Eden left them to go home to relieve Danny of babysitting duties.
On the way, she had a text from Jesse. It said:
THAT PRAT?
Followed by a whole row of emojis guffawing tears.
Chapter 17
Jasper had suggested he emerge from another room in her apartment, maybe to the sound of one of his songs playing on the iPod, maybe from behind her folding screen.
She stared at him in wonderment.
“It’s notAmerican Idol, for fuck’s sake, Jasper. It’s not The Big Reveal. She’s ten. I think finding out you’re her father will be dramatic enough.”
Although a tiny part of her thought that Annelise might actually enjoy a little fanfare. She did have a flair for the dramatic. Apple, tree, etc.
“Sorry, just... trying to make it memorable. I’m at a loss.”
“Well, follow my lead. We’ll have no idea how she’s going to feel about the news, so you’re going to have to play it by ear. There’s no need to be anything but yourself.” But she said this a little more gently.
She didn’t add:and it might not be a walk in the park. It might not be as fun as your little chat with her at the Misty Cat sound check was. He was going to have to get through this and see for himself.
“Why don’t you have a seat right there. I’ll go get her.”
Annelise was playing with her Barbies—the Ken doll was seated on a plastic horse, and he seemed to be carrying Winter off over his shoulder—and Winter was going reluctantly, judging from the way her arms were stretched straight out beseechingly behind her.
Eden sat down on her bed. “Sweetie, come sit by me for a second.”
Annelise bounced over and plopped down next to her mom.
Eden inhaled. “Annelise, there’s something I want to tell you. It’s kind of a big deal, and it’s kind of a surprise, and I hope you think it’s a good one.”
“We’re going to get a horse?” she guessed, clasping her hands together.
“Um... well, noooo...”
“A tired swing, like at Mr. Caldera’s house?”
“I think you mean tire swing. Nope.”
“We’re going over to hishouseand ride on his tire swing? We’re going to live with Mr. Caldera?”
Jesus, how long hadtheseparticular dreams been gestating?
This could go on for a while, and Eden didn’t think her nerves, let alone her heart, would hold out, if the wordCalderaentered the room one more time.
“It’s something else you’ve been wondering about. Do you remember when you met Mr. Jasper Townes at the Misty Cat?”
“Oh, that’s right, I did. He’s super nice! He showed me how to play E minor. Now I have two mournful chords.”
“Well, he’s here for a visit. You want to come say hello?”
Annelise went still and studied her mom. She was no fool.
She’d picked up a vibe.
“Okay,” she said finally. Sweetly enough.