“Yes, Michael Parker,” Lily said while climbing onto the empty chair across from Emily. “He’s your date. But he doesn’t know we’re here.”
“We snuck out,” Chloe added, nervously folding a napkin. “He thinks we’re playing in the waiting room at his office. But we had to come. Dad would never forget someone like you on purpose. It’s just that… since Mom went to heaven, he forgets everything except work.”
The words made the café fall unusually quiet.
Mrs. Margaret approached and placed two mugs of hot chocolate and a plate of cookies in front of the girls.
“Your mother…?” Emily asked gently.
“It was two years ago,” Chloe explained with heartbreaking calm. “A truck accident. It was raining. Dad was on the phone with her when it happened. Since then he doesn’t like phones. And he doesn’t smile much anymore. He just keeps designing buildings so they won’t fall down… but I think he’s the one falling apart.”
Emily felt a tight ache in her chest.
She knew that feeling well—building perfect facades while the foundation inside crumbles.
Lily suddenly grinned mischievously.
“We actually have a plan.”
Emily raised an eyebrow. “A plan?”