What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 20

Tim made his way to his room, still smiling as he thought about the impromptu fashion show. It had been a good way to unwind after the day, and he could tell Olivia had enjoyed it too. As he changed into some sweats and a t-shirt, he couldn't help but laugh at how serious the whole outfit debate had become.
Once he was settled in bed, Tim grabbed his phone from the nightstand, leaning back against his pillow. He scrolled through his photos and smirked as he came across the pictures he'd snapped of Olivia in each outfit—quick shots he'd managed to take while she was distracted by the mirror. He knew she might not be thrilled that he'd taken them, but this was important work. He needed backup.
Opening his messaging app, he pulled up Lucy's contact and started typing.

Tim: Okay, so I need your help. Big dilemma here—Olivia can't decide what to wear tomorrow, and neither can I. I need your fashion expertise!
He quickly attached the three pictures he'd taken: one of Olivia in the light white dress, another in the soft blue dress, and finally, one in the mint-green jumpsuit. He looked over the images before hitting send, hoping Lucy could offer some insight.
A few moments passed, and his phone buzzed with a reply.
Lucy: Oh my gosh, these are adorable!! I love that she's doing a whole fashion show. You're such a good dad, Tim.
Tim smiled at the response but quickly typed back.
Tim: Thanks, but you're dodging the question! Which one do you think she should wear? She's torn and honestly, so am I.
He waited for Lucy's response, curious to see which outfit she'd pick. After a minute, his phone buzzed again.
Lucy: Okay, let's break this down... the white dress is sweet and summery, perfect for a casual day. The blue one is classic and elegant, but the jumpsuit? That's modern and stylish. Honestly, she could pull off any of them. But if I had to choose... I'd say the jumpsuit. It's unique and fun!
Tim looked at Lucy's response and nodded in agreement, already leaning towards the jumpsuit himself. He quickly typed back.
Tim: I was thinking the same thing! Not just because it has pants, either—though that's definitely a plus. It's got that cool, laid-back vibe, and she looked really confident in it.
He hit send and leaned back, waiting for Lucy's reply. It didn't take long before his phone buzzed again.
Lucy: Haha, I knew it! The dad in you likes the practical side of it. But you're right—she looks comfortable and stylish, which is always a winning combo.
Tim chuckled at Lucy's response and typed back quickly.
Tim: Maybe! But hey... don't tell Olivia I sent you the pictures or asked for advice. She'd probably kill me.
He paused for a second before hitting send, thinking about how Olivia would definitely give him a hard time if she found out he'd consulted Lucy.
A few moments later, Lucy's reply came through.
Lucy: Haha, don't worry, your secret's safe with me. I'll delete the pictures, and I won't breathe a word to Olivia. Pinky promise!
Tim felt a wave of relief. He smiled, feeling grateful for her understanding.
Tim: Thanks, Lucy. You're a lifesaver.
Lucy: 👍
Lucy: Anytime! You two seem like you had a fun night. It's adorable how involved you are—softie.
Tim grinned at Lucy's teasing message, shaking his head slightly as he typed.
Tim: Shut up!
Tim: Not a softie.
Tim: It's called good parenting.
He hit send and leaned back, waiting for her inevitable comeback. Sure enough, his phone buzzed a few seconds later.
Lucy: Lol, sure, Tim. "Good parenting" aka you're just a total softie. Own it!
Tim rolled his eyes, too tired to get into it.
Tim: Night!
Tim: But seriously, thanks for your help.
Lucy: I'm happy i was able to help. Have a good night.
Tim: Good night, Lucy.
Shaking off his thoughts, Tim closed his eyes, allowing the weariness of the day to take over. Within moments, he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Tim woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. After a quick stretch and a shower, he dressed and made his way toward Olivia's room. Standing outside her door, he hesitated for a moment. Tim raised his hand and gave a gentle knock.
Tim- Livi? You awake?
He called softly.
There was a brief pause before he heard some movement from the other side.
Olivia- Yeah, come in.
Olivia responded.
Tim opened the door to find Olivia standing in front of her full-length mirror, all three outfits spread out on her bed. She was already awake, her hair a little messy but her expression deep in thought.
Tim- You're up early.
Tim said, stepping into the room with a smile.
Olivia glanced at him, her eyebrows knitted in concentration.
Olivia- I couldn't sleep.
She admitted, waving a hand at the clothes.
Olivia- I'm still trying to figure out what to wear.
Tim chuckled, walking over to her.
Tim- Still deciding, huh? Thought you might've had it sorted out by now.
She sighed, glancing between the jumpsuit and the dresses.
Olivia- I thought I had it figured out last night, but when I woke up, I started second-guessing myself.
Tim stood beside her, looking at the outfits laid out neatly on the bed.
Tim- Well, you've got time, so no rush. But if it helps... I think you looked the most comfortable and confident in the jumpsuit.
Olivia looked at the jumpsuit, biting her lip.
Olivia- Yeah, I do like it... but the white dress is so light and flowy.
Tim- Both are great choices, but what's most important is how you feel in them. You looked pretty confident in the jumpsuit.
Olivia mulled it over for a second before nodding, a small smile creeping onto her face.
Olivia- Okay, jumpsuit it is.
Tim gave her a proud nod.
Tim- Good choice. Now get ready.
Olivia quickly got ready, slipping into the jumpsuit with a newfound sense of confidence. She glanced at herself in the mirror once more, smoothing out the fabric and adjusting her hair before stepping out of her room.
Tim was already in the kitchen, brewing coffee and setting out breakfast. When he saw her, his face lit up with a proud smile.
Tim- Wow, you look beautiful, Liv.
Olivia blushed slightly, but smiled back.
Olivia- Thanks, Dad.
Tim, unable to resist, grabbed his phone.
Tim- Okay, before you sit down—picture time.
Olivia rolled her eyes.
Olivia- Dad, seriously?
Tim grinned, not backing down.
Tim- Yes, seriously.
With a dramatic sigh but a smile on her face, Olivia smiled as Tim snapped a few quick pictures.
Tim- Perfect. You'll thank me later when you look back on these.
Olivia shook her head, laughing.
Olivia- Yeah, sure.
Once the mini photoshoot was over, they sat down to enjoy breakfast. Tim had made eggs and toast, keeping it simple. As they ate, they chatted about the day ahead, Olivia feeling more relaxed now that the outfit crisis was behind her.
Soon enough, the clock reminded them it was time to go.
Tim- You ready?
Olivia took a deep breath and smiled.
Olivia- Yeah, I think I am.
With that, they grabbed their things and headed out.
Tim dropped Olivia off at school, watching her confidently walk toward the entrance. She turned back and waved, giving him a quick smile before disappearing into the crowd of students. Tim sat in the car for a moment, feeling a mixture of pride and nostalgia. His little girl wasn't so little anymore.
As he drove to the station, his mind started to wander. It wasn't until he parked and walked through the station doors that he remembered: Lucy wasn't going to be in this morning. She was attending that Mother's Day brunch at Olivia's school. He sighed, the realization hitting him harder than he'd expected.
As he sat in his office, sifting through paperwork, his thoughts kept drifting to Lucy. He had gotten used to her being there, to their playful banter and quick glances across the room. It was strange how much he looked forward to seeing her, though he'd never admit it.
She was going to be back after lunch, he reminded himself. At least it wasn't the entire day. But even knowing that, the morning dragged on at a painfully slow pace. Every minute seemed to stretch into hours. He found himself checking his phone more often than usual, half-hoping for a text from her, but there was nothing. Just silence.
Tim tried to focus, diving into the tasks at hand.
By mid-morning, Tim was staring blankly at his computer screen, his mind wandering yet again. He couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation, the hope that when Lucy finally came back, the day would somehow get better.
With a deep sigh, he leaned back in his chair. The paperwork could wait for a bit. He glanced at the clock—just a couple more hours. But right now, those hours felt like an eternity.