MY DAUGHTER AND I HAVE A “CODE WORD” — WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY IS WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES TOO.

“I’m Claire, Amy’s mom,” I said, feeling my patience thinning. “And you are?”

Her expression stayed cold. “I’m Lisa. Dave’s girlfriend. We’ve been living together for a few weeks now.”

I blinked, stunned. Dave had never mentioned a girlfriend, much less one who had moved in. Amy hadn’t said anything either. But this wasn’t the time to unpack surprises—I came for my daughter.

“Well, Lisa, I just remembered that Amy has a doctor’s appointment early tomorrow morning, and we need to go over a few things before then,” I lied while forcing a polite smile. “I forgot to mention it to Dave. I’ll just take her and bring her back later.”

Lisa didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t fight me. “Fine, but I’ll let Dave know.”

“Of course,” I said, stepping past her.

Amy was on the couch coloring. When she saw me, her face lit up—but beneath that smile I saw unmistakable relief.