‘Come on, time for a quick shower,’ Rafa smiled. ‘You did a great job today and burned up a lot of calories. Now it’s time to replenish those calories and have a little treat as a reward for all your work.’

This restaurant is super-nice.

I’ve experienced some nice places through travelling with work, but this is the kind of venue that doesn’t even have a booking system it’s so exclusive.

And the fact that Rafa walked in and got us the perfect table out back in the garden is just incredible.

With raised stone levels and bright flowers amongst the greenery, this is one picturesque setting that could just as easily be in rural Italy as it could be in the middle of a bustling metropolis.

I guess being a retired tennis champ has its perks!

‘Daddy, this food is just next level,’ I say, chomping down on my pasta. ‘I didn’t think I’d beat the tagliatelle I tried in Milan, but this might just do it!’

‘I’m glad you’re enjoying it,’ Rafa says. ‘But tell me more about your work. I want to get to know every part of you. I can’t be a good Daddy unless I know what motivates you, what drives you on at work.’

‘Thank you for asking,’ I giggle. ‘The last thing most people want to talk about is my work. I guess I began to assume that most people just found it really boring.’

‘I ain’t most people,’ Rafa says, a look of total focus on his face. ‘I mean it, I actually want to know every detail.’

I’m a bit taken aback.

But in a good way.

Whether it’s giving me the best aftercare or making sure that I’m feeling all safe and cozy, Rafa really does want to look after me and protect me. Knowing about my work plays into that too. And I love that just because Rafa’s a big tennis champion, it doesn’t mean that his ego won’t let him see beyond himself.

‘Well, I’ve got a big deal with someone called Frank Debussy,’ I say, suddenly feeling ready to unload. ‘It’s a great deal. I worked on the details for so long and everything checks out just right. It’s a great deal for him, and it’s one that works great on my side too. The only problem is I can’t get Debussy to sign off on the deal. I don’t know what it is, but every time I think he’s going to formally accept, something happens and he stalls.’

‘Hmm, sounds like Frank needs a paddling,’ Rafa says, a broad grin on his face. ‘But seriously, if you know it’s a good deal then I’m sure he’ll come round. Is there another way you could approach him? He might just need one slight nudge in the right direction and that’ll be all it takes.’

‘But…’

‘No buts, you’ve got this,’ Rafa says, his voice firmer now. ‘If Daddy thinks his baby boy can get the deal done, then that’s what’s going to happen. You can do it. I know you can.’

I try to speak but just smile.

It feels good to know that a Daddy like Rafa believes in me.

Some Daddies that I’ve dated in the past have seen my career as a threat to them. They couldn’t have been real Daddies to have an attitude like that. But even though Rafa is young, he’s confident enough in himself to want to see me achieve my career goals.

‘I’ll take that cute smile as ayes, Daddy,’ Rafa chuckles. ‘Now, you know I mentioned a little sweet treat? Well how about we check out the dessert menu. I know for a fact that the triple-choc cake is something from another planet. But maybe you might like to combine that with some freshly made ice cream?’

‘Daddy, you know the way to my heart,’ I say, finishing off the pasta. ‘But what about my fitness?’

‘You’ve worked hard today, you’ve earned this,’ Rafa replies. ‘Fitness is a long-term thing. I’ll exercise you consistently, don’t you worry about that baby boy. And on that basis, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with eating some of the finest dessert that New York City has to offer…’

With the sun shining over our heads and the plush green of the restaurant garden surrounding us, I think this might just end up being the best lunch date of my entire life.

After lunch was all done, Rafa decided that it would be a good idea to go for a nice walk in the park.

After walking and talking for a while, we found a quiet spot to sit down and unwind.

But I had no idea what Rafa had in store…

‘A bottle? For me?’ I say, smiling uncontrollably at the sight of Rafa sitting across from me with a bottle of milk in his hand. ‘Here?’

‘Sure, why not?’ Rafa says. ‘We’ve picked a quiet spot. And to be honest, once you’re all snug up against me with the bottle in your mouth, we’ll just look like we’re making out or something. Trust me, no one will give a second glance.’

This is too good to be true.