“It’s fine, really. But what’s going on with her mother? Anything serious?” She didn’t want to be intrusive—maybe the woman was sick and was in the hospital, for all Benny knew—but she was curious for Ella’s sake.
Henry shook his head and took a drink of whatever was in his glass, something dark and caramel in color. “No. Other than forgetting what it’s like to grow up with an absent mother whose first
and only loyalty was to her career, she’s just fine.”
Huh. Benny didn’t really know too much about Henry Ellison other than he was likely worth millions alone because of his family’s company, he held late-night parties, and he was pretty good at his job at an ad agency. But it sounded like maybe growing up, his life wasn’t as charmed as she’d have thought.
“Before you think you know my life,” he interrupted, as if reading her thoughts, “why don’t we stick to what we’ve joined forces to accomplish. Getting you the date with Mr. Right and getting you out of my hair.” He took another sip. “What can you tell me about this guy? Other than the fact you can’t string together a sentence longer than two words in his presence. It might help us figure out the best way to approach him. Work into his good graces.”
She took her own drink, enjoying the heady flavor of the wine that was clearly triple the quality—and price—of her own choice at home. “He went to school in Portland, graduated with top honors, has been working at the practice for six years. Thirty-six years old, and as far as I know, never married. No kids.”
“I need more. How about sports? Music? Do you know what team he roots for? Does he prefer the symphony to rock concerts? That sort of thing.”
She thought about that one for a minute. “Oh. His car. There’s a sticker in the back window about the PGA Tour. I think he likes golf.”
“Okay, that’s an in. How are your golf skills?”
“Golf? Are you kidding? Trekking outside in the hot sun trying to get a little ball into a hole does not sound like my idea of fun. I’d rather skin my right arm with my teeth.”
He actually chuckled. “If this man that you think walks on water is a huge golf fanatic, how do you think he’s going to react when he hears your feelings about his favorite sport? You know, if you want, I could take you out for a few lessons. Maybe you’ll find it’s not as painful as you think.”
“Only if I’m desperate enough.”
“Don’t sweet-talk me, now,” he said wryly. “What else have you got? Any favorite foods or restaurants? Bars he hangs out at?”
She honestly didn’t know. And that realization was really depressing. Other than being perfectly perfect, with those sweet, smiling eyes and a voice like butter—and the details of his life appropriate for a résumé—she didn’t know much more about her crush.
Henry must have understood from her silence that she had nothing. “Why don’t you spend the next few days at work finding out whatever you can about the good doctor? Take a look around his office if you can—there’s got to be some insight.”
It made sense. Even if it felt a little weird to have to spy on her own colleague.
“The other possibility is you could actually hold a conversation with the man. See what he did over the weekend. In fact, why don’t I set you up with one little task to do first thing Monday.” She looked up to see him appraising her. “You’re going to hold an actual bona fide conversation with the man. And initiate it if you have to.”
Her stomach roiled at the prospect. What if she couldn’t even squeeze a word out and ended up hyperventilating and passing out?
Henry was smiling. “Here’s what you’re going to do.”
Chapter Six
Henry was not in a good mood when at nine o’clock Monday morning his sister finally called him back to assure him she was in town and would be picking up her daughter from day camp.
“Henry. I already told you how much I appreciate you helping me out of that jam. Are you wanting blood, too?” Morgan quipped when he answered.
“Funny. How’d your trip go?” he asked, wanting to ease into the discussion.
“Fantastic, actually. Not only did the seminar sell out, but I unloaded close to two thousand copies of my books.”
“Great to hear, Morgan.” He really was happy for her success. Like him, his sister hadn’t wanted to rest on their family’s laurels when she set out. She’d wanted to do it on her own, and from all accounts was doing it well. It wasn’t her career, however, he was worried about. “Ella’s just fine, in case you were wondering.”
She paused just for a moment. “Yes, I’m sure she is, Henry. I knew that she’d be more than fine in your capable hands. Are you seriously about to give me attitude because I trusted her care to you this weekend? Knew you’d have everything under control?”
“No, but I am giving you shit because Ella missed you. And from what I’ve learned from her, she’s barely seen you more than I have over the past month. She needs you, Morgan.”
“I love Ella more than anything on this earth,” she said quietly, but the anger was there. “Everything I’m doing—these tours, these seminars and speaking engagements—is for her. For us. It might be a little rocky right now, but that’s because I need to create my platform. Once I have a steady fan base, name recognition that will sell my next book, then things will quiet down and I’ll be around a lot more. But really, Henry? You are the last person who should be dishing out advice about anyone’s personal life.”
He sighed. “I am only saying this because I love Ella and don’t want to see you repeat mistakes that…she made.” He didn’t have to say whom he meant. They both knew. No matter how long it might be, how grown-up they were, their mother and the pain their childhood caused would always be something they’d remember. “Don’t take for granted the best thing you have in your life.”
“I know you mean well, Henry. I do. But I’ve got this. I know what I’m doing. Is there anything else?”