“Sometimes life gets in the way,” she said.
“It always gets in the way. You just have to adapt. You are a smart girl, what are you doing?”
“I’m doing what it takes,” she said.
“Don’t forget what you’re capable of. I don’t want to see your potential go to waste.”
“Thank you.” She finished her cone, and we walked back to the limo. “This was an amazing night.”
“I had fun. I should take you out more.”
“Yeah.” She got in the car before I could open the door for her.
When I got in, she scooted close and laid her head down on my shoulder. Her red and white gown contrasted starkly with the black leather seat. Her hair hung in curtains around her face. Her eyes were closed, and a smile lit her face.
Just having her next to me put me at ease.
She laid like that the whole way back to the house. I wanted to keep the limo outside and let her rest. I didn’t want to disturb her. She was perfect where she was, drowning in roses. I ran my index finger over her cheek. I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t help it.
A smile curved her lips, and she opened her eyes to look at me. I couldn’t help but tilt her chin to taste her lips.
“Are we there?” she asked.
“Yeah, would you like to come in?”
“Of course,” she said.
I walked around the back of the car to help her out of the limo and led her into the house.
“Thank you for taking me tonight,” she said, sitting down on the couch in the living room.
“You really enjoyed yourself?” I asked.
“I did.”
I poured myself a scotch and offered one to her.
“Oh, no thank you.”
“You know what my goal was today?” I asked when I sat down beside her.
“What?”
“I wanted to give you the time of your life, from the moment you woke up to the time you went to bed.”
“Oh,” she said, understanding lighting her eyes. She groaned and leaned her head back. “That spa.”
“You were dead set against going,” I said, grinning.
“I loved it, though,” she said.
“I’m glad.” I took a sip of my drink and swished the liquid around. “Your reaction to the presentation was a little surprising. I didn’t know you cared about cancer research so much.”
“It’s a little too close to home,” she said, her eyes darkening. “My dad is having some trouble. He was diagnosed with leukemia.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I said. “It must be difficult for you. And your father, of course.”
She bobbed her head back and forth, like she was unsure how to answer. “It’s not easy. That’s for sure. But we’re handling it. And my father has a sense of humor about the situation. He’s not letting it get him down. I think it bothers me and my mom more than it bothers him.”