“We’d love to have you sit with us. We’ve got way more cupcakes than we should eat. Consider it a thank you for helping me out the other day.” I motion to the empty seat between Penny and me at the round table.
“I don’t want to impose.” Sutton shifts on her feet, looking between us and the empty seat.
“No imposition, promise.”
“Thanks. Let me just order a coffee.” Sutton walks to the counter, and I watch as she interacts and laughs with Mrs. Engle. Lately, it feels as if Everton has been invaded with newcomers. While all of them have been great to get to know and spend time with, Sutton rattles me.
“Okay, I’m back.” She cradles a mug in her hands and sits with us.
“Have a cupcake,” Penny pushes the container toward her. “Daddy says it’s kind to share, especially with friends.” She smiles as she looks at me, proud of herself.
“Sure is.” I nod with a smile.
“Which do you recommend?” Sutton asks Penny.
“Vanilla is my favorite. My daddy loves the red velvet, and Grandma and Grandpa love the carrot one.” She scrunches up her nose, and I chuckle.
“How about I try this one then?” Sutton points to a lemon cupcake.
“Yes! It matches your hair,” Penny cheers, pointing between the yellow frosting and Sutton’s hair.
“It sure does, doesn’t it?” She holds up the cupcake next to her short hair, causing Penny to giggle.
“You’ll get frosting on it.”
Sutton smiles before cutting the bottom half of the cupcake. I watch carefully, seeing what her next move is. When she places it on top of the frosting to create a cupcake sandwich, Penny giggles.
“That’s how my dad eats his cupcakes,” she squeals.
“Is that so?” Sutton smiles over at me. I nod. “Great minds.” She tilts her head before taking a bite. “God, this is good.” She wipes her mouth, and I can’t help but keep my eyes glued to her face.
“Daddy, can I have another one?” Penny steals my attention.
“One more,” I lift a finger.
“Yessss.” Her shoulders tense up to her ears in excitement.
“That’s a mighty fine outfit,” Sutton says, looking at Penny’s get-up.
“Do you like it? I dressed myself.” Penny stands and shows her. Pink leggings peek out from under jean shorts, and a long-sleeved white tee shirt is under a pink tee with a glitter unicorn. All of this topped with a jean vest that has a heart patch and her brown and pink boots over her leggings.
“You don’t say? I would’ve guessed your Daddy did,” Sutton acts surprised, her eyes briefly meeting mine with a smile before turning her full attention back to Penny. I’m surprised by the careful attention she gives her, having a real conversation and not seeming one bit annoyed by the five-year-old chatter.
Penny giggles and shakes her head. “I always dress myself. Well, almost always. Daddy chooses my clothes for school.” Her exaggerated pout makes Sutton and I laugh.
“School’s got certain rules,” I remind her.
“I know, but I love dressing like this.”
I love letting her dress herself so she can express her creativity. I never want to crush her individuality or create a sense of insecurity, but once she went to school in a tutu, and her teacher told me it was against school rules because of the distraction it could cause to their learning.
“I think it’s great that you dress yourself,” Sutton praises.
“Thanks.” Penny beams proudly.
Silence falls over the table as I count on my daughter to make conversation with the woman next to me even though I’m the damn adult here.
“So, you and Knox are performing at the sock hop, right?” I wrap my hands around my empty coffee cup, my shoulders tight as I wait for her to respond.
“Yes. We met with Mr. Powell this week. I’m excited. I haven’t been to a sock hop in years,” her eyes widen as she emphasizes her words.
“Everton has one every year in the spring.”
“It’s so much fun,” Penny pipes in. “I buy a new dress, and Daddy lets me wear a little bit of makeup.” Her toothy grin makes me chuckle.
“It’s just a bit of lipstick. She cons me into it with those big eyes and innocent smile.” I look at Sutton.
“Anyone would fall for that.” Her smile calms me as I stretch my neck and nod.
“Gotta keep her in line, or I’d easily give her anything she asks for.” I arch a brow at Penny, who giggles.
Sutton’s eyes crinkle. “I’m sure you give her the world.” Her hand lands on my arm, and I glance down with knitted eyebrows. She pulls away quickly and clears her throat.
My heart races, and guilt washes over me for my brusque reaction.
“Where does a gal find a dress for the sock hop ‘round here?” Sutton asks Penny.
“There’s a store that sells them, but… I don’t know if they will fit you.” Penny crinkles her nose.
“They’re for children,” I quickly add before Sutton takes it the wrong way.
“Yeah, I don’t think that’ll fit me.” She leans forward on her elbows and smirks at Penny, rubbing her head.
Penny giggles and shakes her head, eyeing the cupcakes.
“No more,” I warn, covering the box. Her scowl makes us laugh, but I’m firm on the sugar quantity she eats, especially during the week. As it is, I wasn’t planning on letting her have two tonight.
“There’s a store a short walk from here where you can probably find something for the sock hop. It’s called Threads. They carry women’s clothes and will order a few things for the sock hop. If not, you can order something online,” I explain.
“Thanks. Yeah, I’ll take a look around. I’ve still got a few weeks to prepare, but it’d be fun to dress up.”
“The town goes all-out,” I give her a warning smile.
Sutton laughs. “I believe it. From the few events I’ve been to here, y’all don’t hold back.”
“What’s yull?” Penny asks with a tilt of her head, mispronouncing the
