Dad, dad, wake up. Aunt Sarah said you went on a date, and I want to hear everything. He groaned into his pillow, every muscle, protesting. Sleeping in wet jeans on top of the covers probably wasn't his smartest move, but he'd been too tired to care when he'd stumbled in at 1:00 in the morning. Sophie, inside voice, Sarah called from the doorway.
And maybe let your dad actually wake up before the interrogation. Ethan rolled over to find his daughter standing beside the bed, still in her dinosaur pajamas, brown eyes wide, with the kind of manic energy only children possessed before 8:00 a.m. Was she pretty? Did you kiss her? Are you getting married?
Jesus. So, he sat up, wincing at the ache in his back. How about we start with good morning? Good morning. Now answer the questions.
Sarah appeared behind Sophie holding two cups of coffee like a peace offering. I tried to make her wait in the car. Clearly that worked great. Ethan took one of the mugs gratefully. What time is it?
7:30. You're welcome. Sarah sat on the edge of the bed studying him with that older sister expression that meant she was cataloging every detail for later analysis. So, how did it go? Sophie bounced on her toes.
Did you like her? Ethan took a long drink of coffee, buying time. How did he explain last night to an 8-year-old? How did he explain it to himself? It was good, he said finally.
Weird, but good. Weird how? Sarah pressed. She was the one I helped. The car that broke down.
Sarah's eyes went wide. You're kidding. Nope. Fixed her Jaguar, rushed to the restaurant. She'd already left because I was late.
And then we figured it out and met at a diner instead. That's so romantic, Sophie squealled. Like a movie. It's something. Ethan ran a hand through his hair, realizing it was probably sticking up at weird angles.
She's Sarah. She's Vivian Hart. His sister's expression went blank. I'm sorry. What?
Vivien Hart. Hart Industries. The Viven Hart. No, no, that's not. Catherine said she was in finance.
Catherine lied or didn't know or decided billionaire CEO was too intimidating to lead with. Sarah stood up pacing the small bedroom. Ethan Vivien Hart is worth like I don't even know. Billions. Actual billions.
I'm aware. And you ate burgers with her at Rosy's diner. Seemed like the thing to do at the time. Sophie looked between them, confusion creasing her forehead. Is billions a lot?
Yes, sweetheart. Sarah said it's a lot. Does she have a castle? I didn't ask about her real estate portfolio, Sofh. His daughter climbed onto the bed, settling cross-legged beside him.
But did you like her for real? Not just because she's rich. Ethan looked at his daughter, too perceptive, too aware of adult complications, too familiar with the weight of things that shouldn't concern 8-year-olds. Yeah, he said honestly. I liked her.
She's different than I expected. Good. Different. I think so. Sophie grinned and it was like watching the sun come out.