The Single Mom & The Popstar

14

Charlie was sitting in my lap watching with eyes filled with adoration as she listened to Dinah sing. Charlie had her hands folded as she listened deeply to the words that Dinah was singing. I'm not sure if she knew what any of it meant but I did know that she absolutely loved the song.

"I wasn't expecting you guys here today."

Both Charlie and I turned around when we heard Normani's voice. "Yeah we came because Charlie really wanted to see what Dinah does." I told her. Normani giggled as she picked Charlie up and sat down in the seat next to me. "Do you think Lene wants to be a singer when she grows up?" She asked.

I shrugged as I looked at Charlie. "Us that what you want baby? Do you want to be a singer?" I asked. Charlie shrugged "don't know. Wants to be something that make you happy." She tells me. I chuckled and turned her around. "Baby whatever you choose will make me proud. As long as it's safe I'm happy." I told her. Charlene kissed my cheek before reaching for Normani who gladly picked her up.

"Hey Lauren." Zendaya greets as she walked in.

I smiled "hey!" I said as I hugged her. "I didn't know you'd be here." She shrugs "I wasn't playing on it but D called and said that she needed me." She said as she looks at Charlie. "Who's the kid?" I laughed softly as Charlie pouted at being called a kid. "This is Charlie. She's my daughter and Mani's niece." I told her.

Zendaya's eyes grew wide as she looked between Charlie and Normani. "Woah she looks just like Mani when she was small. The only difference is the eyes." She points out. I nodded "yeah Keith said that and I have always seen it." I agreed. Normani rolled her eyes because I knew she didn't see it. "I'm sorry I just don't see it. I really think she takes after both you and Keith." She argues. I couldn't help but laugh and before I could say something Dinah came out.

"Good you're here. I need your help Z." She said as she drags Zendaya into the studio.

Since I couldn't hear anything I tried reading their lips but I'm pretty sure Dinah caught on because she covered her mouth with her hand before continuing to talk to Zendaya. I was frustrated and sad but I quickly pushed the feelings away and turned to Charlie.

"Once Dinah's done what would you like to do?" I asked.

She tapped Normani's chin as she tilts her head to the side as she thought. "Can we go to park?" She asked. I nodded "of course baby." I said. Charlie's eyes lit up as she claps her hands. "Yay!"

---X---

After Dinah's studio session we all headed to the park because that's what Charlie wanted to do and none of us can say no to her. "So would it be ok if I spend Christmas with you guys?" Dinah asked shyly. I nodded "of course but what about your family?" I asked.

She sighed sadly as she focused on the road. "I'm not allowed back. That was the reason my mom was over. She wanted to tell me personally that I wasn't allowed back because of my choice to be gay." She muttered bitterly. "You already know the rest of our argument."

Gently grabbing her hand I kissed the back of her hand. "Well we would love to have you join us. You're kind of part of the family now." I told her. Dinah smiles "that means a lot Lauren. Thank you."

Arriving at the park Charlie took off running towards the swing. "DeDe come push me!" She calls out. Dinah laughed as she ran towards the swings and began pushing Charlie. I had a smile on my face as I walked towards them. It was nice to see how well bonded they've become because it's really made my decision on wanting to be with Dinah that much easier.

"Mama do you think grandpa will like his gift?" Charlie asked.

My eyes grew wide when she asked that because I completely forgot to tell her that grandpa wasn't going to be coming over for Christmas this year. "Baby grandpa has some business to do so he won't be at Christmas this year." I told her. Charlie frowned as she looks at me. "Well can I give it to him when he comes back?" She asked. I nodded "of course sweetie."