“I played baseball in college, almost went pro.”
Ella sipped her wine, getting a nice little buzz. She felt more relaxed than she had since she had arrived. “What stopped you?”
“Dear old dad.”
“That sucks. I’d have thought he’d have been proud to have a son so accomplished.”
“He thought it was foolish. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps and take over the family business. I went to law school instead… my other dream and a little less risky. My younger brother opted out as well. Sis too. Father got screwed by all three of his offspring. Except now the company retains my legal services, so in the end I still work for him.”
“I can totally see you as a baseball hero. Women throwing themselves at your feet. What do your sister and brother do besides travel?”
“Griffin, he’s the youngest, is a playboy, lives off the family fortune. Hell of a golfer, was on the pro-circuit for a while, but that took too much of a commitment. Faye same, she flits around the world, a free spirit, and she is actually a very talented artist with an artist’s soul to go with it.”
There entree arrived and since it was fish Kyle easily tackled it without any help from Ella. “This is delicious,” she said.
“I have an amazing chef. Speak of the devil.”
“Bonjour, Mr. Bennett.Mademoiselle,” he said bowing slightly as he held out his hand to Ella. She grasped it and he placed a kiss on the back of her hand. “How are you enjoying your dinner this evening?”
“Splendid, really. One of the best meals in my entire life,” Ella said sincerely.
“You are too kind. I will leave you to it.”
“Thanks, Jacques,” Kyle said.
“My pleasure. If you’re ready we’ll bring out your dessert,crème brûlée.”
Ella putting her hands on her stomach said, “Oh no, my favorite.”
“This is a problem?” Jacques asked confused.
“Yes, because I’m ready to explode. I don’t know where I’ll put it.”
He smiled, “Maybe you could save it for later, penses-tu?”
“I’m going to have to take up French if I hang around Mr. Bennett much longer,” she said giggling.
“You are enchanting. Please,bon appétit.”
“Now that I understand, thank you so much.”
“I think you have another conquest,” Kyle said after the chef departed.
“He’s just a flirt.”
“I’ve entertained women here before and have never seen that kind of reaction. Jacques is usually a pretty cool character.”
Flustered Ella quickly changed the subject, “Back to our previous conversation, you and baseball and career choices, and siblings.”
“Enough about me and my fucked-up family. Will you teach me to paddle board after this broken body heals?” Kyle asked.
“You remembered," she said.
“Are you kidding me? I couldn’t get the visual out of my brain. It gave me something to fantasize about while I was confined to my hospital bed. You in a bikini, standing on a board, smokin’ hot!”
Her eyes lit up at the compliment, “I’d be happy to teach you.”
“Deal. This near-death experience has given me a new perspective… or maybe just reminded me that there are other things besides work. Finn needs more of his dad even if I suck at it.”