Page 268 of Enthrall Shadows
And anyway, I’d presented to them a great new flavor, totally believing in what I had created.
“I’ve always been fond of Florida.” Dad pushed up from his chair. “See you at dinner, Lotte.”
“You too, sir.”
“Call me Raif.” He winked. “Always good to see my boys. You’re staying a few days?”
“Yes, Dad, if that’s okay,” said Cameron.
And that was it. Dad walked out without saying another word.
Those sieved leaves that lay in the saucer were a precious reminder of how a delicious flavor can be enhanced with delicate chocolate shavings.
Cameron grinned. “You’re taking Cole Tea to a new level of luxury.”
Lotte got up from her chair and came to stand behind me, wrapping her arms around my neck and hugging me.
“Bravo,” said Cameron.
Leaning in to kiss my cheek, Lotte said softly, “Your dad loved it.”
And to prove it, the teacup sat empty.
The boat swept over the faint opal-colored waters of Lake Geneva.
Lotte and I had stolen an afternoon away just for us.
I’d sailed luxury motor yachts since childhood; my interest in the Navy inspired by those frequent trips out to sea. This waterway was pleasantly familiar.
We sat on the outer deck, taking in the charming homes and businesses nestled in the hills. Seeing countless restaurants and cafes and sprawling vineyards.
I’d found a quiet place to idle the engine so we could savor this view.
Lotte shielded her face from the sun’s reflection as she took in the majestic alpine scenery stretching between the French and Swiss shores.
When she glanced back at me, her face lit up.
“Like it?”
She reacted with surprise that I’d even ask. The view was awe-inspiring.
“I don’t recognize my life.” She swept her hand through the air. “This is incredible.”
“Sometimes that’s how it works.”
“Thank you for bringing me.”
“Thank you for being here.”
“It’s a far cry from an afternoon clinic in Beverly Hills.”
“I hope my brother is a good boss.”
“He’s a great boss,” she said. “He balances work a lot, stays busy with the Foundation.”
Cameron dutifully ran the side of Cole Tea that ensures we give back on the grandest scale. He’d also had a hand in the renaming of Cole Tower after me.
He was the best kind of brother, friend, and dare I say, occasional therapist.
