Chapter 47

~Steven~

Friday June 29, 2018

I yawn loudly, nearly forgetting to grab my briefcase from the passenger seat of my car. Once I have my briefcase, I turn on my car alarm and make my way toward the large office building. Holding my forearm over my mouth, I yawn again while heading toward my office.

“Good morning, Sir,” my assistant smiles as I walk by her desk.

“Morning, Mia,” I reply, giving her a polite nod. “Any important messages for me?”

“Uh, no. No, Sir,” Mia stammers, getting to her feet as she nervously brushes her brown hair back behind her ears. She looks very professional in her business skirt and blouse, complete with a blazer. “Sorry to bother you, but I was going through that spreadsheet you made of our clients and I think I broke something. I can’t figure out how to fix it.”

“No trouble at all, Mia,” I smile kindly, turning away from my office and heading toward her desk. “Let’s take a look.”

Mia is just out of college, and is struggling to start her professional career. The young brunette is pretty good with the clients, but she struggles with a lot of the computer work. I’m not really sure how it’s possible for half the formulas to just be gone, but I’m able to bring up a backup of the document, saving me an hour of fixing the spreadsheet.

“Thank you, Sir,” Mia mumbles in embarrassment as I stand up from her chair and grab my briefcase. “I’m sorry I screwed up.”

“You don’t need to keep apologizing,” I assure her. “Everyone makes mistakes. What’s important is to take responsibility and learn from them.”

“I will, Sir. Thank you, Sir,” she replies.

“Another piece of advice; it’s generally acceptable to call someone the name they use to introduce themselves,” I explain. “If I introduced myself as ‘Mister Thomson’ it likely means I expect formality. If I introduce myself as ‘Steven’ or ‘Steve’ that’s an indicator that I’m open to more casual conversation.”

“O-okay,” Mia nods nervously. “I understand, Sir.”

“You don’t need to call me ‘sir’ so much,” I smirk as I look back at her. “Once is more than enough.”

“Okay, Si- okay,” she blushes slightly. “I do need to remind you about your lunch with Mister Bauer.”

“Right,” I sigh, not wanting to deal with another working lunch. “Thanks, Mia.”

Placing my briefcase on my desk, I sit down and rest my elbows on the table so I can lay my head on my hands and let out a long breath. Friday. It’s Friday, and I am completely exhausted. A week of meetings with Theodore Bauer, the chairman and CEO of Bauer International Holdings, is quite the experience.

Bauer International Holdings is an international holding company with a long, proud history. Bartholomew Bauer, born in 1922 in New York City, has a humble beginning as a hard-working factory employee trying to earn enough money to marry his high school sweetheart and start a life with her. His plans are put on hold when the United States enters World War II, and Bartholomew immediately enlists.

Bartholomew’s unit ends up in Europe, where he serves with the man who will become my great-grandfather. Bartholomew saves the life of the son of a wealthy Englishman. After the war, the two of them go into business together. Bartholomew Bauer starts getting further and further into real estate, eventually moving the company’s headquarters back home to New York City. Bauer International Holdings is born, and Bartholomew runs the company until his death.

Theodore, the current chairman and CEO, is the grandson of Bartholomew. Our families aren’t close anymore, not really. Of course, the financial advice the Bauer family provides is one reason my company even exists; not everyone is lucky enough to receive an inheritance.

Theodore Bauer reaches out to me in January to let me know that he’s planning on opening a branch in California. While he has information on all the local real estate and finance big shots, he wants to talk to me about what isn’t in the files he’s able to assemble. He says he knows I’m honest and that he can trust my opinion. So, I end up in meetings all week, telling the billionaire everything I know about local businesses.

Connections are extremely important in business, and Theodore Bauer is an amazing connection to have. His estimated net worth is currently eighty-one billion dollars. I’m wealthy, wealthier than most, but I have nowhere near the resources this man does.

Fortunately, we are done going over local firms. We’re having lunch, and I know he’ll bring up business, but it should be a mostly relaxing meal. Then I can pick up Kayla after her last day of fifth grade. My baby girl is spending the weekend with Aria’s parents, and I’ll likely use the break to be as lazy as humanly possible.

I spend the morning catching up on everything from this week that I’m behind on. It’s exhausting, but necessary. When lunchtime arrives, I drive over to the expensive restaurant and am immediately shown to a table for my meal with Theodore Bauer.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the long weekend,” Theodore comments before taking a sip of his drink.

“Definitely,” I nod in response. “It won’t really be long for me, I’m gonna work Monday and Tuesday. You’re off until Wednesday?”

“I’ll be in California until Wednesday,” he confirms. “Then I’m flying back home on Thursday, the fifth. Megan is leaving Sunday.”

“I thought your daughter was staying for the entire trip?” I wonder.

“She didn’t want to come at all,” Theodore grunts in annoyance. “She just graduated high school, and I’m trying to teach her the family business. She wouldn’t stop complaining about her plan to spend the summer in Europe with her friends. I caved and told her she could go to Europe for the fourth. She’ll be out of what’s left of my hair for the summer.”

“Is she starting college in the fall?” I inquire politely.

“Indeed, she is. Harvard, just like her old man, Economics for her undergrad degree, with the goal of entering Harvard Business school for her MBA.” Theodore nods proudly. “I wanted her to get some real-world experience first.”

“She must have a good head on her shoulders to get accepted to Harvard,” I tell him.

“Yeah, she’s smart,” he admits before going back to complaining. “She loves to party, she spends way too much money, and is always in a bad mood when I take her to the office. But, enough about my ungrateful brat. Your daughter is much younger, right?”

I contemplate his words before answering. I read finance magazines, so I know a little about their public life. Megan Bauer is occasionally photographed going in to clubs, but there’s nothing too crazy. She’s too young for most clubs, but well, money talks. Father and daughter are photographed at numerous charity events, and they seem happy. In public.

“Yes, today is Kayla’s last day of elementary school,” I answer. “I’m picking her up after lunch and she’s gonna spend the weekend with her grandparents.”

“Middle school,” he winces in sympathy. “She’ll be a preteen soon. Get ready for her to be a giant pain in the ass. You don’t even have an ex-wife to pass her off to.”

“Right. Aria passed almost four years ago,” I say, feeling bothered by his words. He’s lucky to have his daughter. I love my Kayla so much.

Our meal is brought out and we talk about our daughters while we eat. Theodore is shocked that Kayla isn’t in private school, but I just deflect by mentioning how close she is with her friends. This guy is nice enough, for the most part, but he does say some things that annoy me. He complains non-stop about his ex-wives and his daughter, and he is the kind of old money rich that is completely out of touch with reality.

While a few of his complaints about his daughter seem valid, it’s obvious that he spoils the girl, simply giving her whatever she wants. It’s a reminder that I have to be careful with Kayla; with Aria gone, it is tempting to spoil Kayla. I’m her father, not her friend. Teaching her to be a compassionate, responsible adult is my job.

I’m very happy that he doesn’t talk much business. Theodore does ask me to clarify a few rumors going around about the company that owns a number of office buildings nearby. I am forced to confirm the worst kept secret in town; the CEO does regularly sneak prostitutes into his office.

“So,” Theodore begins when we finish our meal, “what are the chances I can convince you to do me another favor?”

“Depends what it is,” I laugh, keeping the mood light while inwardly cursing.

“I know we’re both single guys, and I hate to steal a rare child-free weekend from you,” he sighs, looking reluctant.

“Don’t worry about it, I don’t date,” I reply, grateful that he’s treating me like an equal. Of course, I’m also nervous about what kind of favor this guy wants.

“Who said anything about dating?” Theodore smirks. “I definitely have no intention of getting married again, I promise you that. In fact, forget the favor, want to hit some clubs? Find some lovely ladies who will do anything to enjoy the high life for a weekend?”

“I, ah, I don’t think that’s for me,” I politely respond. “The favor?”

I am certainly not going trolling for pussy with this guy. Aria’s been gone for almost four years, and she’s still my first and only love. My only kiss, my only partner. There are offers once in awhile, but I just can’t. I know I’m not betraying Aria by moving on, it just isn’t always that easy. Lately, I am considering trying to go out on a date. Maybe I will, but not like this.

“Fine, fine, just means more for me,” he laughs. “Anyway, I don’t want Megan to go out on her own and get into trouble. Think you could show her some of the local places? I can send a town car to pick you up at home.”

“Tonight? I could do that,” I agree. I really don’t want to hang out with a spoiled eighteen year old girl, but I don’t have much of a choice. I can’t refuse a second request.

“Great, thank you!” Theodore grins. “I really appreciate this. I’ll send a town car, and Megan has her credit card to pay for dinner and other expenses. Just find something fun for her to do after where she’ll keep her shirt on and won’t snort anything, okay?”

“I think I can manage that,” I agree, realizing that tonight is going to fucking suck.

“If you can think of things for her to do over the weekend, that would be great,” he adds. “You don’t have to be stuck with her all weekend, just escort her tonight and let her know where she can keep busy. We have matching suites, and I’m hoping to be occupied for the next couple of days.”

“I hope you have fun,” I tell him.

“I’m sure I will,” Theodore smirks. “Say, is that hot assistant of yours single?”

“Mia? Uh, I’m not sure,” I shake my head. “I try and stay out of my employee’s personal lives.”

“Probably smart,” he admits. “Don’t shit where you eat.”

I am extremely grateful that Theodore doesn’t try and convince me to set him up with Mia. The poor girl definitely deserves better. He does complain about his daughter some more, and thanks me for agreeing to entertain her. I smile while wondering how the fuck I’m supposed to entertain an eighteen year old girl. Part of me is impressed he trusts me enough with his daughter, but, well, he doesn’t seem to care what his daughter does as long as she’s not in the news.

Theodore keeps me at the table until I have to leave to pick up Kayla. I’m finally able to make my way to my car and start the drive over to Kayla’s elementary school. My baby is growing up, she’ll be in middle school next year. I can’t believe how fast time is passing, and I sit in the pick-up zone as I wait for my daughter. My Kayla. Before I know it, she’ll be graduating high school.

There are other cars all around mine as we wait for the kids. I wonder if the parents of the other fifth graders are as emotional as I am. I love my daughter so much, and I’m proud of the beautiful person she’s becoming. I see so much of Aria in her.

I’m jolted out of my ruminations by the large mass of children running out of the school. They’re bolting in various directions, arms in the air as they cheer, announcing their freedom to the world. Summer vacation, every kid’s favorite time of year.

Most kids enter the numerous yellow school buses, but some are being picked up by parents, more than usual since it is the last day of school. Siblings and friends sometimes enter the same car, and I notice a trio of boys crowding around a handheld video game. One of the largest groups of children approaches my car. Seven kids, five girls and two boys, walk up to me as I put the window down to greet them.

“Hey, kids!” I smile warmly. “How was your last day of the year?”

“Hi, Daddy!” Kayla grins, placing her folded arms on my car door so she can lean in through the open window. She looks so much like her mother, but the green eyes are definitely from me.

“It was fine,” Ashley shrugs. “I’m ready for middle school!”

All seven kids are wearing backpacks, and they crowd around the open window to talk to me. My daughter’s closest friends are here; Hazel, Ashley, and Marcia. I notice Ashley’s younger sister, Melissa standing beside the older blonde. Hazel’s brothers, Scott and Daniel, are clinging to their big sister.

“I’m sure you girls will do great in middle school,” I tell them. “What grade will you be going in to, Melissa?”

“Third!” Melissa bounces happily on her feet. “I just finished second!”

“I’m going to be in second!” Scott interjects, and I notice he’s wearing a blue shirt with a large robot on it.

“Daniel here just finished kindergarten,” Hazel comments, rubbing her brother’s back affectionately.

“That’s quite the accomplishment, Daniel,” I tell the youngest member of the group. “You should be proud.”

“Thanks,” Daniel mumbles shyly, looking down at his shoes.

“My bus always leaves first, I should get going,” Marcia whispers, barely loud enough to hear. This girl is gonna be the quiet one for her entire life. “Bye.”

“We should go, too,” Ashley speaks up, grabbing her sister’s hand. “Melissa cries if she misses her nerd show.”

“It’s educational!” Melissa whines as she allows Ashley to lead her away. Ashley now towers over her friends, she’s going to be the tallest one in the group.

The three girls walk along the sidewalk toward their buses. As I’m turning my head back to Kayla, Hazel, Scott, and Daniel, I notice a very depressing sight. One last child walks out of the front of the school, a redhead who looks like she’s also in fifth grade.

I can’t put my finger on it, but something about her breaks my heart. She isn’t the only kid walking alone, but her head is hanging and she looks dejected. Light skin and a lightly-freckled face pinched in sadness. I almost ask Kayla to go make a friend, but it’s the last day of school. Moments later, the redhead steps onto a bus and disappears.

“How’s Michael doing?” I ask Hazel suddenly. “He’s almost two, right?”

“He’ll be two in a couple months! He’s so adorable, I love him!” Hazel gushes happily. “Grandma is watching him while our parents work. We’re heading there now.”

“I wanna see Michael!” Kayla announces. “We haven’t seen him since his first birthday!”

“How about I drive you three to your grandmother’s?” I offer.

Hazel immediately agrees before helping Scott and Daniel into the car while Kayla climbs into the passenger seat. We end up stuck behind the buses, and Kayla chats with Hazel about the merits of hairpins and moisturizer. I have no idea how the two are related.

Scott and Daniel are debating if they can use a superhero’s weakness against him to beat him in a fight. The consensus is that Scott and Daniel can beat any hero or villain, but they disagree on who will win when the two of them fight.

I park my car in Maxine Collins’ driveway and shut off the engine. Kayla is halfway to the door before I’m able to get out and shut the door. Hazel steps out of the car with her brothers while my excited daughter rapidly pounds on the door.

“It’s okay, Kayla, I have a key!” Hazel calls out, running after Kayla.

“Sorry, Maxine,” I apologize to Hazel’s grandmother when we all get to the door. “Kayla’s excited to see Michael.”

“Oh, no trouble at all,” Maxine laughs. “Please, come in, come in.”

Kayla starts pestering Maxine about seeing Michael, and the older woman chuckles while leading all of us into the living room. Michael is sitting on the floor and playing with blocks. My eleven year-old daughter coos happily as she rushes over to sit with the twenty month-old toddler. Hazel joins them moments later.

Maxine makes her and me a cup of tea while we let the kids enjoy the start of their summer vacation. Hazel and Kayla are playing with Michael, their faces lit up with joy. Scott and Daniel are having some sort of farting contest, causing Maxine to order them to take it out back. The two boys end up running around in the backyard, shooting each other with toy foam dart guns.

When it’s time to leave, I convince Kayla we have to get going and to say bye to everyone. I then drive my daughter to the other side of town where Aria’s parents live. Aria’s childhood home. I remember the birthday parties and the play dates. Then the real dates.

“Behave for your grandparents, Kayla,” I smile at my daughter as I hand her overnight bag over to Gerald Knox, Aria’s father.

“I will, Daddy,” Kayla promises, nodding her head.

“Kayla is always a delight!” Barbara insists as she hugs Kayla tightly and kisses the top of her head.

“I am!” Kayla giggles cutely, hugging her grandmother.

“Got a hug for Grandpa, too?” Gerald asks.

Kayla runs over to her grandfather and hugs him tightly. I’m not an idiot; I see the twenty dollar bill clenched in Kayla’s fist when the hug ends. Kayla really does have these two wrapped around her little finger. I can’t blame them; Kayla is all Barbara and Gerald have left of their only child.

“Bye, Daddy!” Kayla exclaims, hugging me as I kiss her cheek.

“Thank you so much for letting Kayla stay the weekend,” Gerald says as he walks me to the door. “Barbara’s face lights up whenever our granddaughter is around.”

“Of course, I’m happy Kayla has a relationship with her grandparents,” I reply, offering Gerald my hand. “She loves you two. And as much as I love having her around, I had a busy week. I’m looking forward to relaxing all day tomorrow with the house to myself.”

“Anytime you need a night off, let us know,” Gerald says, shaking my hand. “Kayla’s always welcome here.”

Getting in my car, I start the engine and drive back to the mansion. I want to get out of this suit, but we’re going to an expensive restaurant. I don’t know how I’m supposed to show Megan the area in a few hours, even with our own driver, but whatever. It is what it is. I wait at home until the town car arrives.

“Hi, Megan,” I say politely as I approach the beautiful young woman standing in my foyer. “I’m Steven.”

“Nice to meet you,” Megan replies with a charming smile.

Megan Bauer is absolutely stunning. She’s tall, very tall. Wearing heels, the eighteen year old is as tall as I am. She’s slim with long raven hair that hangs halfway down her back. Her breasts are massive, and the little black dress she’s wearing is showing off impressive cleavage. The dress falls to mid-thigh, putting her long legs on display. The only thing that gives me pause is her eyes; they are a blue-gray color that reminds me of ice. I feel like I can actually sense a cold ruthlessness hidden behind her model-perfect face.

“Ready for dinner?” I ask.

“Yeah, I’m starving,” Megan confirms. “Where are we going?”

“I got us reservations at a five star restaurant. You’ll love it,” I reply.

“Oh. Uh, okay,” she sighs, looking disappointed.

“Something wrong?” I inquire with a frown.

“No. No, nothing! Sorry, Sir,” Megan quickly responds.

“No need to be so formal with me, we can just talk,” I tell her.

“Really? You’re okay with that?” she wonders.

“I am more than okay with that,” I laugh.

“To be honest, I’m kind of sick of all the formal, fine dining,” Megan admits. “I know you’re friendly with my dad, so I feel like I need to be all prim and proper. Dad is big on appearances.”

“Your dad wanted me to show you around town, and I’m happy to do it,” I explain slowly. “I didn’t grow up with money, all this is weird to me, too. I’m just a guy, you can feel free to be yourself.”

“Thank you,” she lets out a breath. “Sorry if I seem like a bitch, but I did want to go to Europe with my friends. I’m really not as spoiled as Dad seems to think I am, I just like having fun. I intend to take over the company one day, and I’m dedicated to having a great future.”

“I’m sure you’ll make your father proud,” I comment. Brains, beauty, and the sole heiress to an eighty-one billion dollar fortune. This girl is a force to be reckoned with.

“I won’t make him proud until I manage to grow a cock,” Megan snorts. “Thanks for letting me be myself. It’s not your fault I’m stuck here. I just have one request; I’m sick of overpriced food made for pretentious assholes. Can we go someplace for some cheap, greasy food?”

“You want to get burgers and fries in a town car?” I ask with a smirk.

“Why not?” she shrugs a delicate shoulder. “After burgers, we can get tacos! Then ice cream! We’ll just hit the drive-thru windows.”

“I promised to entertain you, and if this is how you want to be entertained, sure! Let’s do it,” I readily agree.

Megan smiles and leads the way outside to where the town car is waiting. Megan’s driver is standing at attention, ready for our arrival. The black town car is extremely luxurious and screams money. As soon as I get in back with Megan, I realize there is a partition that can be raised up between the passengers and driver, offering privacy.

We’re in an expensive town car with our own driver, so we naturally decide to go to a fast food restaurant. Megan hands the driver her credit card and ends up receiving a large brown bag with a bottom soaked in grease. He passes back a couple of sodas as well.

“Mm, great decision,” I say after swallowing a bite of my burger. “Sometimes crap food tastes even better than the good stuff.”

“It really does!” Megan happily agrees while covering her fries in ketchup.

We talk and eat crappy food as the driver takes us around town. I point out a few of the landmarks, but we mostly just get to know each other. Megan’s a little spoiled, but she’s also smart and confident. At only eighteen, Megan is able to talk numbers as well as her father, if not better. I definitely like Megan a lot better than her father. Europe with friends sounds much better than time with him.

Unlike her father, she actually takes an interest in my life. Megan asks about Kayla, and is happy to look at pictures of my daughter on my phone. Inevitably, Megan wonders about Kayla’s mother. I explain Aria’s death and even show Megan a few pictures of Aria. Megan agrees with me; Kayla looks exactly like her mother, only with my eyes.

“Sorry for making you look at so many pictures,” I eventually say. “I’d be happy to see pictures of you and your father.”

“The only ones that exist are publicity photos,” Megan rolls her eyes.

“I thought you and your dad spent a lot of time together?” I inquire politely.

“In public, sure,” she explains. “He cares about his image. Oh, and he drags me to meetings and shit so I can learn. But, we never spend any quality time together. He completely ignores me at home.”

“I’m sorry,” I tell her sincerely. I can’t imagine not wanting to spend time with Kayla. I may like time to myself occasionally, but my daughter is my number one priority.

“It’s not your fault,” Megan replies. “But, thanks. I appreciate it. You’re nicer than most rich guys.”

“I try,” I chuckle. “I wasn’t born with money, and I feel like everyone is equal. Money is just numbers. I love the security it provides me, but there are more important things. I’d give up every dime to have Aria back.”

“Sometimes I think the things Dad taught me are wrong,” she tells me. “Uh, don’t ever tell him I said that. Anyway, he pretty much doesn’t care about anyone worth less than ten million, and he tried to get me to feel the same. I love being rich, and I never want to give it up, but some of the nicest people I’ve ever met went to public school.”

“I don’t want to speak ill of your father, but I’d advise you to make up your own mind,” I say, feeling like I’m overstepping, but I have to. “The size of your bank account doesn’t determine your worth. Human is human. I went to public school, and I made great friends. I married my high school sweetheart. She helped me become a success.”

“I shouldn’t have said that about public school. I’m sorry,” Megan winces.

“It’s okay. I’m not upset,” I assure her. “It’s just, you’re young, and you’ll meet people from different backgrounds. Just try not to judge, and treat everyone with respect. They deserve it.”

Megan and I continue talking while eating our crappy food. She asks me about my childhood, about falling in love with Aria, about Kayla. Talking with Megan is bringing back so many memories of my happy family, and I find myself missing Aria so much my heart physically hurts. At least I still have Kayla. My baby girl.

Present Day – Friday June 20, 2025

I grip the steering wheel tightly as I remember Kayla graduating elementary school. So much of our lives are going by without Aria. It still breaks my heart. Yet, life must go on. Kayla has a bright future ahead of her. My baby is graduating high school. She’s grown into a strong, smart, compassionate woman. I’m so proud of her.

The years keep passing, and my life is so different now. So different. My memory of that day is so strong, it’s like it’s happening before my eyes. Those boys; are they Josh, Ian, Shawn? I can’t remember, it’s too long ago. The little girl. Her I do remember; Lexi. I feel so bad for her. No friends, that sad, hopeless look. I can see it so clearly. I need to do more for her. My Lexi.

There’s nothing I can do right now; Lexi is heading to the lock-in, and I’m parking my car in front of an apartment building. I send a text message to announce my arrival before heading toward the entrance. Before I can even make it to the door, it flies open and a stunning redhead walks out.

Nicole is a vision; her auburn locks are pinned up in an elegant hairdo, and she’s wearing an emerald green cocktail dress with off the shoulder straps. She has on delicate heels and is carrying a small purse. A smile lights up her lightly-freckled face as she approaches me.

“Hey, Beautiful,” I say in a charming voice as I hug Nicole tightly, kissing her cheek.

“Hi, Handsome,” Nicole replies, hugging me and kissing my cheek before pulling away to admire me in my suit. “Mm, don’t you look yummy!”

“Right back at you!” I reply, my eyes devouring the sexy redhead. “You look fucking delicious.”

“Well, you can eat me later,” Nicole winks, understanding my meaning.

“Forget dinner, let’s go up to your room,” I laugh before leaning in and pecking her lips.

“Mm, later,” she hums happily as we exchange light kisses. “I want to spend the entire evening thinking about you getting into me. I’m already wet.”

“Good,” I whisper, reaching up to cup her cheek as we continue kissing. “Just think about my cock inside you, filling you.”

“M-maybe we should skip dinner,” Nicole stammers, a look of pure lust on her face.

“No, let’s go,” I reply, taking her hand. “I want to show you a nice, romantic evening.”

I lead Nicole to my car before holding open her door and gesturing for her to get inside. She calls me cheesy, but there’s a huge smile on her face as she gets in the car. I sit in the driver’s seat and start the car, smiling over at Nicole as I back out of the parking space.

I’m lost in thought as I drive the two of us to the restaurant. It’s just now hitting me that Kayla is graduating high school. She’s going to be leaving me to start her own life. Will we someday be strangers like Megan and Theodore? I don’t think I can handle that. Maybe it makes me co-dependent, but I need my baby girl in my life.

Nicole can tell I’m ruminating, and I soon feel her soft hand on my knee. Her fingertips lightly caress me as we cruise down the street. I feel like a jerk; this date is supposed to be about Nicole. Instead, I’m thinking about Kayla’s graduation. I’m thinking about a random girl from seven years ago.

“Are you okay?” Nicole asks when I park at the restaurant.

“Yeah, sorry,” I reply, looking over at Nicole with a guilty expression. “Just thinking about my baby graduating high school.”

“It must be an emotional time for you,” Nicole smiles reassuringly as she takes my hand and squeezes.

“It is,” I admit, nodding slowly as I use one hand to unbuckle my seat belt. “On the way to get you I was daydreaming about her fifth grade graduation. I was so scared. She was going into middle school, becoming a young woman.”

“You both got through it together,” she says, lacing our fingers.