The violinist played his jolly little tune to the background piano accompaniment. The patio of the restaurant was full of light in the dusk, candles and fairy lights, and the music swirled around. A happy occasion.

            Miss Parker stared into her drink and waited. Daddy had actually promised to celebrate her birthday with her this year. She couldn’t help hoping. She never could. Sometimes she knew it was a weakness, but hope still drew her to her many broken engagements with Daddy.

            A tall form dropped into a seat. She looked up, smiling. For once! He had come!

            “He’s not coming.”

            It wasn’t Daddy. It was Jarod. And she hated him for not being Daddy and for the look of intense sympathy on his face. Don’t pity me!