A Girlfriend For Daddy

I have been divorced for almost a year... Ex moved out a year ago somewhere around today.
I've been on my own for a year.

I had the kids this weekend and I asked my oldest (who is almost 5) if it was ok if I got a girlfriend.
Just wanted to see how she would handle the subject because I expected some resistance... she still asks for me and mommy to live together again sometimes. I keep explaining that mommy and daddy don't get along and cant speak nice to each other, that's why we can't live together.

I did not expect "you have a girlfriend"

"No B (this is what I will call her), I don't"

"Yes you do, Delores is your girlfriend"

Delores and I were very, VERY careful when we interacted with the kids, that they saw us as nothing more than just friends. No touching inappropriately, no kissing, nothing to let them believe that this was anything more than a playdate.... and most times, that's what it really was. And B has not seen Delores in months

"B, Delores is my friend and you know that, just like Unkie M and Unkie P and Aunt A and Aunt M"
"No, Delores is your girlfriend, I like her."

"Well if I got a girlfriend, would you like her?"

"no, I like delores. She's nice. I like playing with P too (her son)"

Seriously.... I wish I could make this up. I can convince this child what she likes to do for fun. She WOULD NOT BEND on this. Delores was my girlfriend. So I tried the ol' "yes she is a girl, and she is my friend"
Nope...." Ms. J is your friend and she's a girl. Delores is your girlfriend"

Delores is my girlfriend.... Delores even said so on many occasions
I like that thought, but where did a not quite 5 yr old get this from?

I think back to the first time they ever met. Last Dec. My girl grabbed her hand and dragged her in the door begging for a story (this is an entire story in itself)..
My shy little girl grabbed her and talked NONSTOP

The young and innocent know.. they just know somehow

B still will barely speak to her hero, a person that owns a restaurant down the street and she has known him her entire life...You'll be lucky to get three words from her.

Delores won her over with a simple smile and a "Hi"

just one of the umpteen bajillion signs that come at me.

"No, delores is your girlfriend"