Chapter 02
Kaila Returns
"Something is up with you, Daddy," Beatrice said as she poured far too much sugar in her coffee. "You look really healthy and your look really happy."
"Jeez Bea it's coffee, not cake batter," Nell groaned. "But you're right, I was just about to say the same thing," She said to her sister as she rolled her eyes at Bea. The siblings were always thick as thieves, but polar opposites. Redheaded Beatrice was an avid fan of sweets and junk food, while blonde Nell watched everything that went into her mouth. Oddly, both girls were tall and slim as reeds. Beatrice because she was forever on the go and highly athletic, Nell because she had inherited that gene from Troy's ex-wife. Troy often chuckled to himself that he believed Nell could eat as much junk as her sister, never work out and still not gain an ounce.
"It can't be a new girlfriend, I haven't seen anyone around here that's single or Daddy's age," Bea said, watching her father for some kind of reaction. He didn't give one until both girls looked out the window to see a cardinal in a nearby tree. Only then did he allow himself a satisfied smile. He was glad to have his sweethearts visiting from New York, he had missed them. While he agreed that staying with their mother and finishing their education with their friends had been a good choice, living alone wasn't something he had been looking forward to. He didn't think it was necessary to tell his daughters that he wasn't alone most of the time these days.
He was a bit relieved that a few days before the girls called and said they were making a surprise visit -- on their mother's dime, no less -- that Kaila had told him she was going on a shopping trip with her friend, Genevieve. He wasn't sure if his daughters could handle the fact that he had a hot, young girlfriend only slightly older than they were! They had been rocked by the divorce, even if it had been easy to spot. Still, sometimes kids see only what they want to see, no matter the age.
Troy had two very intelligent, articulate and hard-working daughters who adored each other. He supposed that came from being exactly 9 months apart and being joined at the hip. There were times he was sure his girls were even jealous of Samantha, because they both demanded "daddy time". Troy wasn't sure they would be able to handle his gorgeous Kaila; even if she was making him the happiest he had been in years.
He was glad for Kaila too, she needed to get away and Genevieve was adorable. The petite bundle of redheaded joy had been her closest friend before Kaila's own divorce and they had only recently reconnected. The bright, effervescent Genevieve had made an indelible impression on Troy as well, Kaila kept teasing him that he had eyes for her girlfriend and she might have to sharpen her claws.
Troy loved his girls, he was very proud of them, but he didn't want the agony of having to explain his relationship with Kaila to either of them. Better that she was away while they were visiting because even their questions were beginning to fray his very last nerve. He adored the girls, but they could drive a man to drink.
The girls wanted to go to the local farmer's market this morning and make him a nice homemade stew for dinner tomorrow. He had promised to take them to dinner tonight. "I know you Daddy, you've probably been eating out of cans and packaged foods since you moved here," She wagged her finger at him. Again, he didn't want to tell her that Kaila cooked for them practically every night and that he had lost over 10 pounds since they had begun seeing each other. Things were going along very nicely on the girls' visit.
Or they were until Kaila burst through the kitchen door, dressed in a scandalous pair of shorty-shorts. "Lover!" She squealed, throwing her arms around Troy. "God, have I missed you!" She gave him a huge kiss and didn't let go until she saw the two young faces staring at them in obvious shock.
"
Lover?!
" Beatrice whispered to her sister, although loud enough for Troy to hear.
"Holy shit, Daddy's got a girlfriend," Nell gasped, trying to stifle a giggle.
"A
young
girlfriend," Beatrice nodded, looking over at Kaila.
"Okay you two, we can hear you over here," Troy told them and then sighed. "I didn't figure you three would meet this visit, but here we all are. Girls, this is my girlfriend, Kaila. Kaila, these are my daughters, Beatrice and Nell."
"Pleased to meet you both," Kaila smiled, holding out her hand to both young women.
"I thought you and Genevieve were supposed to be gone another 3 days," Troy looked at her. He wasn't at all disappointed to see her, he had missed her terribly, but now there would be even more questions.
"We were, but we, uh, kinda went through all our money we took with us," A sheepish Kaila looked up at him.
"ALL of it?" Troy said. Kaila had been saving for this for a bit and Genevieve had a rather sizable trust fund to draw from. To go through that much, he would have hated to see the bills.
"Mine and Genevieve's, yup," She giggled and then whispered in Troy's ear. "It'll be worth it handsome, wait until you see what I bought."
Troy knew the minute the girls left for home; he'd be getting the 5-star treatment, so he grinned. Still, he could feel the girls watching their every move. This was what he had been afraid of, having to explain to his daughters about his relationship with Kaila, however happy she made him.
"What are you doing for dinner tonight?" Kaila asked him, still hanging close. If she was at all self-conscious about his daughters observing them, it didn't show. Although that was Kaila in many ways, very little fazed her. It was one of her more attractive qualities.
"Daddy was supposed to take us out to dinner," Bea said to Kaila in a quiet tone. Troy noticed that she sounded disappointed; Bea had always been closer to her father while Nell loved her independence.
"We can go tomorrow, that's okay daddy," Nell piped up.
"No, no, you girls don't get to see your father very often," Kaila jumped in and then Troy saw a look cross his young girlfriend's face. He knew that look all too well. "I have an idea, if you girls would be up for it. Are either of you seeing anyone; are you in a serious relationship?"
Both of Troy's daughters shook their heads.
"Great. I've got these two friends -- Danny and Darren, they're brothers and simply gorgeous," Kaila grinned. "They're both football players and six-footers, but sweet guys with wonderful personalities. If your father doesn't mind, we could all go to dinner tonight and make a night of it, what do you say?"
Both girls looked at their father with a hopeful look. Despite his not wanting to be subjected to any more of their scrutiny, he really didn't have much of a choice. "I have no problem with it, but what are you going to do with Genevieve?" He asked Kaila. "Won't she be bored sitting home all alone?"
Kaila looked thoughtful. "I never thought of that, you're right. Heck, I'm sure she won't mind coming along, that girl never turns down a free meal," She laughed. She moved closer to her boyfriend and said "Don't worry about a thing sweetie, I've got this all covered."