It’s been several days since his night texting Daisy.
He’s managed not to contact her, but he can’t get her out of his head.
Resigned, he takes out his phone.
And before he can give it too much thought, he starts a new text.
Operator 17
Well hello there, handsome! I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.
Cam
Haha — not likely, sweetheart.
Cam
I won’t be able to forget you anytime soon, not after the other night.
Operator 17
You made quite an impression on me, too 😉
Operator 17
So what has you thinking about little old me today?
Cam
I need your help with something.
Operator 17
I’m happy to help in whatever way I can. The same thing as last time or…?
Cam
This is kind of embarrassing, but I was hoping you could give me some advice.
Operator 17
Oh, okay. I’ll do my best. Advice about what?
Cam looks up from his phone, his eyes blurring over the sea of pink in front of him.
Cam
I need to get a birthday present for a five-year-old girl.
Cam
I have no clue what I’m doing.
Operator 17
LOL! Wow, of all the things you could’ve said, that was the LAST thing I expected.
Cam
Don’t laugh, this is like Chinese water torture for me ;)
Cam
I have a couple of nephews so I’m fine when it comes to Star Wars and super heroes.
Cam
But I’m standing in the girls’ toy aisle at Target and I feel like the dolls are judging me.
Operator 17
OMG, this is so great 😂
Operator 17
Okay, don’t panic. I’m going to walk you through this.
Operator 17
I’m just teasing. This is easy.
Operator 17
But first — how well do you know the family?
Cam
I work closely with her dad. He’s like a brother to me.
Cam
I’m also her godfather so I want to make sure my present isn’t lame.
Cam
I’ve spoiled her with stuffed animals her whole life, but I don’t think that’ll impress her anymore.
Operator 17
You’re right, this calls for an extra special gift.
Operator 17
Do you want something educational or just fun?
Cam screws up his face at the “e” word. He leaves that stuff to Chloe’s parents.
Operator 17
Okay last question…
Operator 17
Do you want the toy to annoy your buddy? 😜
A wide grin breaks out on Cam’s face.
Operator 17
LOL Perfect. I know just the gift. Look for the Simpering Susie baby doll.
Operator 17
It looks like a real baby and comes with a bunch of accessories.
Operator 17
It’s all the rage right now — and the best part is that it cries and babbles incessantly. LOL
Cam quickly finds the toy Daisy is talking about.
He pushes the test button and the doll begins to wail in simulated discontent.
Cam
Got it! This is awesome — thank you.
Operator 17
My pleasure! You’ll have to let me know how the present goes over with your goddaughter.
Cam
While I’m surrounded by squealing kindergartners today, what will you be doing?
Operator 17
I have a family barbeque, so there’ll be a few little ones running around by me, too.
Cam
And what are you wearing to this family barbeque?
Cam
I want to be able to picture you as I’m being tortured with things like Pin the Braid on the Princess games.
Operator 17
LOL Something tells me you’re just a big kid at heart.
Operator 17
You probably can’t wait to play the games.
Cam
You could be right ;)
Cam
Now give this kid at heart something to think about…please?
Operator 17
I’m wearing a pale yellow sundress…
Operator 17
With a matching lace bra and thong underneath.
Cam’s dick twitches at the image of yellow lace bisecting her round ass cheeks.
Shit, now is NOT the place to get a hard-on.
Cam
Goddamn, now I’m going to be tortured for entirely different reasons.
Operator 17
LOL If you text me later, I’ll be happy to show you a bit of mercy 😘
Cam
Looking forward to it, sweetheart.
Cam
I’d better go. Thanks again for the advice.
Operator 17
You’re very welcome. Have fun, CJ.
Cam stops himself from responding with the kind of fun he’d LIKE to be having.
If he didn’t get out of there now, he’d be late for Chloe’s party.
Two hours later, Cam ducks around the corner of the house for a little privacy and takes out his phone.
Cam
Update: It was her favorite gift and I’ve already gotten the evil eye from her dad haha
Operator 17
That’s awesome! I’m so glad to hear that.
Cam
How’d you get to be such an expert on what little kids want?
Operator 17
I have a lot of experience with children.
Operator 17
I gave it to my niece last month and she went crazy for it 😉
Cam
Well I definitely owe you one.
Operator 17
I like the sound of that. How do you plan on repaying me?
Cam
I know what I’d do for you if I was there.
Operator 17
Ooh, do tell.
Cam
Well…first, I’d pull you into an empty room away from the party…
Operator 17
Ay Dios mío. You're off to a good start...
Cam
I like when you speak Spanish ;)
Cam
Want me to keep going?
Cam hears someone approaching a second before Chris comes around the corner.
Chris
There you are, dude, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.
Cam clears his throat and smiles at one of his best friends, hoping he doesn’t look too guilty.
Cam
Yeah, sorry, I just needed a bit of a breather from the chaos.
Chris laughs. Cam’s phone buzzes in his hand. He restrains himself from checking it.
Chris
Welcome to my world. And thanks a lot for that damn doll, asshole.
Chris
Remember, payback’s a bitch.
Cam
By the time I have kids, you’ll have forgotten all about it.
Chris
Come on, it’s time for cake. Chloe won’t start without her Uncle Cam.
Cam
Okay, go ahead. I’m right behind you.
As soon as Chris leaves, Cam unlocks his phone to get to his messages with Daisy.
Operator 17
Yes, keep going!
Operator 17
I want you to bend me over the nearest surface and flip up my skirt.
Operator 17
Yikes. Going down this path right now probably wasn’t the best idea.
Cam
Don’t apologize, I’m the one who started it.
Cam
But you’re right, doing this now isn’t the best idea.
Cam
Plus, I have to go so…raincheck?
Operator 17
I’d love that. Have a great rest of your day, CJ.
