"Barton," Andrew interrupted. "You're talking too much."
"Sorry, sir." Barton winked at Debra before slipping out.
"Do you really pull a mean face outside?" she teased. "What's that look like? I want to see it."
But Andrew stayed chill. "He's making it up. Don't buy it."
"Oh? I thought you were different toward me. Guess it's the same for everyone," she said, faking a pout.
She snuck a glance, hoping for a reaction. He caught her little game, smiling faintly. "You've been dying to hit that new amusement park. Still wanna go?"
Her face lit up. "Didn't you say you were too busy? Did your dad finally cut you some slack? You're taking me?"
"Yeah," he said. "I can squeeze in some time at three this afternoon."
"Three's too late."
"There's a fireworks show at night. It's the best I could swing."
His tone carried a hint of helplessness.
As the future head of the Potter family, his plate was always full. Dylan had gotten lazier over the years, dumping everything on him. Free time was a pipe dream.
"It's fine. As long as you're with me, even an hour's enough," she beamed.
Barton set the pastries down, hesitating. "What about Ms. Frazier?"
"Someone will pick her up."
Andrew's face stayed blank. Barton blinked. He'd never seen Andrew like this.
Andrew always went all out for Debra and never broke a promise. For this trip, he had pulled all-nighters to clear his schedule.
It wasn't his place to pry, but Barton couldn't help it. "Sir, she wants to go with you. No one else can fill your shoes. She'll be bummed if you ditch her like this."
He turned and left.

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