"Rose," Maya called from her perch on the floor next to Nathan near the kitchen door. "I think your phone is ringing."
"All right," I said, squeezing Timothy's hand before standing and walking into the kitchen to answer my phone. "Hi, Daddy," I said. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Darlin', how are you?"
"Really good! I have a bunch of people over for the game; the party got really big really fast," I told him, laughing.
"That sounds great," Daddy said. "Is this a bad time, then? Do you want me to call back later?"
"No, no, you're fine. I'm really just watching for the commercials. Plus," I said, "it's hot with that many people in the living room; the kitchen's cooler and quieter."
Daddy laughed. "That sounds more like you. I was calling about the birthday dinner; can you talk?"
"Yup! Timothy's in the other room, absorbed in the game. I think a commercial's coming soon and I'm by the food, though, so I don't know how long it'll last." I laughed again. "So can you come?!"
"I think I'm going to have to be in Germany that week," Daddy said regretfully.
"Really?" I could hear the disappointment in my voice.
"I know, I'm sorry. I am trying to find a flight that would take me through NYC, though. I could spend a day or two that next week. Would that work in your schedule?"
"Yes! Oh, Daddy, please come! I miss you." I saw a few people stand in the living room, heading to get some food over the commercial.
"I miss you too, hon."
"Daddy, Timothy's heading in, so we can't talk about the surprise, ok?" Daddy laughed. "So how is Molly?" I asked him. We chatted for a few minutes as people filtered in and out of the kitchen. Timothy came over to where I was leaning against the counter and talking; he began messing with my hair. I gave him "a look," but he just laughed softly when I pushed his hands away. Grabbing my hand in his, he continued messing, and I stuck out my tongue. Finally, Daddy said he had to go, and I turned to face Timothy.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing..." he laughed and kissed me. "I just haven't really seen you tonight."
"So you're messing up my hair?" I teased.
"Yup. Hi." He kissed me again.
"Hi." I smiled. "I'm glad you could come," I said formally; he laughed again.
I poured myself a drink and we stood in the doorway looking into the living room at the guests. I leaned against Timothy as he watched the game and I watched the people. At one point, Maya shrieked and Nathan threw his head back and laughed. I giggled, wondering what was happening. "What do you think of those two?" I asked Timothy in a low voice.
"Maya and Nathan? He's crazy about her," Timothy said. "Look at him--he's not even watching the game except to talk to her about it."
"She is the only one he knows," I said. "That's probably why."
"Nope," Timothy replied shaking his head. "It's different."
I laughed. "That's what I thought. Maya insists I'm wrong, though." We watched the group for a few more minutes. "Maya just looks so happy," I said, finally. "I'm so glad."
Timothy leaned over and pressed a kiss against my head and Belle glanced at us at that moment "Look at you two lovebirds," she called. I flushed and giggled. "What were you doing in the kitchen, hmmm?"
I tossed my head. "Talking to Daddy," I declared, holding up my phone. "You can look at my call history if you don't believe me." Belle rolled her eyes, exchanging glances with Jasmine.
Timothy tugged on my hand and we sat on the couch again. "How is Mae?" I asked Mark. "I was supposed to call her tonight, but I'll have to call her tomorrow instead."
Mark smiled broadly, but before he could speak, Timothy said, "She's my sister, how come you didn't ask me?" I shushed him, covering his mouth with my hand, and Mark laughed before telling about his last conversation with Mae.
~Rose
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