Complete Harmony (Sequel to The Missing Lyric- Nemi)

Chapter 6

Nick

I was sound asleep on a Tuesday morning when my phone started ringing, making me sit up, abruptly, in the guest bed at Joe's house. I reached for my phone & saw it wasn't even 7 a.m. yet. As my eyes came into focus, I saw Lyric was calling me & I felt a panic wash over me. "Lyric? What's wrong?" I said, into my phone, as I dug my thumb & forefinger into my eyes to remove the fog.

"Daddy? I'm sorry I'm calling so early, but I need a big favor." Lyric whispered.

"A favor? What kind of favor?" I heard her call me 'daddy,' something she used when she was being cute or wanted something.

"I want you to come over here as soon as you can & invite me & Mom out to dinner on Friday night to celebrate her sober birthday & your anniversary. You can say you wanted to take me to breakfast before you took me to my tutoring session." Lyric was speaking fast & still whispering, so I was straining to hear her.

"Sweetie... I don't know if that's a good idea. I doubt your mom will be up for that."

"Daddy... please. You said you would fight & this is how you can fight. Let her know you still care & love her & are so proud of her sobriety." I could hear her voice shaking so I knew she was about to cry.

I sighed, knowing my daughter was right. "Well, I am proud of her & I still love her. Okay, I'll be there soon."

"Okay & Daddy? Make sure when you ask Mom, I'm in the room, too. Mom will have a harder time saying no if I'm there." Lyric said, proudly. I chuckled then we said goodbye before disconnecting. I got up & got ready, then headed to my house.

I let myself into the house, when I got there & as I swung the door open, I saw Demi's shocked face, as she was just getting to the bottom of the stairs & realized I probably should have knocked. "Sorry. Habit." I said with a shrug & a sheepish smile.

"What are you doing here?" Demi asked as she ran her hand through her hair. She looked so beautiful, wearing just a simple tank top & boy shorts. I must have let my gaze linger on her body, because she cleared her throat as she walked toward me. "Hello?" She waved her hand in front of her.

"Sorry. You just look beautiful. Kinda took my breath away." I bit my lip & she smiled.

I felt good seeing her blush as she looked away, then she walked toward the kitchen. I followed her, trying not to watch her ass, but I was failing miserably. "So what are you doing here, Nick?" She asked, over her shoulder.

"I came to take Lyric to breakfast. Sorry, her & I discussed it last night in texts. I wanted to talk with her about the Beyond benefit. Then I'll drop her off at Chloe's when we're done." I said as I leaned on the counter & watched Demi pour herself a cup of coffee.

She nodded as she lifted the mug to her mouth. After taking a sip, she gave me a slight smile. "Works out good for me. I can take my time getting ready for my meetings today."

Lyric came into the kitchen & grinned when she saw me. "Good morning, Daddy!" She gave me a hug & I laughed at her trying to be cute by calling me 'daddy.' "I'm starving. Where are we going for breakfast?"

"Uh... you & I can decide when we get in the car. Why don't you check your sugar, while I ask your mom something." I looked up at Demi as Lyric went to the cupboard where her machine was. "Do you have plans Friday night?"

Demi scowled for a minute as she sat her mug on the counter. "Uh... no. Not that I can think of."

"I was wondering if I could take you & Lyric out for dinner to celebrate your seven years sober & our anniversary." I held my breath for a second as Demi blinked, at me, a few times.