Zita nodded. “But it’s her word that she was raped, which might not be enough.”
Bess trotted up to her, her expression hopeful. Zita reached into the backpack and drew out the ball. Bess jumped around in delight and then sped after the ball when Zita threw it.
“Sometimes I think life would be so much nicer if I were a dog,” she said.
“Only if you had a kind owner.”
She sighed. “True.” She had to cheer up. She wasn’t being a very pleasant date. “So how was your poker night?”
“Great. Colin’s parents are retiring, so he’s taking over the family business, and Lee showed us an ultrasound of his baby girl. He’s going to be wrapped around her finger.”
Zita smiled. “He’s looking forward to being a daddy?”
“Absolutely. He’s more excited than his wife. He’s been reading all the baby books and taking notes for the nursery.”
“That’s great. What about your other friend, Garth wasn’t it?”
“Yeah. He’s fine.” David was silent for a moment, then opened his mouth as if to speak and closed it again.
“What’s wrong?”
He sighed. “Just something the guys said about Dad.”
Curious, she asked, “What did they say?”
“That he wasn’t right for politics.”
She glanced at him. He seemed uncertain. “What do you think?”
“Dad’s always been Dad. Sure, he can be a bit aggressive at times, and he’s conservative, but he has to show he’s in control.”
“You never thought he was over the top?”
“Well, yes, but that’s just who he is.”
“And will who he is be good in politics?”
“I don’t know.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Part of me wants to say no just because I don’t want to be CEO.”
Zita hesitated. “Have you told him that?”
“No. I’ve only just realized it myself.” He shook his head. “How can I tell him? I’ve been groomed for the position since I was young and he wants to move on. It’s hardly fair.”
“You need to be happy as well.” She glanced over to him. “Do you know what you’d do instead?”
“Set up my own business.”
His response was so quick, he’d obviously been thinking about. “Doing what?”
“Consulting, helping other businesses grow.”
She smiled. “That sounds like a great idea.”
He shrugged. “It’s too late now.”
“It’s never too late. You just need to set some goals.”
He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. “Where have I heard that before?”
