Testing The Waters

Chapter Four

"You forgot the second 't' in spaghetti."

"You're funny," my dad replies dryly, but I don't miss his eyes quickly sweeping the grocery list he's working on to double-check the spelling.

I silently laugh knowing how much that would bug him.

Today is my first playdate at Anna's house. She called me yesterday all excited for me to come over so that she can show me her pressed penny collection.

"Is there anything you need from the store?" Dad asks.

"I'm good," I say, opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of juice. "Do you still have that pressed penny we got at the Grand Canyon?"

Dad looks up, surprise lining his face. "I think it's in my office. Why do you ask?"

I shrug. "I want to give it to Anna. She collects them."

He frowns, but drops his pen and gets up from the table. "Let me go check."

As he leaves the room, I grab my phone from my purse and check to see if Claire has text me yet. She wanted to hang out tonight and was going to text me a time.

"Found it," Dad says, walking back into the kitchen. He hands me the coin, and I stare at the flattened penny with a picture of the Grand Canyon pressed into it.

"Thanks," I say, ignoring the look of concern he's giving me. I slip it into my jean pocket.

"Are you sure you want to give it away?"

I shrug and take a sip of my juice. "Why not? It's not like it is expensive or anything."

"I don't know, Babs. Maybe because you got that with your mom?"

I frown at him. "You're the one that insisted on keeping it."

Dad puts a hand on my shoulder. "I just thought it might mean something to you."

"It means we're not important to her," I say without thinking.

I see a look of pain cross his face, and I instantly feel guilty. Sometimes, I secretly wonder if Dad is still holding out hope for my mom to come back. We never talk about her, but her photos still line our walls, and some of the knickknacks she left behind are still where she left them over six years ago. It's a daily struggle not to burn every last reminder of her.

I sigh. "Dad, I'm not giving it away to make a statement. I honestly want Anna to warm up to me, and I thought this would be a good way to do it. It's just a penny."

He smiles sadly. "I know. I just don't want you to regret giving it away."

"I won't."

Nodding, he clears his throat. "So what time will you be back? We could order a pizza."

I bite my lip. "I was actually wondering if I could stay at Claire's."

His eyes grow skeptic. "Are her parents okay with it? You were just over there the other night."

"Of course. They love me," I say, matter-of-factly. I leave out the fact that they're out of town because of some work function Claire's dad has.

Dad just gives me a look.

"I thought you had a big case you were working on. I figured you'd be at the office."

"Okay," he concedes. "Let me know when you get there and text me tomorrow morning so I know what you're up to. I also want to hear how it goes with Anna today."

"I will," I answer him, grabbing my keys and purse. I turn to leave but stop, walking over to him and wrapping my arms around his waist. "Love you, fart face."