Maybe it’d been all in my head. But I knew I couldn’t be too careful.
Twenty minutes later, Willa going over the highlights of the museum all the while, we had two big ice cream cones in our hands, and we sat in the park as we ate.
“This is fun,” said Willa. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too. I think we’re going to be good friends.”
A sad expression crossed her face. “I hope so. Dad never really takes me out like this.”
“Really? How come?”
She shrugged. “No time—at least that’s what he says. He’s always in his office or at work or whatever.”
“That’s because he loves you and wants to make sure you have all the stuff you need.”
“I know, but sometimes I wonder…I don’t know. Maybe he likes his work more than me.”
“Not a chance,” I said. “I’ve only known you and your dad for a little while, but I can tell he’s crazy about you. I bet he’d spend all his time with you if he could.”
“Maybe…” She trailed off, and I got the impression she wasn’t convinced.
Up ahead, a dozen or so kids were at the playground, horsing around and having fun. It was late enough in the day that they were out of school, but early enough that they likely didn’t want to go home just yet. I gestured toward them.
“You know any of those kids?”
She shook her head. “Nope.”
“Maybe now’s a good chance to try to make some new friends?”
Her eyes went wide, as if I’d suggested something totally incredible.
“You mean just go up to them and talk?”
“Sure.”
She cowered, suddenly losing interest in her ice cream.
“I don’t know. I mean, I’m having fun with you, right?”
“For sure. But it’s cool to meet people your own age.”
She didn’t appear convinced. “Why? If they’re like the other kids, they won’t like me.”
“No way. Willa, you’re super smart and fun—all you need to do is give them a chance to get to know you. Go up and say ‘hi,’ and ask them what they’re doing and if you can join. I bet they’ll say ‘yes.’”
“You think so?”
“I know so. And if they don’t want to hang out, then no big deal. I’ll be right here, and we can do something fun together after.”
She appeared to give the matter some thought. “OK. I’ll try. But you’ll be here, promise?”
“I’ll be right here.”
I gave her hand a squeeze, and she popped the bottom tip of her cone into her mouth and finished the last bit.
“All right.” She hopped off the bench and hesitantly started off toward the group of kids.
I watched as she entered their circle, the kids at first not sure what to make of her. She stuck out her hand, imitating a handshake she’d likely seen her dad do over the years. One of the kids, a black-haired boy, took it, and they shook. Moments later she was in the group, fitting right in.