one touches that kitchen but me, Andee, Jack said. He lowered Tiffany to th e floor and dug out his wallet. But I swear, I can cook. Seriously. I wouldnt have to charge you an extra twenty bucks if you let me cook something for Tiffany. I know you think you can cook, butyou cant. That kitchen is too much power for you. The corner of her mouth lifted. I bet I can cook better than you. No, you cant. I know a guy not too much older than you who said the same thing, and I kicked his ass. Besides, Id still have to cook anyway. Ericas coming over. Awww. Andee stood up and gently placed her hands over her heart, batting her lashes. Is Mr. Jack gonna get himself a lil sumptin sumptin wit Miss Eeee Hernandez? Jack and Tiffany glanced at each other in confusion. Tiffany could only offer a shrug, and then returned to the couch. No. Im not gonna dowhatever the hell it is you just said. He counted out her fee. What I am gonna do is cook Erica a nice, light meal. Then, after Tiff goes to bed, Ill take her upstairs to my bedroom. Then, the clothes come off. Probably the shirt first, so we can play a bit Whoa! Andee said, covering her ears. What the hell? Keep that crap to yourself. Tiffany looked up, puzzled. I dont get it. Are you gonna give Miss Hernandez a bath? Jack smiled. I guess thats one word for it. Ewww, gross! Andee said. Give me my money before I get sick. He slapped the bills in her hand. Thanks again, Andee. Youre welcome. She looked at Tiffany. Give me a hug before I go. Jack smiled at the simple sight. Tiffany had been through a lot. Shed experienced men trying to hurt her, had even seen a horde of demons with her own eyes. She still had nightmares, but here she was, hugging the babysitter in the living room with a warm smile on her face. I had fun, Andee, she said. Me, too. Ill pick the cartoon out for next time. Remember, Mr. Jack, about cooking He pointed to the door. Get out. Andee left, and Jack let out a breath, enjoying the teenage-free quiet. He mentally prepared for the next phase of the evening. Okay, Ive gotta cook some dinner. Do you want to watch a movie, or give me a hand? Youve got an hour before bed. Help you! she said, throwing her arms in the air. Come on, Dad. I always help you cook for Miss Hernandez. Alright then, partner. Lets hit it. Jack didnt need Tiffanys help, but let her retrieve a spatula, salt and pepper, simple things. He planned the meal carefully out in his head. A simple dish of grilled

chicken with a small side of rice. Just enough to satisfy the appetite, but not enough to feel stuffed. He had plans for her after dinner that a food coma wouldnt help with. Tiffany stood on the tips of her toes to peer over the stove. Can I have some? You already had pizza. I know, but it smells so good. No. Please? Dont make me beat you with this spatula. Well, since I cant have chicken, can I stay up past my bedtime? Just so I can hang out with you and Erica? Jack laughed and shook his head. Tiffany and he had only been together for a few months, and as close as they were, they were still in the process of feeling things out, learning about each other. She constantly tested and pushed her boundaries, like all children do. Staying up past her bedtime, watching movies she wasnt supposed to watch, spending extra time surfing the Internet, eating ice cream for breakfast. He refused all her attempts, with the exception of ice cream for breakfast. That was actually a good idea. Tiff, was his answer, as he shook the spatula at her. Okay, okay. Jeez. She sat at a stool at the breakfast bar behind him, resting her head in her hands. She kicked the bar lightly with her feet, which threatened to drive Jack crazy. He was convinced children had some kind of supernatural power to rattle an adults nerves with little to no effort. Daddy. Jack smiled, but dreaded what was to come. Tiffany had three names for him. Jack, Dad, and Daddy. He was equally fine with all of them, but noticed Tiffany went to Daddy when she wanted something. What is it, partner? Can Robbie spend the night over our house this weekend? He nearly dropped the spatula. He moved the chicken and rice to the other half of the stove so they wouldnt burn. Turning in place, his eyes met Tiffanys. She looked up at him, projecting cute, trying to flash that smile of hers. She was serious. Youre shitting me, right? Robbies a boy. I know. So? Can he? Hell, no. She pouted. Why not? Miss Hernandez spends the night over here all the ti me. And youre a boy, and shes a girl. Were also old. Thats what old people do. Okayso, when can he spend the night? When youre twenty-five years old. Twenty-five? She looked down at her fingers, silently counting them. Thats too far! Jesus, Tiff, give me a break. Dont you have other things to think about? Do you even know what youre gonna be for Halloween yet? You havent picked out a costume.

How about a ghost, or maybe even a witch? He lifted the corner of his mouth, silently musing with himself. Old Glinda would just love that. I dont wanna dress up like those scary demon monster things. Istill have bad dreams sometimes. I wanna be a ballerina. Her eyes lit up. Oh! Maybe I can dress up like a bat! Then Id look just like Alex! Jack rolled his eyes at the thought of Alex Teague. Alex could keep his wings and ghostly demonic powers in Baltimore where they belonged. A ballerina will do just fine. He shifted the subject. Anyway, girls your age arent supposed to think about spending the night with boys. Youre supposed to think aboutshit, I dont knowBarbie dolls, and little dresses. Hanging out with your little girlfriends in school, and sleepovers with girls Her face brightened. I can have a sleepover? No. No, no. Thats not what I said I can invite Jenny! Jennys a moron. Im telling you, shes not all there in the head. She breathes with her mouth open And Melissa! Everyone likes Melissa. Ill bet they do. Shes a stage-humper in training. Tiffany wrinkled her nose. Whats a stage-humper? Unfortunately, sweetie, youll never find out. Yeah, I will. She crossed her arms. Ill just look it up on the Internet. Then Ill cut the wifi. How about that? No! Please dont, Dad. I was just joking. Jack smiled. Thats what I thought. Tiffany gave him a minute of quiet while he prepared two plates. Curiosity set in as he glanced at the time. He thought Erica would have arrived already. A smiled crossed his face. Perhaps she was picking out a special outfit for him. Sooo, Tiffany said. Instead of Robbie spending the night over here, can I have a sleepover instead? With girls from school? He let out a sigh. Hed stepped directly into the bear trap. Facing her, she still had that smile. Was it possible a sleepover was her plan the entire time? He didnt put it past her. She was a devious, adorable little genius. His stomach dropped at the thought of squealing, hyper girls running through their house. Okay, he said. But you seriously might want to think about Jenny. I dont want drool all over the place. Thank you! She dropped from the stool and ran around the breakfast bar. Thank you thank you thank you! I love you, Daddy! He laughed at her enthusiasm. Yeah, yeah. Go start getting ready for bed. Take a bath, brush your teeth. If Ericas not here when you get out, you can read me a story. She stopped to catch her breath. Okay. She turned and took a step to head for the stairs, but then spun around suddenly and sprinted toward Jack. She wrapped her arms around his legs, squeezing him tight. Jack smiled and knelt down, hugging his daughter. I really do love you, Tiffany said, completely serious. Thank you for being my Dad, and taking care of me.