246. - Dad Crush

“It’s not adorable! It’s the plot of a Greek tragedy! Or a very specific episode of a crime documentary.”

“Elena,” he whispered that night, lying in the dark. “She’s got a dad crush. On me.”

Leo closed his book. “My… type?”

“You’re so good with your hands, Dad,” she said one evening, watching him carve the Thanksgiving turkey.

“Anything,” he said, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird. 246. Dad Crush

“Relax. She’s not in love with you , Leo. She’s in love with the idea of a man who is safe, and kind, and fixes things. You’re the prototype. She’s just practicing.”

Mia nodded, filing this away. “So… not a supermodel.” “It’s not adorable

But Leo couldn’t relax. When Mia asked to watch his old college wrestling videos, he felt a cold sweat. When she started wearing his old flannel shirts as dresses, he hid the rest of his wardrobe in a suitcase under the bed.

“Dad,” she said, her voice soft. “Can I ask you something?” “She’s got a dad crush

“What? It’s a compliment!”