Suzie’s House 535 : Cues

Sophie scooted around so her back was to the arm of the couch and put her feet in Ethan’s lap. Without taking his eyes off the TV he started massaging her arches. Six weeks ago we would never had condescended. Six months ago he wasn’t even around. Now he did it automatically. Thinking about it made her smile.

“Do you think Emma still hates me?” He asked without taking his eyes from the show.

“I’m sure she doesn’t hate you,” Sophie said reasonably.

“She did. She said so. But… I’ve changed, haven’t I?” He turned worried eyes her direction.

She wanted to assure him that he most certainly had, but was afraid if she sounded too eager, he’d think he’d changed enough. Her hesitation made him tense. “Gently,” she said, pointing at her abused foot.

“Oh! Sorry.” He dropped her foot into his lap as if afraid he’d damaged it.

Overreacting again. On one hand she appreciated how hard he tried to please her now. On the other, it reminded her a bit of how she used to be. That annoyed her. Still…. She wiggled her toes at him, and he immediately went back to rubbing them. This time he paid attention to what he was doing.

Yep. He’d improved. Even if he couldn’t be perfect, she thought maybe she really could love him again. Especially considering how hard he worked to fix his relationship to his daughter as well as to Sophie.

If only Emma would give him more of a chance. Then again, she’d been away from the house so much… She sat up abruptly, pulling her foot loose.

“She’s going to be home all the time now?”

“That’s what she said.” Ethan managed to hide his hurt quickly.

“Not just more? All the time? Something must have happened.” She got up and walked to Emma’s room. Ethan followed behind. “Emma, Honey. Open up.” Sophie tapped on the door.

“What?” Emma stuck her head out.

“Is something wrong? I mean with your friends… the band. I know how much your love it over at Suzie’s house. Why aren’t you planning on going there anymore?”

“Moooommm,” Emma wailed as she slammed into Sophie’s arms. “They kicked me out!”

“Of the band?! What on earth for?”

“Of the house. They’re going after a serial killer, a-a-a-and they don’t want us at risk. Nobody but Gene and Ben can stay there now. So until they catch the, the, the guy….”

“But you can still hang out with the band, right?”

“Where?” Emma’s sobbing was making a mess of Sophie’s shirt.

“Here. I’ll admit it will be a tight squeeze, but your friends can come here when ever they like. Except after bed time on a school night.” Sophie wanted to be as generous here as she could, but not let things get out of hand like they had with James.

“They can?! Thank you Mom!” Emma gave her a happy hug. Then she turned toward Ethan with a worried expression. “Dad?”

He nodded agreement, clearly taking his cue from Sophie.

“Thank you! Thank you!” Emma gave Ethan a hug, making his jaw drop. Then she bounced into her room. A minute later they could her her talking excitedly on the phone.

“Huh. I didn’t even realize there was a problem,” Ethan muttered. “I still have things to learn from you.” He looked at her speculatively.

“Yep. You do.” Sophie grinned as she lead the way back to their show.

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