We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 92

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11:15 Mon, Feb 2 DBB

We Want Mommy, Not You, Daddy!

Chapter 92

The guard shifted uncomfortably. She’s done it before. Usually returns within thirty minutes.”

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I fought to keep my expression neutral, but inside, indignation flared. What kind of person abandons a child to go drinking? And why was this man allowing it to happen?

Aria’s tutu sparkled under the boutique lights as she stood before me, waiting with perfect posture that seemed too disciplined for a child her

age.

“Aria,” I said gently, would you like to get something to eat while we wait for Miss Black to return? It’s getting late, and I bet you’re hungry.”

For a moment, I thought she would refuse. Her eyes darted to the security guard, who looked uncertain.

“I don’t think Miss Black would approve,” he began.

“Miss Black has been gone for an hour while this child waits,” I replied, my voice firm but quiet. “I’m not a stranger to Aria, and I’m certainly not taking her anywhere without you accompanying us. But she needs dinner, and I doubt Miss Black would want her to go hungry.”

The man hesitated, then sighed. “She doesn’t do well in crowded places. Restaurants upset her.”

I turned back to Aria. “Would you like to go somewhere quiet? There’s a small restaurant just around the corner with private booths. Very

peaceful.”

To my surprise–and evidently the guard’s as well–Aria nodded and extended her small hand toward mine.

The restaurant was dimly lit, with high–backed leather booths that created intimate cocoons of privacy. I’d requested a corner booth, furthest from other patrons, and the maître d‘ had been happy to accommodate us.

Aría sat across from me, her posture perfect even on the plush bench seat. The security guard hovered at a nearby table, close enough to observe but far enough to give us space.

“Do you like pasta?” I asked, scanning the children’s menu.

She nodded, then hesitantly reached into a small purse she carried. She withdrew a folded piece of paper and pushed it across the table toward

1. me.

Curious, I unfolded it. My breath caught. It was a drawing–clearly done by a child but with remarkable skill. The scene depicted Navy Pier, the Ferris wheel prominent in the background, and two figures in the foreground: a woman with dark curly hair holding a small girl with a tutu.

“Is this us?” I asked softly.

Aria nodded, her eyes watching my reaction intently.

“It’s beautiful, Aria. You’re very talented.” I traced the lines with my fingerp. “You remembered that day.”

For the first time, a tiny smile curved her lips. She reached into her purse again and pulled out a small sketchbook, flipping it open to show me

more drawings–all of that same day at Navy Pier, from different angles and perspectives, but always with the two of us together.

11:15 Mon, Feb 20 GB

Chapter 92

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Something warm unfurled in my chest. This reserved, serious child had been thinking about our brief encounter for weeks, recreating it over and over in her art. I was touched beyond words.

As we ate our pasta–Aria taking small, precise bites–1 found myself growing more attached to this solemn little girl with each passing minute. She was so different from Oliver’s exuberant personality, yet equally endearing in her quiet, thoughtful way.

“Do you like to draw other things too?” I asked.

She nodded, then hesitantly pointed at me, then made a gesture like turning pages.

“You want to draw me?” I guessed.

She nodded again, more enthusiastically.

“I’d be honored,” I smiled, settling into a comfortable pose.

I was so absorbed in watching Aria draw that I didn’t notice the new arrivals until a familiar voice cut through the restaurant’s hushed

atmosphere.

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