I pulled into a parking space. My dad flashed me a big grin. “Don’t get your knickers all in a bunch, sweetie pie. Have you ever known your dear old daddy to let you down?”

Chapter Two

The grandparents managed to contain themselves, but the kids were bouncing off the walls as they entered the classroom. I would have loved to take everybody out and make them run a few laps around the school to burn off some energy, but I knew my boss would kill me if any grandparents keeled over.

My father stood beside me, four or five kids hanging off him like he was a piece of playground equipment.

Polly crossed the room in our direction.

“There she is,” my father said. “The longer I look, the prettier you get, darlin’.”

“The longah I look, the prettiah you get, darlin’,” four-year-old Julian said with perfect preschool parrotry.

“You can’t say that,” five-year-old Violet said. “Only Grandpa Billy can say that.”

“You’re not the boss of me,” Julian said.

“I’m the boss of everyone,” five-year-old Millicent said.

“That’s the spirit, darlin’,” my father said. “You keep believing that.”

“Knock it off,” I whispered to my father.

A striking woman with red lips and silver hair walked toward us. She was wearing perfectly pressed wide-leg slate gray trouser pants and a white silk button-down blouse. One extra button was unbuttoned to show off her chunky silver necklace, as well as some substantial cleavage.

Of course, she ignored me and went right for my dad. “Shelby Byrne, Pandora’s grandmother.” She held out her hand.

“Billy Boy Hurlihy doesn’t shake hands with beautiful women.” My father took her hand, brought it to his lips. Then he danced her around a few steps and dipped her, long and low.

I held my breath, hoping that Pandora’s grandmother’s back was as limber as it looked. It would be a bummer of an incident report to have to write and turn in at the office. Pandora’s grandmother inadvertently injured her back this morning while dipping. Ice was applied and every effort was made to keep her separated from the dipper.”

Fortunately, she returned to vertical with a giggle. “Well, you certainly beat those old fuddy duddies I’ve met on Rematch.com.” She held my father’s gaze while she reached into her trouser pocket and handed him a card. “Call me, Billy Boy Hurlihy, and we’ll go out on the town. I’m here till Tuesday.”

“Will do, darlin’, will do.” My father reached into his pocket and pulled out a Bark & Roll Forever business card with a dog treat attached. “I might even pick you up in the ice cream truck.”

“My turn, Grandpa Billy, my turn,” four-year-old Juliette said. She held her hand out to be kissed. The other kids, girls and boys alike, held out their hands to be kissed, too.