After placing a call to the concierge and handing the phone over to me to tell her what I need, Sandy says, “I think it’s time for some dinner. How about we go down to the restaurant for a meal?”
“That sounds great. But I’d like to freshen up a bit first.”
“Sure, take your time.”
I grab my purse and head for the restroom to wash up and fix my face. When I exit, I see Sandy standing in the foyer with a small aqua colored bag bearing the Tiffany & Co. logo in his hand.
“I almost forgot. I have a gift for you.” He looks a little hesitant standing there with the bag, perhaps unsure of how I’ll react.
“Oh, Sandy. That wasn’t necessary. You’ve given me so much already. More than you know.”
“Now don’t you go telling your father what he can and can’t do,” he says with a smile. “I intend to spoil my daughter as much as I can. After all, I have a lot of birthdays and Christmases to make up for.”
“I like the sound of that,” I reply as I reach for the bag and look inside. I take a seat and remove the white ribbon encasing the small box. I open it and gasp, taking out and admiring the bracelet consisting of freshwater pearls, a sterling silver chain, and the signature silver lock charm.
“Sandy, it’s absolutely gorgeous! Thank you.” I feel fresh tears coming on, and I don’t want to fix my face again, so I try my best to blink them back.
“Here, let me put it on you. I hope you’ll think of me whenever you wear it.” He gently places the bracelet around my wrist, clasping it and holding my hand tightly in his own.
“I love it. And you,” I respond with a kiss on his cheek.
“Barbara Jeanne helped me pick it out. I don’t have any experience shopping for daughters.”
“Well, you did a great job and so did Barbara Jeanne. I’m forever in her debt. She led me to you.” My emotions are all over the place. Joy and even a little fear course through me. Hope and love. The loneliness that has been such a large part of my life, even before my mother died, begins to lift from my shoulders.
Sandy chuckles. “Don’t let her know that, or she’ll have you twisted around her finger like she does me.”
“I don’t mind. I’ve never had a cousin.”
“You’ve got a whole family to meet. We need to get you to Mississippi soon.”
“I agree. Let’s talk about it while we eat. I’m starving! Speaking of eating, I have a few gifts for you, too.” I fetch the bags containing the chocolate and popcorn and hand them over to Sandy.
* * *
I spend the next few days blissfully showing Sandy around my city. I don’t worry so much about anything happening to me since I have him by my side, protecting me from harm. We visit some of my favorite things in Chicago: Navy Pier, the museums, the Willis Tower Skydeck, and the zoo. I make sure he tastes a Chicago-style hot dog and deep-dish pizza, but we also take time to experience some of Chicago’s fine dining. On an unusually warm day for spring, we take the architecture cruise along the Chicago River, and hop on one of the bus tours to see some other attractions. We share a few laughs when we notice curious stares from strangers who assume we are a May-December couple, rather than father and daughter.
Each day, Sandy has picked me up in the morning and escorted me home in the evening so I haven’t had to travel alone after dark. My heart swells at the depth of his compassion and thoughtfulness. Today is his last day in town and I already know how much I’m going to miss him once he’s gone. We saved today for strolling along the Magnificent Mile, and I’m going to show him my pride and joy, Salynda’s Signature Style. I have a special treat in mind for tonight. We’re heading up to Bucktown to one of my favorite bars, Lottie’s Pub.
Chapter 12
Sandy took a sip from his cold draft beer and looked around the pub. Clear bright lights were strung along the ceiling and neon bar signs lit up the windows. From the outside, it looked like a typical neighborhood bar, but Lottie’s was one of the oldest taverns in Chicago, hailing from prohibition days. And the best part—he was sitting in the same bar he’d seen on TV many a night while watching his favorite shows filmed and set in Chicago. Sally had told him that on weekends it attracted a noisy crowd cheering on their favorite college football or basketball teams, but it was quiet enough tonight they were able to have good conversation over burgers and beer.
He was beaming with pride reflecting on all he’d seen and done with his daughter. When she’d taken him to her store today and shyly showed him around, explaining the business and how everything worked, he was struck by her intelligence and business acumen. As far as he was concerned, the nature versus nurture debate had been settled today. She was a chip off the old block. If anyone had told him a few months ago he would be sitting in a pub in Chicago sharing a meal with his adult daughter, he would have thought them crazy. Family was everything to him, and learning he had a child, someone to carry on the Patrick family legacy, was the greatest gift anyone could have given him.
Sally broke into his musings as he took another bite of his burger. “Penny for your thoughts.”
After chewing and swallowing the bite, he replied, “I’m afraid they’re priceless. I’m thinking how proud I am of you, and how much my life has changed over the last few weeks.” He pivoted on his barstool to face Sally. “Finding you is like finding a missing link.”
Sally leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I feel the same way. I’m not alone anymore. I’m so grateful Mama led me to you.”
“I am too. She gave us both the gift of family. So, have you figured out when you can come to Mississippi?”
“I have some things I need to take care of first, so I can leave the store in Brandie’s capable hands for a few weeks. If you can put up with me for that long,” Sally added.
“Stay as long as you like, little one. Now that I’ve found you, I’m never letting go.”
Chapter 13
