Page 13 of Daddy's Game

“There’s not much tea to spill. We had dinner, and we talked. That was pretty much it.”

“What did you talk about? The center?”

“Yes. Well, a little. I mean, not that much actually. He did say he’s not giving up on acquiring this lot, though.”

“Uh huh. You must have had fun.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You’re glowing.”

“That’s just my cocoa butter skin cream.”

“Bullshit.”

I rolled my eyes and tossed my pen down.

“What do you want me to say, Selma?”

“I want you to tell me how he made you feel.”

I pursed my lips as I considered the question. “I guess he made me feel…appreciated.”

It was something of a cop out answer, but was also partly true.

“There’s nothing sexier than appreciation,” she said, sucking in air through her clenched teeth. “Especially from a man as fine as that.”

“He’s not that fine.”

“Oh, yes he is, and if you were honest you would not deny it. What happened at the end of the night?’

I shrugged. “He walked me to my door, and then he left.”

“Is that all?”

I considered not telling her anything else, but then I would have had to lie about the construction crew outside working on the lot.

“No, not quite. He asked me out again.”

“Oh my god.” She clapped her hands over her mouth. “I knew it. I knew you guys had off the charts chemistry.”

“It’s not like that,” I said quickly, my cheeks burning. “I only agreed to go out with him again because he said he would fix the parking lot.”

“I was wondering how you got contractors out here so damn fast. You go, girl. If you let him get to second base we might end up with an actual working elevator–”

“Oh god, Selma, knock it off.” I put my head in my hands. “I already feel like I made a mistake. Maybe I should pay the crew myself out of the donation he already made?”

“You could do that, if you were an idiot. Let the rich guy blow his money trying to impress you. Do it for the center if for nothing else.”

“I can’t.” I sighed, picking up my phone. “I have to call Brock and make this right.”

Selma threw up her hands in the air and turned to leave.

“Fine, you do you. Just keep in mind I think this is a mistake.”

“That's obvious.”

I started the call as she left. I fully expected, perhaps even hoped that I would get his message service. After all, he was a damn busy man.

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