Page 45 of The Last Date

“Well, I think you need both sides, I mean, there is no business side without good food, but that’s all right. It’s all about balance.”

“Are you able to stay balanced without the booze?”

I thought that was a bit of a rude question, but let it slide, given the circumstances.

“Absolutely. A couple of years ago I was overworked and getting stressed out, but I didn’t want to be tempted in a low moment. So I stepped back a bit. I hired brilliant people to take over a lot of the work, so that I could work easier, steadier hours. Now I can oversee things from a bird’s eye view without getting caught up in the day-to-day stress. I can concentrate on the things I love, like designing new menus with my sous chefs. I have managers to deal with the little inconveniences.”

“It sounds like you’ve plotted this very carefully.”

“Yes. I’m never going back to that old life again. Everything now is about growing and expanding. And not just in the financial sense.”

I paused, smiling to myself. “I really do enjoy nurturing people. Not just through food. I love giving younger folks their first job in the kitchen, and teaching them discipline and focus. Finding a young cook and giving them the opportunity to work with me, learn from me. It makes me ridiculously happy.”

Carter stared at me very strangely, then blurted, “What are your intentions with my daughter?”

“First off, I’m encouraging her to start painting again,” I said smoothly. “She obviously loves art and has a wonderful eye for color, texture and movement. Somehow she got it in her head that she’s not good enough, but if she enjoys it, I want her to try it again and be happy.”

“Being an artist is hardly a stable life,” Carter said, shaking his head emphatically. “That is absolutely not right for her.”

“It doesn’t matter if she never sells or even shows her paintings,” I said. “Even if she only gave them to her family and friends as holiday presents, I’m positive that she would enjoy the creative process. You should have seen her eyes light up when I asked her to look up art supplies one day, and make a list of what she wanted.”

Realizing that I just revealed we’d been spending more time together than he knew about, I quickly shut up.

“I’m sure that you can tell I don’t approve,” he said slowly. “You’re much too old for her. You’ve had a very different life. I don’t think that you’d be good for her.”

“I think that’s up to Sasha, Sir ,” I said as gently as possible. “She is an incredible girl.”

“That’s the thing,” he snapped. “She’s just a girl.”

“She’s also a remarkable young woman,” I said. “Just because she’s been a bit sheltered doesn’t mean that she can’t catch up. Everyone in my new offices is still raving about the art collection she put together.”

Carter leaned back, nodding. “So you were the guy who bought the thirty-two paintings.”

“It was my decorator, actually. I just suggested he check out her gallery.”

“You think you have this all figured out,” Carter said, his voice darkening. “Sasha’s going to come to her senses. You’re the first guy that she’s dated without us knowing about it first, so she thinks it’s terribly exciting.”

“Is there no way that you could think for one second that we are meant to be together?” I asked.

His glare was pure ice. “Absolutely not. She’s a good girl. There’s plenty of time for her to realize that she can do better.”

“Better than a billionaire who absolutely adores her, and wants nothing more than to spend his entire life making her happy?” I asked, staring straight into his eyes. “She’s a beautiful angel, and just needs a little gentle encouragement to find herself.”

He shook his head. “She’ll come around. She’s young and flighty. It’ll be a very long time before she makes any final decisions and gets tied down.”

I pulled out my phone, quickly flipping to a photo, setting it on the table in front of him. If this were poker, I was completely revealing my hand, but it felt like the right move. He wasn’t a gambler.

Carter blinked at the photo of a huge diamond ring set in rose gold as if it were a weapon.

“I’ve already asked my jeweler to start sending me ideas,” I said slowly. “I know that traditionally I’m supposed to ask you for her hand in marriage, but I find that archaic. If Sasha wants me, she can have me. If she doesn’t, I will wish her well, but I’ll still encourage her to paint and to keep exploring life outside of the little bubble you’ve designed for her.”

I swear I saw a shudder run through Carter’s shoulders as he stared down at my phone. Standing up jerkily, he turned and walked out without another word.

I didn’t know whether or not I should warn Sasha that he would be coming home in a terrible mood. Picking up my phone, I figured I was better safe than sorry.

Me: Your dad just came by the restaurant to speak to me. I assume he’s on his way home, in a very bad mood. Just thought I should warn you.

Sasha: Thanks.

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