Page 32 of Beck and Call

"I do know how, you know," he said with a laugh.

There were luxury cars along the wall. It was anyone's guess which belonged to the world's most eligible bachelor. I wasn't much of a car person, but even I recognized a Bentley, Aston Martin, Ferrari, several BMWs, various models of Mercedes, and a few Porches. Basically, it looked like a toy box for rich men. I expected him to stop at one of those, but he continued to surprise me. He stepped up to a Tesla.

"An electric car?"

"It's good for the environment. What did you expect me to drive," he gestured to the lavish cars surrounding his, "one of those?"

He opened my door and pushed the button to start the car. "Don't worry, I can get you one of those if you prefer."

"God, no," I blurted out.

"Why not? You don't like nice cars?"

"I could never see spending money on something that's sole purpose is to take me to places. Usually, places I don't want to go. I just can't see spending gobs of money on that."

He laughed. "You have the most interesting way of seeing the world."

The drive to the restaurant took under fifteen minutes. A valet was available when we arrived, and we were shown straight to a prime table near windows overlooking Lake Washington.

Since it was mid-autumn, the sun was starting to set at six in the evening. The window framed a lake nearly glowing with oranges, purples, and pinks as the sun began its descent below the horizon.

"My father likes to make an entrance. He will be here in the next few minutes."

"Is your mother going to join him?"

"He didn't mention her when he asked me to dinner. We usually have dinner a couple times a month and discuss the company. He retired, but he still holds the controlling shares in the company, and never lets me forget it."

"Why?"

"There's always an excuse. He retired ten years ago, so for a long time he argued I was too young. That stopped a few years ago. Now, he likes to argue I'm too unsettled to give complete control. Who knows what he'll argue next."

An older couple was guided to the table, and Beckett stood to greet them. My throat threatened to close in sudden panic, and I felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest. It was hard to imagine what they would think of me. They had a family that went back generations. A history of achievement and respect.

I was the daughter of a teenager turned drug addict. My father was a boy my mother met one summer, fell madly in love with, and who exited her life before she even learned she was pregnant. My grandmother didn't know his name, and thought it was possible he didn't even know I existed. I couldn't imagine they'd be thrilled at their son dating someone like me.

As soon as they were close enough, Mrs. Anderson embraced her son. Once she let go, Mr. Anderson took his turn. I'd expected a more reserved relationship like I'd seen with Jana and her parents. It appeared they were the kind of family I'd wished for as a child.

"I'm pleasantly surprised to see you," he told his mom. He smiled and a small dimple appeared. Faint lines appeared near his mouth suggesting he smiled more than I'd yet seen.

"When I overheard your father talking to Colter I realized you were bringing a woman to dinner, and I couldn't miss this. If you and your father start discussing business again, like you always do, I'll have someone to keep me company."

She extended her hand to me. "My son is taking too long to make introductions. I'm Grace Anderson, and this is his father Fitzgerald, or Fitz as we usually call him."

"It's very nice to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. My name is Evelyn Holmes, but everyone calls me Evie."

"Please, call us Grace and Fitz."

Beckett pulled out my chair for me, and his father did the same for Grace. Their mannerisms were strikingly similar, from the way they sat themselves down, unfolded their napkins across their laps, and reached for their water glass.

"My godson tells me you started at the company last week working as my son's assistant."

I looked to Beckett, and he reached under the table and squeezed my hand giving me a small measure of courage. "Yes, sir."

"Were the two of you already seeing each other?" Fitz pressed forward.

I wasn't sure if he was addressing me or Beckett, but I was relieved when Beckett answered for us. "I hired her and asked her to date me at the same time. But you already knew some of that I’m assuming since you took the liberty to alter my reservation in Berlin."

His parents shared a look, but otherwise didn't comment.

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