He opened the door. “Hello, Mr. Emerson.”

“How are you James?”

The boy smiled nervously and shrugged. “Good, I guess.”

Mark raised an eyebrow. “You’re taking my daughter to Homecoming tonight.”

He nodded, then his eyes went wide, “Right! Yes, I’m doing awesome. Best day of my life, sir.”

“That’s more like it. Well, come on in then.” Mark stood aside and let the kid in. “Make yourself comfortable, she’ll probably be a few minutes.”

“Thank you, sir.” James had always been respectful to him. Whether it was James’ way, or it was just Mark who got this treatment, he didn’t know.

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Mark was wondering how the kid could stand wearing such a painfully baby-blue tuxedo, when Tina appeared on the landing. “Is he here?” She was looking down at him, wearing the same baby-blue in dress form. The dad in him wanted to say something about her dress being indecent, and the joker in him wanted to say something about James maybe not being all here, but he repressed both responses.

“He’s right here waiting for you.”

James stood and turned to look up at her. “You are gorgeous, Tin.” She smiled.

“Thank you, James, I love that tux!” She made her way down, going straight for Mark and giving him a hug. “Have a good night at work, Daddy!”

“Hey, hey, you’re not going anywhere yet.” He held up his phone. “Your mother will kill me if I don’t get a picture of you two.” They each put an arm around the other. He took a picture. “All right, get out of here, and have way too much fun.” They both laughed, said some thanks, and were gone.

His stomach growled. Time for “breakfast”. And then, he’d make some cookies.