Sing for Me

Domestic Dinner Dates

I fix my shirt in the mirror. A knowing smile on my lips. "You look nice Daddy." Janey catches my attention from the open doorway. Tomorrow we planned on discussing the future with Janey. She was a smart girl. She had noticed a shift in the dynamic of the house. She never once picked a side. She was pure of heart and full of joy. I kiss her forehead as I exit. "Thank you, sweetheart." She follows on my heels. "Where are you going?" I look over my shoulder with a grin. "I'm having dinner with a friend. I wish I could stay honey pie. I heard your moms making your favorite tonight." I stand at the door, grabbing the keys off the table.

Barb walks out of the kitchen, Pip-Boy on, files in hand, and a pep in her step. "Actually," she starts with a simple smile, "I've got a meeting, and it was so short notice I couldn't find a sitter. Janey can tag along with you to dinner with your... friend. Can't she?" I stare at her in disbelief. No doubt this was a planned move. She's so particular in scheduling. There was no way she didn't know at least days in advance.

I chew on the inside of my cheek. Would (y/n) feel overwhelmed? Fuck I'm sure. This JUST started and here I go tossing her into the fire. Barb sure as hell knew of my plans. Janey smiles and jumps in excitement. "Yeah, Daddy, can I?" Barb smiles with evil eyes; an innocent mask. I scoop Janey up in my arms, "Of course you can!" I exit the house with my daughter in tow. I drive over to her house hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. "Who are we going to dinner with, Daddy?" Janey asks as she watches the passing cars and trees. "You remember that singer you like? I took you to see her a while back." Janey gasps loudly, "(y/n)? Yes! Is she nice? Will she like me? Can I sing with her?" I laugh at her various questions. "I'm sure she's going to love you, Janey."

~

Three solid knocks on the door notify me of Cooper's arrival. I stand from my spot on the couch, straightening my outfit to perfection. My nerves were shot, and my hands were fumbling with the door knob. I opened it to see him, I couldn't help but smile. Dashing in a dress shirt and coat. The fall air is crisp in the evening. "Hi," in a daze I exit the house and lean into him. He distanced himself, glancing back to his vehicle. I feel the clenching in my chest. Was he not here to pick me up? Is Barb in the car? Was this a setup? "Cooper? What's wrong?"

"There's been a slight change of plans." I stare at him with wide eyes, my hands beginning to shake. "Oh?" He nods back to the car, "Janey is tagging along." My nerves ease slightly. "Your daughter?" Why on earth would she be coming? Wouldn't Barb flip if she knew? I'm sure she's told Janey what she thinks of me. Cooper nods with a sigh, "If you want to reschedule or, just cancel, I understand." I look at him in confusion, "Now, why on earth would I cancel just because you had Janey? I've been wanting to meet her forever now." He shrugs, a shy smile creeping its way to his lips. "Well, I don't know. I didn't want you to feel overwhelmed. She's a real good kid." I grab his hand and tug him down the driveway. "Then we better not keep her waiting."

I enter the car with a smile. "Hi! I'm Janey!" She beams as she clings to the back of my seat. "Hello Janey. My name is (y/n). I've heard so much about you." She gasps and smiles at Cooper. "Really? I've heard so much about you too! My dad loves to talk about you." I blush as she reveals his secrets. "He says your hair smells like apple pie." She giggles causing Cooper to shake his head. "Okay, that's enough out of you."

We arrived at the restaurant, ate, and left with no issue. I enjoyed it with Janey even more than I would've just Cooper and I. She was the sweetest little girl. So full of wonder and light. She skips down the sidewalk singing a song. We stroll up to the theater. An idea sparks in my head. "Janey! Do you want to see something cool?" She stops mid-skip and turns on her heels. "Yeah!" I peel myself from Cooper's side and dig in my purse for my keys. "What are you doing?" Cooper asks from behind. I insert the key into the lock with a grin. "We're going to show Janey what it's like to be on the big stage." I open the large door to the theater. Darkness enveloped the building until I flicked the switch. One by one the rows of light lit up each row before lighting up the large stage, the red velvet curtain hanging with grace. "Whoa!" Janey gasps as she runs down the empty aisle. Cooper watches her with a grin, a proud smile on his face. He races after her, helping her onto the stage and spinning her around. He cared for her deeply. I could only feel my heart swell for him more.