Chapter 8
The Smiles
Killian
Age seven
“Your dad is scary,” Jenna says, and I follow her eyes to look behind me where Dad stands with his arms crossed, my Spider-Man bag hanging from one hand.
He doesn’t smile—he only does at home—but the approving nod he gives me is just as good as one of his bright smiles when he comes back from tour and sees me.
“He’s the best,” I say, then remember what he brought home for me this time.
I’ve been looking forward to showing it to Jenna since Friday night.
I dig into my pants pocket and fish out the keychain with a purple rubber kitten wearing a headset.
“He just came back from tour and brought me this. Isn’t it cute? ”
I hold it in my open palm for Jenna to see.
“So cute,” she agrees, eyes widening with awe, just like I thought they would. It makes me smile.
“Do you want it?” I hold it out to her. “I have a second one at home. It’s a blue puppy.”
“Really?” She lifts her gaze to me, eyes still wide and happy.
“Yeah. It’s yours.” I grab her hand and slip the kitten into it. “This one’s listening to Schubert—the piece you’re working on. Mine is listening to Chopin—the one Dad is teaching me.”
She opens her palm and watches it, biting her lower lip as she makes this happy little wriggle with her shoulders. When she looks at me again, I lean in and pop a small kiss on her lips. Her cheeks turn red, and she draws her shoulders up excitedly, watching me the same way she did the kitten.
I glance back at Dad, who’s now smiling as well—the type he only shows at home. A warm feeling blooms in my chest. I just made my two favorite people smile.