couldn’t shake the sensation something was different.
As the principal explained some of the ways they made it easier for the kids to stay focused somewhat ironically Miranda’s attention wandered. When her gaze landed on something at his side of the room and she angled her chin with curiosity, Tyler looked to see what it was.
A little girl with blonde hair sat on padded mats on the floor a few feet away, seemingly oblivious to what was happening around her as she swapped one thick crayon for another and continued colouring a sheet of paper.
Miranda crossed the room and hunched down beside her.
‘Hello.’
The girl didn’t look up.
‘Would you mind if I sat with you for a minute? My feet are really starting to hurt in these shoes.’
No reply.
Regardless of her expensive outfit, she sat down and tucked her legs to one side. ‘That’s a very pretty picture. I love the flowers. Pink is my favorite colour.’
After a moment’s hesitation the girl reached for a pink crayon, her chin lifting as she held it up.
The gesture was received with an impossibly soft smile. ‘Is that for me?’
There was a nod.
‘Are you sure you want me to help? I can never stay between the lines when I’m supposed to.’
Tyler thought it was the most honest statement she’d made since they met. That it was said with a hint of self-recrimination was interesting. For a second he almost believed it was a glimpse of the real her.
Accepting the crayon, she brushed her hair over her shoulder and looked at the picture again. ‘Which one do you want me to do?’ A small finger pointed at the page. ‘Okay. I’ll try not to mess it up for you.’
Tyler looked at the captivated audience of adults who were watching what she was doing. He doubted any of them would forget it before they cast their vote in the election. They’d see her father’s name on the voting slip and think of her. Maybe even tick the box next to his name if they’d been wavering.
He’d thought New Yorkers were savvier than that.
‘You have flowers,’ a small voice said.
His gaze was drawn back to Miranda as she glanced down at her blouse. ‘I like the ruffles and the layers. They all feel different. Try one and see.’
A small hand reached out to one of the larger grey and white flowers pinned randomly to white linen. Catching a ruffle between a thumb and forefinger, the girl checked out how it felt. ‘Soft.’
‘Do you like the beads in the middle?’
‘They’re shiny.’
‘Someone has to sew them on with a needle and thread.’
‘Did you do it?’
‘Nuh-uh,’ Miranda sang in reply. ‘Needles are pointy. It’s not a good idea to play with the things that might hurt you.’
Something she could have done with remembering before she gave a stranger the come-on from a dance floor.
Tyler looked away and found a boy at a nearby desk staring at his waist with wide eyes. Lightly shrugging his shoulders, he tugged the edges of his jacket closer together to cover his sidearm and checked his watch. It was almost time to leave. Shifting his gaze to his mark, he waited for an opening to make eye contact.
‘What’s your name?’
‘Casey.’
‘I’m Miranda. Why are you sitting on your own, Casey? Don’t you want to sit with your friends?’
‘There are boys at my table,’ she explained with the typically solid reasoning of most small girls her age.
‘Some boys can be nice.’
‘Some of them are mean.’
‘Believe me, I know.’ Obviously stifling amusement, Miranda shot a pointed glance his way.
Cute—with a lazy blink to indicate he’d got the message, Tyler subtly tapped his watch. Tick-tock, princess.
‘I have to go now, Casey,’ she said with a pout before turning it into a smile. ‘But it was very nice to meet you. Thanks for letting me colour with you.’
‘Are your feet better?’
‘Much better, thank you.’ She pushed upright and ran her palms over the seat of her trousers, brows lifting when the sheet of paper was held up in the air. ‘I can take it home with me?’
‘You can finish it at your house.’
‘I will, I promise. Bye, Casey.’
‘Bye, Miranda.’
She waved to the rest of the room. ‘Bye, kids. Thanks for letting me come visit you today. I can’t wait to tell the mayor how great you’re all doing in school.’
Tyler stepped into the hall as there was a chorus of goodbyes. Lifting the mike in his closed hand, he spoke into it in a low voice.
‘Rand from Brannigan, Phoenix is on