Page 50 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

They all sat at the dining table and faced the view of the city. A room service server spread out over a dozen small plates, all full of everything from appetizers and vegetables to seafood and meat dishes. There were even a few set to the side heaped with decedent desserts. Sean had disappeared and returned with a large stack of clean plates for them to put their samples on before picking up the bottle of wine. Traci was surprised to watch him pour three glasses, although one glass had less than a quarter portion.

"My in-laws are scandalized that I've started letting Ashley taste wine occasionally, but after spending so much time in Napa Valley and traveling in Europe, I wanted to educate her on some of the differences in wine production around the globe. It's always been an interest of mine and we've found it's something we enjoy together. Of course, I'm perfectly aware that she just likes it because I let her taste alcohol, but I have to do something to try to keep myself from earning the title of the world's meanest dad."

"Dad, I only called you that once and honestly, that day you deserved it."

"I'm sure I did, but Traci made sure to tell me last night that if I don't make you mad at me at least part of the time, then I'm not doing my job right."

Ashley turned on Traci with a look of horror. "Gee, thanks a lot!"

"Sorry, kiddo, but it's true."

"Let's have a toast to welcome Traci to our home for dinner tonight." They raised their glasses to clink together before each tasting a sip.

"Hmmm. This is a bit sweeter than you usually go, Dad."

"Very good. I wondered if you'd notice."

"Yes, I like it."

Traci added her approval. "I like it too. Where is it from?"

"It's a Moscato from California. I noticed you didn't drink much of the dry Riesling at dinner last night and thought I'd try something a bit fruitier tonight."

"Thanks, but the wine was fine last night. Maybe I was just trying not to overindulge and make a fool of myself on our first date."

"Ah, so you wanted me to drink too much and make a fool of myself on our first date?" "Better you than me!"

The three shared a goodhearted laugh. They spent the next hour in easy conversation while fighting to horde portions of their favorite dishes. Traci hadn't thought it was possible to have more fun with Sean than she had the night before, but tonight's dinner with Ashley included was even more perfect. Her subconscious kept trying to remind her that this was just temporary, but she tried to push the disappointment down. Even if she never saw Sean and Ashley after Friday, she wanted to enjoy her time with them now while she could.

"So, do you know how to ski, Traci? I mean living in Colorado, I bet you've got some great ski slopes near you."

"You bet. I'm pretty good. My brother, Troy, is the best skier I know. He used to ski competitively when he was younger."

"I've always wanted to learn how to ski."

"Hey, I offered to take you skiing last winter when we were in Utah. You turned me down."

Ashley gave her father an incredulous look. "Dad. You forget. I've seen you water ski. No offense, but I don't want you teaching me to snow ski."

"I resent that. I'm a decent skier and you can't possibly compare the two. I had never water-skied before that day and your Uncle Jim was a terrible driver of the boat. He wouldn't maintain enough speed to help me out at all."

"Sure, Dad. Whatever you say."

Traci loved listening to their playful banter, although several times tonight she'd almost felt like an outsider. "Well, I'd be happy to teach you to ski, Ashley, if you ever make it out to Colorado."

"Can we, Dad? Can we visit Traci this winter and go skiing?"

An awkward silence descended on them for the first time since Traci arrived. Sean looked at Traci with intensity. They'd known each other for such a short time that to make plans to vacation together seemed a bit ridiculous.

"I think that's an awesome idea, Ashley. As long as Traci doesn't mind, that is."

"I'd love to have you both come to Colorado for a visit."

"I think we should play a board game!"

Sean groaned. "Ashley, I don't think so."

"You always say that. I bet Traci likes board games."

---