Daniel reappeared a moment later and Jessie's face lit up. He barely had chance to greet Sam before she had hugged his legs.
*
"We were good, right Jess?" Angel asked
*
Jessie nodded and Daniel quirked a wan smile. The initial panic Angel's text had released had now given way to tiredness. "Good. I suppose we should be getting home, huh?" he asked Jessie, trying not to look at Angel or Sam, worried about what they were thinking.
*
"Jessie, if Kelly ditches out again, wanna hang out?" Angel asked
*
Jessie glanced from Angel to her father who frowned. "I'm really sorry. It won't happen again."
*
"It's OK, really," Angel smiled
*
Daniel looked like he was going to apologise again before he inclined his head in a small nod. "Thank you for looking after her."
*
"I enjoyed it," Angel smiled
*
The corner of his lips twitched into a smile. He held his hand out to Jessie, the little girl taking it without pause. "Home then, runt?" he asked and she nodded. "Better say bye then." The hint of a smile turned into an actual one when she gave a small wave accompanied by a shy 'bye'.
*
"Cookie for the road?"
*
Jessie looked up at her father who gave a small huff of amusement. "Oh, go on then."
*
"And one for your dad," Angel appeared with a wrapped package
*
"What kind of cookie?" he asked.
*
"Double choc," Angel replied
*
"So, definitely no nuts?"
*
"Nope, we have people with allergies so they're never bought in,"
*
"Oh good. Thanks." He accepted the cookies with a tired, strained smile.
*
"Do you need tomorrow's schedule?"
*
"Oh, erm... yeah, please. That would be great."
*
"10-12 with Lucy and a 1-3 with Sam," Angel replied. "Dylan's coming in I think."
*
He nodded. "Dylan?"
*
"Sam's son," Angel replied
*
"Oh. Right. Of course."
*
"So I'm sitting for someone anyway," Angel said gently
*
"I..." Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. "I really couldn't ask you to. It's hardly fair."
*
"You're not, I'm offering."
*
"I... I've already made arrangements."
*
"No problem," Angel shrugged
*
He seemed to think about saying something before apparently changing his mind. "Thanks for looking after her," he said. "See you tomorrow." He turned to leave, Jessie holding tight to his hand.
*
"Bye Jess, visit any time," Angel smiled, a genuine beam
*
Jessie waved and said a very quiet bye. Her voice could just be heard as she moved out the door with her father.