Ecie & Esme II: Another Day Like This

Four

'What happened yesterday?' Jonathon asked.

'I'm sorry dad,' Ecie replied hurriedly. 'Some stuff came up and I just completely forgot to call you to cancel. I hope you didn't have to wait too long for Ross to show up.'

'Well as usual he was about half an hour late for brunch,' Jonathon replied. 'I was so looking forward to talking to you.'

'I'm sorry dad,' Ecie said with her back to her bedroom mirror. She looked in the mirror at the four horizontal purple marks on her back before shaking her head and going over to her closet. 'I feel so horrible for missing it. We can talk for a bit whilst I get ready for school.'

'Okay,' Jonathon replied. 'My plane is delayed so I suppose I've got some more time.'

Ecie laughed. 'Oh dad, I feel so loved.'

'Aren't you going to be late for school?'

'Yeah dad,' Ecie replied. 'I woke up so late and the whole house is empty. I can only find my cheerleading skirt.'

'Well I hope you're not late. It wouldn't be the best way to start the new semester.'

'Yeah dad,' Ecie replied putting her black BlackBerry Torch 9800 between her shoulder and ear. She stood on a stool in her closet and reached up for a folded black Rick Owens Lilies wool-jersey turtleneck top. 'I suppose that wouldn't be the best way to start the semester either.'

'Are you sure you're okay?' Jonathon asked. 'It's just that it's not like you to miss brunch or an appointment.'

'I know dad and I'm really sorry. I guess I should have called or something,' Ecie said putting her father on loudspeaker so that she could finish getting ready for school. 'So how are things with you? Where are you going again?'

'I'm flying out to New York,' he replied. 'But I'll be back in a couple of days so don't get too used to be being home alone.'

'Don't worry,' Ecie laughed spotting her cheerleading vest. 'Mom's getting back in a couple of days too.'

'Are you missing her?'

'Oh yeah,' Ecie said. 'I'm missing her freaking out and endless phone calls.'

Jonathon laughed. 'Well I'm certainly missing her.'

'Really dad?'

'Really,' Jonathon nodded. 'We need to meet to discuss things.'

'Right dad,' Ecie said checking herself in the mirror. She picked up her cell phone and took her dad off loudspeaker then picked up her new Proenza Schouler black PS1 large leather satchel and put it over her shoulder. 'Hopefully maybe this "discussion" won't end up in insults and cusses like last time. I think I've heard of enough of you guys cursing.'

'Sorry darling,' Jonathon said.

'I mean aren't you guys supposed to be setting a good example to your two young daughters?'

'Ha. We've got Cassie to do all that for us.'

'Well dad,' Ecie said leaving her room and going out to her Argento Ice Lexus RX 450h SE-L Premier. 'Cassie needs to look out for Ross. She can't be expected to worry about Esme and me.'

'She's done a fine job already.'

'Okay dad,' Ecie laughed. She plugged her cell phone into her car before starting the engine and reversing out onto the main road. 'Whatever you say.'

Jonathon laughed. 'How are things going with you and your cheerleading top?'

'I'm on my way to school,' Ecie replied turning a corner. 'I found everything I was looking for. Looks like I won't be late after all.'