I paused, trying to figure out what a father would want to hear. "I can see you being worried about an older man with your daughter, treating her like some kind of beautiful trophy. But you know me, Frank. You know that's not my style at all."
He sighed heavily. "You're right."
"You also know how much I value education. In fact, as soon as I discuss it with her, I'm looking forward to helping her."
"That's not your concern."
"But what if it was?" An idea was forming. "Frank, I don't want this to get out, but my accountant updated me about my personal net worth yesterday." I'm not sure why I was hesitant to tell him the actual number. "Let's just say that I could pay for any education Brooke wants. At any school."
Another muffled curse. "You think you can just waltz in and take care of her however you see fit?"
"We work really well together. It will always be her choice."
Brooke came back out, hovering in the patio doorway.
"It sounds like you and Gloria are often busy with Katrina. I want to give that kind of attention to Brooke. Give her everything she could possibly want. Right now, I want to see if she'd like to go to an art gallery this afternoon."
"Send her home. We want to speak with her."
I sighed, looking at Brooke's wide, worried eyes. "I'll give her the message and ask her what she would like to do."
"I'll come pick her up right now."
"No." My firm tone surprised me. "If she wants to go, I'll let her drive my car."
"Why are you letting her drive that sports car, anyway?"
"It makes her happy, Frank. Plus she's a great, steady driver."
"Hmf."
"Did you not even know that about your own daughter?"
Silence.
"That's what I thought." It felt weird to be so short with my old friend, but he was being an ass. "I'll relay the message and she can decide. Goodbye."
Slipping my phone into my pocket, Brooke flung her arms around me. "You were so calm," she murmured. "Thank you."
"He wants you to come home right now. I was going to invite you to an art exhibition. We're getting some new artwork for the office lobby and I want to be able to make a few suggestions so they don't think I'm totally useless about anything besides my inventions."
Brooke's smile faded as she stared out across the lawn.
Perhaps it was immature, but I wanted her to choose me.
I wanted to feel like we were already a team. I wanted to be her man. Not to replace her father, but to be her special person at this new phase of her life.
But all I could do was hold Brooke gently, rubbing her back as I tried to relieve some of the stress that I was obviously causing my sweet girl.
13
BROOKE
I'd overheard Warrick and Dad discussing my education, and it sounded like a civilized conversation, like they were on the same page.
So I didn't need a recap of all that was said, but I knew that staying away any longer would create chaos. I decided to go home.
We got ready, and Warrick tossed me the keys so that I could drive.