Page 120 of Blind Date
“Because I enjoy having possessions,” Zoey said, staring at her phone.
“You have enough throw pillows to fill an entire room,” I said.
“They’re decorative.”
“You’re moving into a dorm room.”
“Exactly. And I need to make it not feel like a dorm room,” she said, and Sam laughed.
“Coming from the man who spent twenty minutes in Target comparing desk lamps,” Sam said.
“They had different brightness settings. She needs good lighting to do her homework.”
Charlotte kicked her feet in her car seat and held up her stuffed bunny.
“Zo school.”
“That’s right, peanut. I’m going to big girl school.” She reached over and touched Charlotte’s arm.
I cleared my throat as I gripped the steering wheel. This was harder than I thought it would be. When I pulled in, cars were lined up, parents were everywhere, and students scrambled inside, carrying boxes.
“Looks like we’re here,” I said, glancing at Sam, who was already getting ready to cry.
“I’m warning both of you. Don’t make this a thing,” Zoey said.
“No one is making this a thing,” Sam said.
I climbed out and opened the back door. “What floor are you on?” I asked.
“Third.”
“Of course,” I sighed. “Go look and see if they have a cart somewhere.”
Zoey walked into the building and then back out. “They don’t. They’re all being used.”
I glanced over at a kid who was by himself, loading his boxes onto a cart. I casually walked over.
“Excuse me, young man. I will give you $200 if you let me use your cart. When I’m finished, I will return it to you.”
“Make it $300, and you have yourself a deal.” He grinned.
“A negotiator. I like it. What are you studying here at Yale?” I asked.
“Law. I’m going to be a lawyer.”
“Ah, so is my daughter. Zoey, come over here.” I shouted.
I pulled three one-hundred-dollar bills from my wallet and handed them to the kid.
“What, Dad?” Zoey walked over.
“This fine gentleman here is also going to be a lawyer.”
“Okay, and?”
“I thought you should meet.”
“You’re being weird. Hi, I’m Zoey Castile.” She smiled.
