“If I had known I’d be getting a room here I wouldn’t have waited all these weeks to get in touch with Simon,” Onslow said with a grin.
Heather frowned. “I thought getting in touch with Simon was a spur of the moment decision after you saw the article about him.”
“Oh... well.” He shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “I just meant that I’ve missed him so much—”
“You said that you hadn’t even planned on seeing him when you first came to Seattle,” she said, cutting him short.
Onslow cleared his throat and cast a desperate glance in Simon’s direction. Before she could press him for more, Simon turned around and smiled. “You’re getting the best room, Dad. It’s all arranged.”
“Thank you so much,” Onslow said. “This is real nice of you.”
Unease flooded her. His father’s explanation had sounded so feeble.
“I’ve got your room key, so we can go upstairs,” Simon said.
Heather looked right at his father. “Onslow, where are your bags?”
“I...I guess I left that at my friend’s house,” he said in a shaky voice.
“Didn’t you say you had planned on staying at a hotel after your visit with Simon? Wouldn’t you have your bags with you?” she asked. “Come to think of it, how did you even get to Simon’s apartment?”
Onslow’s shoulders sagged. “I took the bus. I’m working, but I haven’t gotten settled here yet. I’m sorry. Maybe this was a mistake—”
“No, it’s not a mistake.” Simon glared at her. “Heather, what’s with all the questions? I said I’d take care of my father’s room. Not everyone is as well off as I am. Of course he isn’t going to have a bunch of bags with him.”
Simon shook his head in frustration and started heading for the elevator at the other end of the lobby.
With a sigh, Heather took Finn’s hand and they all stepped into the elevator. When they got to the right floor, they made their way to Onslow’s room and walked inside.
The room was huge, furnished in the most elegant antique style. Almost everything was cream, from the walls accented with gold furnishings to the plush carpet under their feet.
Onslow’s mouth fell open as he walked inside. “Simon, this place is incredible.”
“Wait until you see the bathroom,” Simon said.
Onslow grinned. “I can’t thank you enough. The way you’ve been able to change your life is remarkable, son. I know I’ve had nothing to do with your success, but I’m so proud of you.”
“It’s good to hear you say that,” Simon said.
“I should have been more understanding when you were growing up,” Onslow said, his voice cracking just a little. “I’ve screwed things up so badly I don’t think we’ll ever be able to put the past behind us.”
Simon placed his hand on his father’s shoulder for a moment. “Let’s just work on catching up. That way, we won’t be putting any pressure on ourselves.”
“See?” Onslow turned to Heather and smiled. “My son was always a smart kid.”
Heather nodded stiffly. “Simon is the smartest person I’ve ever met.”
“Well, why don’t you all go get some ice cream while I get settled in here,” Onslow suggested.
Simon hesitated. “Are you sure, Dad? We’d love for you to join us.”
“No, go have your fun. You don’t want your old man tagging along on a date with your lovely girlfriend,” Onslow said with a wave of his hand.
“Okay. In that case, let me have your cell number so that we can stay in touch,” Simon said. “I can also give you my Dover extension number if you want to call my office directly.”
“Now we can stay in touch and make plans to see each other soon.” Onslow grabbed his phone from his pocket and they exchanged numbers.
With the numbers exchanged, they said their goodbyes to Onslow and made their way to the restaurant downstairs and ordered gelato. While they waited for their ice cream, Simon glanced at her and said, “Heather, can I talk to you for a second?”