Page 40 of Prince of Tides
I hadn’t had a chance to decide where we were going. Rip had simply said he knew a place. When we’d arrived atLeblanc’s,I couldn’t exactly argue with his choice of dinner joint. It was one of the finest in the city and served a mean surf-n-turf that I had gorged on more than once.
Rip frowned at the back of the host who had seated us. “I suspect I will have several for you as well.”
“Why is that?” I asked, curious. I’d expected to be the one doing the interrogation.
“He didn’t accept my money,” Rip said, opening his hand to show the bill. “I asked for the nicest house in the seat. I mean, seat in the house. So, why did he refuse my money? And keep looking at you? Did I do something wrong? Is it not polite to tip when asking for a specific seat?”
“It is,” I said, covering up a smile. “But it was unnecessary here.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you’re with me,” I said. “That’s why.”
“You’re the most beautiful woman in here, I agree,” Rip said. “But does it really work that way? You wave a hand, and there we go?”
I blushed while giggling. “First off, thank you for that. I certainly don’tfeelbeautiful, not right now, at least, but that’s still appreciated. And secondly, no, it’s because of who I am.”
“I don’t get it. Do you own it? Please don’t tell me you own it. That would be so awkward if I brought you to your own restaurant,” Rip said plaintively.
“No, not at all. It’s just I’m somewhat well-known in the city,” I said.
“You are?”
“Well, my father is, but by translation, the rest of us are as well. It’s the same reason I told you in the car that it doesn’t matter when you said you’d pay all the expenses for the baby.”
“I get your father has money,” Rip said. “But …”
“Listen, I’d really rather not talk about this in detail,” I interrupted, becoming immensely uncomfortable the more we walked about it. “But my last name is Stillers, if you didn’t know.”
Rip stared at me blankly. It was at that moment the waiter came by for our orders. I decided not to deviate from the surf-n-turf, my stomach already growling in expectation.
“The ‘ArmDef Protocols’ Stillers?” I pressed once we were alone. “We’re the largest employer in the city.”
“Never heard of you,” he said with a shrug. “Sorry.”
I leaned back, put off by his answer.Everyoneknew us. Armament Defense Protocols, more commonly referred to as ArmDef, was my father’s company and a behemoth in the city, mainly for high-end factory work but also its robust research and development lab that employed thousands of workers. Employment was highly sought after, and we had very low turnover, which I was proud of as one of the HR heads.
“I’m sorry if you’re offended,” Rip added into the silence.
“Honestly, no, quite the opposite,” I said. “It’s kind of nice not to have a reputation precede me.”
“Meaning what?”
“Do you have any idea how hard dating is once people find out I’m one of ‘those’ Stillers? Even friends were hard to keep. Money has been a blessing. I’ve been able to do many things others haven’t, and I recognize that, but don’t ever let anyone tell you there are no downsides. I’ve lost countless friends and potential boyfriends because of it. Either through intimidation of how much my father is worth, or worse, false friends who just want a piece of it.”
Rip reached across the table to take my hand and squeeze it. “I’m sorry you had to put up with that. You deserve better.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I’m not perfect, though. I’ve worked hard not to be a rich snob, but … sometimes it shows. But, as I said, I don’tneedyour money. Now, can wepleasetalk about something else? Something that doesn’t have to do with my bank account? I am so much more than that. I didn’t even earn it. It was gifted to me.”
“Of course,” Rip said, squeezing my hand. “If not money, then whatdoyou need from me?”
“For starters, someone who isthere,” I said immediately. “I’m keeping this baby, Rip, but I amterrified. I need a rock, a shoulder, someone who can be with me through the journey. A father to our child. Maybe a partner, if that works out, I don’t know. But apresence. Promise me that.”
He squeezed my hand again while staring into my eyes, letting me see deep into him.
“I swear to you, I will always be there when you or our child need me,” he said with a gravitas I couldn’t quantify. There was more to it on his end than just an oath to me. He promised something to the baby as well. “In whatever way you need me, I will be present.”
“Even if I decide to be co-parents only?”
