Daniel chuckled and followed them towards reception.
*
Shine smiled as she saw them. The dark rings around her eyes had been blotted away, and she held her shoulders even.
*
Daniel quirked a faint smile which widened slightly as he saw Jessie smile shyly at Angel.
*
"Hey you two, what shall we do today?" She held her hand out to Jess, while Dylan strode ahead.
*
Daniel gave Jessie a nod and a smile, widening slightly as she moved over to Angel. "Do you need anything before we go into the studio?" he asked.
*
"I think we're good, and everything will be fine, promise."
*
Daniel nodded. "Thanks, Angel. See you after the show, runt," he said to his daughter before he moved to follow Sam to the studio.
*
"OK, what do you guys wanna do, and Dylan, three of us cannot play chess."
*
"You need to come out of 80s a bit more," Daniel said as he powered down the station, setting his headphones down on the side.
*
"People need the 80's man," Sam shot back
*
"They do?" Daniel raised his eyebrows. "It was a long time ago."
*
"Doesn't make it bad,"
*
"I never said it was bad, just, a little outdated," Daniel said. He stood up and moved to the door.
*
"Only if it's not your era," Sam shrugged
*
"Maybe. Maybe outdated was the wrong word. Overrated?" He glanced at the clock, worrying about how Jessie was doing.
*
"I stand by my original statement," Sam drawled
*
A small huff of amusement left Daniel but tiredness and worry was starting to fall over him again as he walked with Sam back to reception.
*
"Dyl, we gotta go dude, pizza pick up on the way home?" Sam called, as Angel emerged with both children
*
Daniel dropped down into a crouch in front of his daughter. "You have fun?" He quirked a small smile at her nod. "Dinner and home then?"
*
"Bye guys, I'll see you soon yeah? Cookies if we can find somewhere with a kitchen?" Angel called after the children, smiling.
*
"Thank you. For looking after her again," Daniel said. "I can make arrangements for tomorrow, so you can just concentrate on work," he said quietly. He could try Mandy tonight, hopefully she would be able to pick Jessie up from school. Three days in a row was too much, for Angel, for Jessie and he doubted his new boss would be too thrilled about it either.
*
"It's honestly fine, I just need to head to my next job, so I can't do much later than this," Angel replied
*
"I literally just need someone to look after her between the end of school and me finished work tomorrow, that's it. Like today." He scrubbed a hand through his hair. "You really don't have to. You barely know me after all," he added.
*
"Me and Jess are great aren't we?" Angel grinned
*
Daniel quirked a tired smile as Jessie nodded. "You're really sure?" he asked slowly.
*
"I am, really," Angel replied
*
"Thank you, Angel," he said. "We should get going. I'll see you tomorrow." He held his hand out to Jessie who took it.
"Bye Angel," the little girl said as they headed for the door.