Derek smiled.
“Of course. Somebody has to help you become a Broadway star.”
She laughed.
“That’s musical theater, Uncle Derek.”
“See? You can teach me something too.”
Audrey jumped up and hugged him.
I looked at Derek.
“Are you absolutely sure? We don’t want to inconvenience you.”
He waved away my concern.
“You’re family. Stop worrying.”
I thanked him several times.
Scott seemed relieved.
And Audrey was happier than I’d seen her in weeks.
At that moment, I believed Derek was doing something wonderful for our daughter.
I had no reason to imagine that within a few weeks, I would regret trusting him.
At first, everything seemed perfect.
Three afternoons a week, Derek picked Audrey up after school.
He drove her to the
studio, worked on paperwork while she attended class, and brought her home around nine.
Audrey would rush inside hungry and excited.
“Mom, you have to see what we learned!”
Sometimes she practiced combinations in the kitchen while I prepared dinner.
