This takes place about two months after Nick's disbarment. I'm not quite sure if I got Trucy's age right, or if she should be a year older, but whatever. Be sure to review for some errors and improvements. Thank you for reading!
"Daddy? Are you preparing for that fancy party you told me about the other day?" Trucy said with an amused look on her face. Truth be told, she couldn't wait for her daddy to get going; she had been waiting all day for him to leave, particularly because of a certain TV show she fancies. Phoenix always forces her to sleep early – too early, in fact—but this time she was almost certain she wouldn't miss it, even if it does air during a late hour.
"Yep! …Say, is my necktie on right?" He turned from the mirror to the seven year old's direction, and held his magenta necktie with one hand. "It's been a while since I last wore a necktie, after all." He laughed at this, while Trucy only snickered.
"I don't think there's any problem with it," She shot him with a perplexed look. It looked okay to her, but she wasn't quite sure if it really was; so she decided to change the subject. "…Daddy, will you be out for long?" A sly grin started on her face.
"Hmmm…" Phoenix looked back at her suspiciously. "Why do you keep asking me so much questions? …Are you, perhaps, planning on doing something once I'm gone?"
Trucy flinched at her father's question. She made sure not to stutter when finally answering him, "Um, of course not, Daddy. It's just that… I'm not used to being here alone."
"Oh," Phoenix was taken aback as though he had just gotten a startling realization, and then frowned at his daughter. "well… would you be more comfortable if I didn't go to the party? You know, so I could stay here with you instead. I can do that if you wanted to. The party isn't all that important anyway." He smiled.
Upon hearing these words, Trucy immediately started regretting what she had told him, and stifled a scowl. She should have thought of a better answer! "Er, no! Daddy, I know you want to go to that party," she said defensively, "you've been fixing yourself for almost an hour now!" Phoenix blushed at his daughter's words. It was true, after all.
Trucy took a deep breath before continuing. "I'll be fine here by myself, daddy." She smiled at him, and raised her right pinky. "Pinky promise!"
Phoenix took a moment to ponder about what Trucy had just said, while his daughter secretly crossed her fingers behind her back. He took glances at the clock and Trucy alternately, and an awkward silence filled the room they were in. He took one last glance at Trucy, and it was clear that he had made his mind up.
"Okay then, Trucy," Phoenix said, fixing his necktie one more time before continuing, "you win. But only because you're right about one thing; I do want to go to that party. Bad." He let out a guffaw. "It's not every day I get invited to such events, after all!"
Phoenix took a glance at his wristwatch. "Well then, daddy's got to go now!" He reached for his coat and kissed Trucy on the forehead. "Be good while I'm gone, okay? I left a copy of my cell phone number in your room. Just give me a call when you need anything, okay?" And with that said, he fled to the front door, obviously in a rush. Was it because he was running late? Or was it because of his excitement? Trucy couldn't decide.
But she could care less about that. She ran to the couch and sat in it with a thud. Reaching for the remote control, a triumphant smile was plastered on her face; her plan proved to be successful, and she had all the time to herself. Tonight, she would have a date with the television… along with some snacks, and maybe even board games with Mr. Hat.