It wasn’t careful or awkward. It was the kind of hug that made the whole noisy room go quiet inside her head.
“You were incredible,” he said against her hair. “I’m so proud of you.”
Lila pressed her face into his shoulder and let herself believe—for just that minute—that it was real.
They took pictures: one with just the two of them, her holding the certificate, his arm around her shoulders; another with Ms. Alvarez beaming beside them; another with a few curious classmates who wanted to know who the “fancy dad” was.
Every time someone asked, Lila said, “This is my dad,” and the lie tasted sweeter each time she repeated it.
After the last photo, Elliot glanced at his watch. “I should probably get going soon. My driver’s waiting.”
The words landed like ice water.
Lila nodded quickly, looking at her shoes. “Thank you… for everything. Really.”
Elliot studied her for a long moment. Then he asked, very quietly, “Would it be okay if I walked you home? I’d like to meet your grandmother. And make sure you get back safely.”
Lila’s eyes flew up. “You… you want to?”
“I do.”