Page 10 of Daddy's Game

“Not at all. I was taught charity is best done anonymously. Besides, if you really wanted to know you could just look it up on the internet. I can’t hardly sneeze without the press making a big deal out of it.”

Grace raised an eyebrow. “Who taught you that? The anonymous charity thing, I mean.”

“My father. He was a great man.”

“Was?”

“He was a surfing champion before he entered the business world. And he never gave up on his passion...”

I took a sip of wine, bracing for the next bit.

“We used to travel all over together, chasing waves and opportunities. He went on the last trip alone. There was a tsunami, and he…he didn’t make it. I was twenty. That’s when I took over the business.”

“I’m so sorry.”

I nodded and cleared my throat. “Anyway, he’s the one who taught me the ‘anonymous charity thing,’ as you say.”

She looked at me with a new light in her eyes. I found her very beautiful at that moment.

“All right then,” Grace said after a sip of wine. “I’ll try to keep an open mind. I’m still not selling, though. Not ever.”

“I respect your conviction,” I said as our dessert course arrived. “But I’m afraid I’m not giving up yet.”

“I appreciate your candor.”

She barely glanced at the glass dish filled with rich, velvety soft chocolate cake in front of her as she picked up her fork.

“May the best woman win.”

I cackled with spontaneous laughter, and nodded.

“As you like. You should try the cake. It’s one of Chef Sarducci’s signature dishes.”

She pushed her fork into the cake, then lifted a bite to her red painted lips. Her expression changed, and a sublime look of satisfaction came over her features. An appreciative moan escaped her throat.

“Okay, I have to admit, that’s the best damn chocolate cake I’ve ever had.”

I smiled, feeling pleased that she was enjoying it. I felt I could just sit and watch Grace eat appreciatively for hours.

We finished our dinner, and I gave her a ride back to her place. I even walked her up to her door. As she unlocked her apartment, I fired another salvo.

“I’m sorry I couldn't convince you to change your mind about selling, but I had a great time anyway.”

She paused, as if considering whether to give voice to her thoughts. Then she nodded.

“I did too.”

“You sound surprised.”

“Why wouldn't I be?” she shrugged. “You’re different than I expected.”

“How so?”

She considered the query and then shrugged again.

“You’re warm. Charming, even. And a lot less pretentious than I would have thought.”

“Thank you. May I say that you are the charming one between us, however. In fact…” My eyes narrowed slightly and my voice dropped an octave. “I’d like to take you out again sometime. And not mention the center at all.”

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