What if Tim had a daughter?

Part 21

After Olivia hung up the phone, she turned to Lucy with an admiring look in her eyes as they get in the car.
Olivia- You have to teach me how to do that.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, amused.
Lucy- Teach you how to do what?
Olivia grinned as she explained.
Olivia- How you just got my dad to agree so fast. He didn't even have time to really think about it, so he couldn't say no.
Lucy laughed, shaking her head in playful disbelief.
Lucy- Oh, I can teach you, sure. But I'm not sure it'll work for you the same way, Liv.
Olivia frowned slightly, curious.
Olivia- Why not?
Lucy gave her a teasing smile, leaning in a little.
Lucy- Well, he's your dad. He's programmed to want to say no to you sometimes just because he cares.
Olivia scrunched her nose in confusion, her lips curving into a playful pout.
Olivia- But why would he want to say no to me? I mean, I'm his daughter. Shouldn't he say yes to everything?
Lucy- Oh, trust me, Liv, parents don't work that way. Especially not your dad.
Olivia crossed her arms, her playful pout turning more into genuine curiosity.
Olivia- But I don't ask for anything that crazy. Why does he always have to be so... careful?
Lucy gave a knowing smirk, leaning in just a bit.
Lucy- Because he's Tim Bradford. Saying no is practically in his DNA.
Olivia chuckled, but there was still that questioning look in her eyes.
Olivia- Yeah, but why? What's the point of all that?
Lucy sighed, clearly trying not to side with Tim, but giving in just a little.
Lucy- Okay, look. It's not that he wants to say no—it's more like he doesn't trust the world around you. It's his way of feeling in control. Plus, if he gave you the green light on everything, you'd probably rule the world by now. He's just trying to keep things... balanced.
Olivia- Balanced? Sounds more like he just likes to be difficult.
Lucy laughed, shrugging.
Lucy- Oh, he's definitely difficult. Believe me, I know, every parent is. But he's also not wrong most of the time. Annoying as that is. So you let him win pretty much every argument, accept the important ones.
Olivia rolled her eyes with a grin.
Olivia- So basically, I have to outsmart him?
Lucy- That's one way to look at it. Just don't tell him I said that.
As they drove, the conversation flowed easily between them. The sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on their faces, and the tension from earlier had melted away completely.
After a few minutes, they pulled into the parking lot of the burger joint Olivia had mentioned. The place was a local favorite, a cozy little spot not far from the station with a neon sign and retro decor that gave it a laid-back vibe.
Lucy- Alright, burgers and curly fries coming right up.
They stepped out of the car and walked inside, greeted by the familiar smell of sizzling beef and fries fresh out of the fryer. Olivia led the way to the counter, where a cheerful cashier smiled at them.
Cashier-Welcome! What can I get for you two today?
Olivia jumped in first.
Olivia- I'll have a burger, no pickles, please, and a small order of curly fries.
Lucy smirked, already knowing what she wanted.
Lucy- I'll take a burger too, but with extra pickles. And same—small curly fries.
The cashier punched in their order and grinned.
Cashier- Coming right up. You two want anything to drink?
Olivia glanced at Lucy, who gave her a small nod.
Olivia- Two sodas, please.
They grabbed their cups and filled them at the soda fountain, chatting idly as they waited for their food. Olivia sipped her drink and leaned against the counter.
As they waited for their food, Lucy couldn't resist poking a little fun.
Lucy (with exaggerated surprise)- Wait, hold on. You don't like pickles? Like, at all? How could you not like pickles?
Olivia laughed, rolling her eyes.
Olivia- They're just... gross. All vinegary and weird.
Lucy put a hand to her chest, feigning deep offense.
Lucy- Vinegary and weird? Pickles are a gift to humanity! Extra pickles are the only way to eat a burger.
Olivia giggled again, shaking her head.
Olivia- You can keep gift. I don't want it.
Their order was called a few minutes later, and they grabbed their tray, heading over to a booth by the window. Olivia immediately dove into her fries, while Lucy unwrapped her burger, relishing the sight of those extra pickles peeking out from under the bun.
Lucy- You know, I still can't get over how nosy those moms were. It's like they were on a mission to uncover my life story!
Olivia snorted with laughter, her eyes twinkling.
Olivia- Seriously! They act like it's their job or something. It's always the same routine.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Lucy- Is this a regular thing with them?
Olivia- Totally! They're like that all the time when dad picks me up from practice or at games. It's like they're trying to get to him, ask him to go and have drinks or something like that! They just don't get that he doesn't want to.
Lucy chuckled, picturing the scene.
Lucy- That sounds intense! I actually feel bad for him.
Olivia- He's just standing there trying to be polite while they circle him like vultures. It's annoying!
Lucy- I can't imagine how uncomfortable that must be for him. It's one thing to deal with the kids; it's another level of chaos with the parents.
Olivia sighed, her expression a mix of frustration and amusement.
Olivia- Exactly! I mean, sure, I wouldn't mind if someone came around and was actually nice, but it's like these moms just see him as some catch, the guy carrying for his kid. They don't even care about what he wants, or what I want. And I definitely don't want to deal with their bratty kids.
Lucy took a bite of her burger, nodding in sympathy as Olivia vented. After a moment, she swallowed and grinned.
Lucy- Honestly, I get you. I wouldn't want to deal with them either. The moms sound exhausting. You're way too chill to have to deal with that chaos.
Olivia smirked, taking a fry.
Olivia- Tell me about it. But they just don't stop.
Lucy hesitated for a second, curiosity getting the best of her. She wiped her hands with a napkin and leaned forward slightly, her tone light but genuine.
Lucy- So, out of curiosity—and because, well, I'm nosy too—what kind of person would you actually want your dad to be with? I mean, if you got to choose.
There was a brief pause, the air between them thickening with the weight of the question. Lucy had asked casually, but she couldn't help the small flutter in her chest. She'd always felt something for Tim, a quiet, unspoken thing she kept buried. It was one of those complicated feelings she'd never confessed, not even to herself sometimes.
Olivia, for a split second, considered blurting out the truth. YOU, Lucy. She'd want her dad to be with Lucy Chen—the person who had been there for her since they met, who made her feel understood and supported, someone her dad clearly liked but still stubbornly refused to acknowledge beyond their professional dynamic, sometimes. Lucy was everything Olivia needed in a stepmom, everything she wanted in someone who'd fit into their life. But Olivia bit her tongue.
Instead, she shrugged casually, picking at her fries as she spoke.
Olivia- Honestly? I don't really care, as long as she's nice, you know? And if there's a kid involved, I—I just want them to let me be. I wouldn't mind if they had a bond with dad or whatever, but... I mean, he's still MY dad. I'd want that to stay the same. Like, no one getting between us. Oh, and I'd definitely be keeping my room, not giving that away.
She laughed lightly at the last part, trying to mask the depth of her answer. Lucy smiled, understanding the underlying concern Olivia had about maintaining her connection with her dad. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of something more—something complicated—about the whole conversation.
Lucy- That makes total sense. You deserve someone in your corner who respects that. And trust me, if there's a bratty kid in the mix, I'd be annoyed too. Your space, your rules.
Olivia smiled at that, a little more relaxed now.
Olivia- Yeah, exactly. It's not too much to ask, right?
Lucy- Not at all. And whoever your dad ends up with—if he does, you know—she'll have to understand that bond you guys have. No one's going to mess with that.
Lucy leaned forward slightly, her voice softening with sincerity, though her smile stayed light.
Lucy- Listen, Liv, if anyone ever tries to mess with that bond you have with your dad, you won't have to worry. I'll gladly take care of it.
Olivia glanced up, surprised by the seriousness in Lucy's tone, but she found comfort in it. Lucy continued, her eyes holding a gentle warmth.
Lucy- And just so you know, my door is always open for you. I'm not here to get between you and your dad—that's not my place, and I get how important that is. But as you get older, things will probably get more difficult. There might be fights, frustrations... or you know, stuff you might not want to talk to him about.
Olivia raised an eyebrow, slightly intrigued.
Lucy- You don't have to come to me, of course. But I've been your age once. Not exactly the same situation, but I get it—the struggles, the frustrations, the things that feel impossible to explain to adults. If you ever need someone to talk to, or just someone to listen, I'll do my best to help out. I want to make things as easy as possible for you, because I know how hard it can be sometimes, especially if you don't have anyone you can turn to.
For a moment, Olivia just looked at Lucy, surprised by how much Lucy understood without her having to say anything. It wasn't just about the practical stuff—it was like Lucy could see the bigger picture, the emotional weight of it all. Olivia smiled, feeling a deeper sense of trust forming.
Olivia- Thanks, Lucy. I don't know... that really means a lot.
Lucy gave her a soft smile, her playful nature showing again as she nudged Olivia with her elbow.
Lucy- I've got your back. No matter what. Pickles or no pickles.
Olivia looked down at her food for a moment, the playful ease of their conversation giving way to something more introspective. She wasn't used to opening up like this, especially about things she didn't talk to many people about, but there was something about Lucy that made her feel safe.
Olivia- You know, I've never really had someone like you in my life. I mean, of course I have my dad, and I love him. I tell him... almost everything.
She paused, her tone softening as she pushed around a fry with her finger.
Olivia- I used to talk to Angela a lot, and I still do, but... it's different. There are some things I just can't talk to her about. And with my aunt... I love her, but I don't know if I can trust her enough. I'm always worried she'll tell dad if I say too much.
Lucy- I get that. It's hard when you feel like you have to hold back, even with people you care about.
Olivia nodded, feeling understood in a way she hadn't expected.
Olivia- Yeah... and I guess it's because I don't have... you know, a mom. And I'm not, I don't know, sad about it. I don't even know what it's like to have a mom. But sometimes, when stuff happens, or when I'm upset, it's hard not to wonder what it would be like to have someone I could talk to. Someone who wouldn't feel the need to fix things all the time or worry too much.
She paused again, her voice growing quieter.
Olivia- Someone who'd just get it, without me having to explain everything.
Lucy felt her chest tighten at Olivia's words. She knew Olivia was independent and strong, but hearing this side of her, the side that wanted someone to share those hard moments with, made Lucy realize how much Olivia had been holding in.
Lucy- I hear you, Liv. It's tough when the people around you, even the ones who love you, don't always understand everything you're going through. But you don't have to figure it all out on your own. If you ever need someone to talk to—whether it's about something serious or just random girl stuff—I'm here.
Olivia glanced up at Lucy, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth, feeling a warmth she hadn't felt in a while.
Olivia- Thanks, Lucy. I mean, I'm good most of the time, but it's nice to know you're there if I need it. I've never really had that before.
Lucy smiled softly, nudging her again.
Lucy- Well, you've got it now. Anytime you want to talk, whether it's about boys, clothes, or bratty friends, I'm your girl.
Lucy grinned at Olivia, a teasing light dancing in her eyes as she mentioned boys, but there was warmth and sincerity behind her words. She could tell Olivia needed more than just a casual offer of support—she needed to know that someone was truly there for her, no matter what.
Without a second thought, Lucy held up her pinky, her expression softening into something more serious, though her smile remained gentle.
Lucy- Pinky promise.
She extended her hand towards Olivia, waiting for her to hook her pinky around hers. Olivia blinked, a little surprised by the gesture, but it made her smile. She knew a pinky promise wasn't just a joke; it was something you didn't break. Slowly, Olivia lifted her hand and wrapped her pinky around Lucy's.
Lucy squeezed their linked pinkies lightly, her voice soft and sincere.
Lucy- I promise you, Liv. I'll always be here for you, in any way you need me to. If you ever need to talk, or even if you just want someone to sit with you in silence, I'm here. You won't have to go through anything alone, okay?
Olivia felt her heart swell at Lucy's words. It wasn't the kind of promise people made lightly, and she knew Lucy meant every word. For the first time in a while, she felt like she didn't have to carry everything by herself, even though she hadn't realized how heavy it had been until now.
Olivia- Okay. Pinky promise.
They both smiled, their pinkies still linked for a moment longer before Lucy finally let go. Olivia looked down at her plate, but the weight of her thoughts felt lighter, and for once, she didn't feel like she had to hide any part of herself.
As they finished their meals, the atmosphere between Olivia and Lucy felt lighter, the weight of their earlier conversation still lingering but softened by their newfound bond. Olivia took her last bite of her burger, a content smile on her face as she glanced over at Lucy.
Olivia- Thanks for showing up today.
Lucy- Anytime, Liv. And, I'm always down for a good burger chat!
They both laughed, the playful banter easing the tension further. With their plates cleared, they gathered their things and made their way out of the diner, the early afternoon sun shining brightly as they stepped outside.
The walk to the drive was filled with light conversation about everything from school to the latest trends in their favorite shows. Lucy felt a flutter of excitement, not just about the fun of the day, but about the deeper connection she was building with Olivia. She could tell Olivia was feeling more comfortable too, her laughter coming easier as they strolled.
When they reached the station, Tim was at the front desk, and the moment he spotted Lucy, a wave of warmth washed over him. She looked stunning in her dress, the fabric flowing around her as she moved. For a brief moment, he forgot about the world around him, lost in admiration. His cheeks flushed slightly, and he quickly averted his gaze, trying to gather himself before walking over to them.
Tim- Hey. Looks like you had fun.
Lucy turned, her face lighting up at the sight of Tim.
Lucy- Hey! We had a great time! Olivia was just telling me about some of the... interesting dynamics at practice.
Tim raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but also slightly apprehensive about what Olivia might have shared.
Olivia- Yeah, you know, the usual. Mom's acting like vultures while you're just trying to be polite.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
Tim- That sounds about right. I'll have to work on my 'polite dad' face.
Lucy laughed, and the easy camaraderie made Tim feel a sense of relief. He liked how comfortable Olivia was around Lucy. It gave him hope that maybe things could work out in a way that felt good for both of them.
As they chatted, Tim stole another glance at Lucy, appreciating how she looked in the dress, her confidence shining through. He couldn't help but feel a bit flustered, his heart racing slightly. Just focus, he told himself. You've got this.
Tim- So, you ready to get to work?
Lucy nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves about the upcoming practice.
Lucy- Yep! I'll just change and be right back.
As Lucy walked away towards the changing area, Tim felt his heart flutter again. Watching her go, he realized he had to pull himself together. She was just Lucy—amazing, funny, and smart—but he can't think of her like that.
Taking a deep breath, he turned back to Olivia, trying to shake off the lingering feelings.
Tim- So, how was it? Anything else fun happen?
Olivia smiled, her expression lightening.
Olivia- It was fun, really. We talked about... stuff, laughed and just enjoyed the event.
Tim smiled, feeling a sense of relief that the day had gone well. He led Olivia over to the front desk, where they both sat down. The station was quieter than usual, but a few people came and went, keeping Tim busy while Olivia watched him work. She rested her chin on her hand, casually observing as her dad interacted with people who approached the desk.
Tim handled each situation with efficiency, listening to complaints and answering questions, even the dumbest questions professional.
A few minutes later, Lucy returned, now dressed in her uniform, her earlier thoughts now replaced with focus. She flashed a quick smile at both Tim and Olivia as she approached.
Lucy- I'm back.
Tim- Great.
He handed Lucy a stack of files, some paperwork they had to sift through.
Tim- Let's get these sorted before the chaos kicks in.
Lucy- Fun times.
She said with a playful grin, taking the files from him.
Olivia sat nearby, watching them for a while as they worked together. The station's routine felt oddly comforting, with the steady rhythm of police work and quiet conversations filling the space. Every so often, Olivia would glance at Lucy and her dad. But as the minutes passed, Olivia started to shift uncomfortably in her seat, feeling a familiar dull ache creeping up her back.
She winced slightly, trying to adjust her position, but the pain persisted. She didn't want to make a fuss, but it was getting harder to ignore.
Olivia- Dad?
She said softly, trying to catch Tim's attention without interrupting his work. Tim, still focused on the paperwork in front of him, responded without looking up.
Tim- Yeah, Livi?
Olivia hesitated for a second before speaking, not wanting to make a big deal out of it.
Olivia- My back's hurting.
Tim's focus shifted instantly when he heard Olivia's voice soften. He looked up from the files, concern flickering across his face. He could tell by her tone that she wasn't just uncomfortable—it was more than that.
Tim- Your back again?
His voice was gentle, the kind of parental tone that carried both worry and reassurance.
Olivia nodded, her discomfort visible now as she shifted slightly in her seat, trying to find relief.
Tim- Alright. Why don't you go lie down in my office for a bit?
Olivia gave a small nod and stood up slowly. Lucy glanced over from her side of the desk, catching the exchange with quiet concern.
Lucy- Do you need anything, Liv? Water? A blanket? A pillow?
Olivia- No, thanks. I'm fine.
With that, she made her way to Tim's office. Tim watched her go, his protective instinct kicking in. Once Olivia was out of earshot, Tim let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he turned to Lucy.
Tim- She got hurt a few days ago, I'm not sure if it was soccer or basketball practice. She tries to tough it out, but...
He trailed off, his expression a mix of frustration and helplessness.
Lucy- If you need to go check on her, I can handle things here.
Tim nodded, appreciating Lucy's offer to help. He felt torn between focusing on work and making sure Olivia was okay, because she'd tell him not to check in on her. But as he stood there, his concern clearly visible, he asked, almost absentmindedly.
Tim- You wouldn't happen to have a heating pad or something, would you?
His tone was hopeful, though he didn't really expect Lucy to have one on hand. Lucy raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Lucy- Actually... I do.
Tim blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Tim- Wait, really?
Lucy- Yeah, the stick-on kind. Wait, I'll go get one.
Lucy hurried over to her locker, rummaging through it until she found the heating pads she kept stocked just in case. She returned to Tim, holding one out like a prized possession.
Tim- You're like a wizard or something. Why do you have heating pads here?
Lucy couldn't help but chuckle at his astonishment.
Lucy- Let's just say I like to be prepared. You never know when you might need one.
Tim raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.
Tim- Prepared for what?
Lucy- Don't ask too many questions, alright? Go check on your kid.
Tim nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and bewilderment.
Tim- Alright, I'm on my way.
Tim took the heating pad from Lucy, still amazed that she had such a practical item on hand. He walked towards his office, heart a little lighter knowing that Olivia might find some relief. After checking in on her, he returned to the front desk a few moments later, finding Lucy deep in paperwork.
He settled into the chair next to her, leaning back and glancing over at her with a playful smirk.
Tim- Okay, seriously, why do you have freaking heating pads on hand?
Lucy rolled her eyes, but a smile danced on her lips.
Lucy- You're not going to let this go, are you?
Tim- Nope! I'm a curious person. It's in my nature.
Lucy shook her head, a playful smile lingering on her lips as she turned to Tim.
Lucy- Do you really need to know?
Tim- Yes, absolutely! I mean, you can't expect me not to ask questions. I'll figure it out somehow.
She sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair with an amused expression.
Lucy- Fine. I keep them stocked in my locker because they help with my cramps when I'm on my period. What a shocker. You happy now?
Tim's eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he immediately felt a twinge of guilt for prying.
Tim- Oh, I—sorry. I didn't mean to...
Lucy shrugged, a hint of a smile still on her face.
Lucy- It's okay. It's not a big deal. Just part of being a woman, you know?
Tim nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and concern.
Tim- I just didn't think about it. I mean, I know it can be rough, but I didn't mean to make it awkward.
Lucy- It's not awkward. I'm usually pretty open about it. Just didn't expect to have that conversation with a guy at work or with my TO.
Tim rubbed the back of his neck, feeling sheepish.
Tim- Well, now I feel like I should've brought you some chocolate or something. You know, as a peace offering?
Lucy laughed, the lightness of the moment returning.
Lucy- Well I'm currently not on my period but I'd still take the chocolate.
Tim chuckled, relieved that Lucy wasn't fazed by the conversation.
Tim- Alright, noted. Chocolate for any occasion works.
Lucy smirked, leaning back in her chair as she glanced at the paperwork in front of her before looking back at him.
Lucy- It really does. Now, how's Olivia doing?
Tim's expression softened as he thought about his daughter.
Tim- She's alright. I think she's in more pain than she lets on.
Lucy nodded, a flicker of concern in her eyes.
Lucy- Maybe you should get her checked out. I mean, if she's been in pain for days now...
Tim sighed, already knowing that Lucy was right.
Tim- Yeah, I've actually booked an appointment to get it checked out. I don't want to take any chances.
Lucy smiled approvingly, giving a small nod.
Lucy- Good. Better safe than sorry.
They settled into a comfortable silence for a moment, the usual hustle of the station providing a steady backdrop. It was one of those rare days where there wasn't much to do—at least, as long as no major cases popped up. Tim took advantage of the lull, leaning back in his chair and glancing at Lucy with a thoughtful expression.
Tim- Hey, by the way... How was today? I mean, did Olivia seem... off or anything at school?
Lucy leaned back, crossing her arms as she thought about it.
Lucy- No, not really. She seemed fine. But, uh, as soon as the moms realized I was there with Olivia...
She paused, a mischievous grin forming on her face.
Lucy- It was like they were all trying to figure everything out. I swear, they were practically in detective mode.
Tim raised an eyebrow, already knowing where this was going.
Tim- What do you mean?
Lucy chuckled, enjoying the memory.
Lucy- They started asking me questions—who I was, why I was there with her. And then, they asked if I was your girlfriend or something.
Tim's eyes widened, and a surprised laugh escaped him, but beneath the surface, a part of him couldn't help but feel a flicker of warmth at the thought.
Tim- Wait, what? They thought you were my girlfriend?
Lucy grinned, nodding.
Lucy- Yup.
Tim chuckled, trying to play it cool, though the idea of the moms assuming they were dating wasn't as ridiculous to him as it might've seemed. In fact, he found it oddly... nice.
Tim shook his head, a grin forming on his face.
Tim- So, what'd you say?
Lucy leaned forward, her grin widening.
Lucy- Well, to make things funnier—for me, at least—I didn't tell them we're just a friend. But I also didn't say we weren't dating. I just... let them try to figure it out on their own.
Tim stared at her in disbelief, a laugh bubbling up.
Tim- You're evil. What did they do?
Lucy laughed, clearly amused by the memory.
Lucy- Oh, you should've seen them. They were whispering, looking me up and down, trying to figure out what our deal was. I think Olivia found it pretty amusing too.
Tim shook his head, still laughing.
Tim- Of course she did.
Lucy shrugged, looking unapologetic.
Lucy- Hey, it made the event way more entertaining. Plus, I like to keep people on their toes.
Tim shook his head, still smiling at Lucy's mischievous streak.
Tim- You really enjoy messing with people, don't you?
Lucy grinned, completely unapologetic.
Lucy- Oh, absolutely. Especially when they're being nosy. I mean, come on, just because I there with Olivia, they think they've solved some grand mystery about Tim Bradfords personal live.
Tim chuckled, leaning back in his chair.
Tim- Well, I'm sure you gave them plenty to talk about for the rest of the day.
Lucy- That was the plan. Keeps life interesting, right?
Tim glanced over at her, his expression thoughtful.
Tim- And Olivia? How'd she handle it? Was she weirded out?
Lucy- A little at first. She asked me, why I didn't just tell them that I'm just a friend, so I explained it to her and then she thought it was hilarious. She just played along, gave them a little smirk every now and then.
Tim laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. Lucy smiled warmly, clearly fond of Olivia.
Lucy- She's a great kid. Smart too. She didn't seem off or anything after that, if that's what you're worried about. Just the usual Olivia—sharp, quick to laugh.
Tim nodded, clearly relieved.
Tim- That's good to hear.
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation balanced by their easy rapport. Tim glanced at Lucy, curiosity flickering in his eyes again.
Tim- So, do you think you'll mess with those moms again any time soon?
Lucy chuckled, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
Lucy- Oh, I'm definitely not done with them yet. It's way too much fun.
Tim raised an eyebrow, already sensing trouble.
Tim- What're you planning now?
Lucy leaned in with a conspiratorial grin.
Lucy- I was thinking, maybe I could get a friend of mine to pick Olivia up every now and then, just to really throw them off. Someone totally different, just to see their reactions.
Tim's eyes widened, and he quickly shook his head, half-laughing, half-serious.
Tim- Lucy, no. That's too much. You'll have them thinking I've got some secret life or something!
Lucy burst out laughing, clearly enjoying the idea.
Lucy- Exactly! Can you imagine the gossip? They'd probably start building an entire soap opera around it.
Tim- And that's exactly why you shouldn't do it! I've already got enough on my plate without having to explain to Olivia's school why random people are picking her up.
Lucy sighed, pretending to be disappointed, though the mischievous sparkle in her eyes hadn't faded.
Lucy- Fine, fine. I'll keep it simple. But I have to say, it would've been hilarious.
Tim gave her a pointed look, though he couldn't suppress his smile.
Tim- Hilarious for you, maybe. For me, that would just be a headache waiting to happen.