Page 65 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming
“Not that much different, honestly. He was sweet, generous, kind, and silly. He loved flowers and taught me some stuff about them, and he loved museums and art—and he still is and loves all those things.”
They all get into the car.
“Did he do that thing where he smiles and looks down when you give him a compliment?”
“Yes, he did.”
“He did that when I said he was the best daddy in the whole world when I was seven.”
“That’s so sweet, pattycake.” Aimee takes Patrick’s face in her hand and playfully squeezes it.
He takes her hand and kisses her fingers.
“Oh, my God! Is that your nickname for my dad?”
“Not since we were kids, but yeah.”
They get in the car and during the ride, Courtney asks a few more questions about Aimee and Patrick when they were little. Ms. Courtney is sipping a soda and almost does a spit take after Aimee told her about the time Patrick sang to her.
“He did what?”
“At least, he tried to. Your daddy can’t sing worth a lick.” Aimee laughs.
“It was definitely the thought that counted with that one.” Patrick chuckles and rubs the back of his neck.
An hour later, they arrive at LAX and board a private jet, courtesy of Braxton Hamilton. Aside from real estate, Patrick doesn’t own anything too big. He has money, but he doesn’t flash it with ostentation. He’s more subtle. Aimee enjoys that about him. But he did want to treat her to the experience of a private jet, which she also can appreciate.
Not long after takeoff, Courtney is out cold. Patrick explains that she was so excited about the trip she stayed up all night doing last-minute planning. She’s filming a special segment for her show, and she wants to meet so many people and buy so many things.
“She’s a sweetheart. She did seem a little shy around me, but at least she seems to be open to giving me a fair shot,” Aimee says.
Patrick strokes her face with the back of his hand. “She’s very open. If anything, she was just as nervous as you were.”
“I’m not sure what she heard her mom say, so I wasn’t sure how she would see me. Not to mention, I’m the first woman her dad has introduced her to. There was so much riding on this.”
“I understand. Sheila and I had a talk with her, and Sheila expressed regret over speaking badly about you where Courtney could hear her.”
“She did?”
“She did once I told her she’d no longer have a personal trainer.”
“How are things with her since the move?”
“Better, she seems to have realized that there is no chance between us, and more importantly, she now understands that I don’t play about you.”
Aimee looks at him with hooded eyes. “If Courtney wasn’t here, I’d take you to the bathroom,” she says, her voice low and husky.
Patrick smirks. “You trying to join the mile high club, baby?”
He looks at Aimee with bright, hopeful eyes. He takes off his seat belt and leans over, waving his hand in front of Courtney’s closed eyes to make sure she’s still asleep.
“Patrick, don’t.” Aimee giggles as she whispers.
“Yes, daddy, don’t,” Courtney says with her eyes still closed.
“Sorry, baby.”
“Yeah, sorry, Courtney.”
