what was i made for, walker

038. horse rescue

"I just don't see why dishes is a two person activity. One person can easily do them alone." Janie complains, trudging downstairs.

"Well, hey, I promised you time with me and-- and that's what you're getting." Cordell says.

"Yeah, time doing something fun." Janie mutters.

"You went to a dinner involving deep, uncomfortable topics to spend time with me." Cordell reminds.

"The goal for that was a fun car ride. You were just too silent for the first one and ditched me for the second one." Janie says.

"Well, get to washin'. We can... talk or something." Cordell says.

"The something being I get a free pass and don't have to do these." She grins.

"Janie." He gives her a look.

"Whatever." She grumbles. "You just don't wanna do the dishes." She mutters.

"Shut up." Cordell chuckles, gently pushing her head.

~ ~ ~

"All I'm saying is your cat needs boundaries." Cordell says.

"You just need to not be so uptight. Then she'll like you more." Janie says.

"I am not uptight." He argues.

"You are so uptight." Janie counters.

"I am--" Cordell glares at her. He runs his fingers under the water for a moment before flicking the water into her face.

"Dad!" She whines as he laughs.

Janie hits him in the arm with the wet rag.

"Hey!" He frowns while she giggles. "Watch it, kiddo. I can ground you."

"That's hypocritical. You know, we should be able to ground you for stuff." Janie says.

"Yeah, don't think so." Cordell scoffs. "That's the fun part of being the parent. We can't get in trouble." He grins.

"You get in trouble with Mawline and Gramps all the time." Janie says, turning the water off.

"I..." Cordell stops to think. "Let's change the subject." He says making Janie smirk.

Before Cordell can think of a different subject or Janie can continue to lightheartedly verbally attack him, there's a knock on the door.

"Ah. Saved by the knock." Cordell smiles at the blonde who rolls her eyes. "It's open." He calls out, putting a plate up.

Janie looks over as the door opens, frowning when Julia Johnson walks in. Cordell turns to the door.

"Hi." Julia greets.

"Hi." Cordell greets.

"Peace offering." She holds the box in her hands out.

"U-uh..." Cordell puts the plate in his hands up before walking around the island to stand by her.

"I know I pissed you off last night, and I'm sorry." Julia tells him.

"Last night?" Janie grows more confused.

"I'm sure you don't eat carbs, but..." Julia holds the box out.

"I eat 'em." Janie grins, leaning against the island.

"You didn't piss me off." Cordell says, taking the box of donuts. Julia gives him a look. "Uh... okay. Maybe a little."

"You forget that my superpower is reading people. I'm-- I'm practically a telepath." Julia says.