Alton nodded. “Perhaps once a week?”
“Gads, no. We’d eat the same meal every Monday. Maybe she picks half the month, you pick the other. I need steak, Alton. Big, thick, tender steak with lots of pepper.”
Alton sniggered. “Understood. I believe I can charm Miss Savannah into this plan.”
“What are we charming my daughter into?” asked Grace as she slinked into the room. The woman didn’t walk; she moved as if her feet were clouds. It was one of the things that had captured Ben’s attention the night they’d met. She looked like wealth. He’d thought she’d fit in in his world. She’d made herself comfortable there but had made him decidedly uncomfortable in their marriage.
“We’re working on trying new foods.” He didn’t have to ask how she got in. The staff were familiar enough with her impromptu visits that they no longer made a fuss. It saved them all from a bunch of unnecessary ruffled feathers. Besides, if he’d wanted privacy, he should have been in his office or master wing. Grace didn’t venture near work, and she wasn’t allowed in his personal space.
“Wonderful idea. Savannah should be ready to eat in Paris, Russia, or Japan.”
“Not to mention Italia,” added Alton. His Roman nose lifted slightly.
“Ahh, Venice,” Ben added, another quote fromThe Last Crusadepopping in his head. That was the third one since they’d returned from the world’s most dreaded shopping trip.
Grace flicked her fingers as if Venice were a fly she could shoo away.
Ben unconsciously began to compare Avery to his ex-wife. He couldn’t help the grin on his face or the warm feeling in his chest that blossomed whenever he thought of Avery quotingIndiana Jones. She’d surprised him with the whole “too small for the two of us” quote in the middle of the department store. He’d thought their exchange went well, all things considered. Except for the end when she’d reminded him he’d have to shop in the ladies’ section at least once a year. He’d been so embarrassed he’d snapped at her.
“What are you doing here?” He did his best to sound interested and not annoyed.
“I’m here to take Savannah to dinner.”
“Why?” Dinner with Grace wasn’t on the family calendar that appeared at the tap of a button on any one of the screens posted throughout the house. He knew because he’d made sure their schedule was clear so he could recuperate from shopping. Being a father of a growing daughter was exhausting.
Grace tapped her fake nails on the granite countertop. “I’m canceling our spa weekend. And, as per our agreement, I have to make all cancellations in person.”
Thank the lawyers for that addendum. Ben would have spent his days making excuses for Grace if they hadn’t seen into the future and suggest she have to be the one to cancel plans with Savannah. Their foresight had stopped him from being the bad guy in so many ways. At least Grace held up her end of the contract. It helped that the alimony payment was deducted if she didn’t, but he’d like to think she’d do it anyway. Believing there was some good in her, some semblance of responsibility towards the life they created together, kept him from filling her Prada purse with fresh lasagna.
“You’re going to break her heart. She’s been looking forward to this for weeks.” The spa weekend was the icing on the rather ugly cake of having to move away from her friends. Grace had followed them to Seattle to be close to Savannah, but he suspected she needed a new start as much as the rest of them. Their divorce had been as civil and private as possible for a billionaire in the public eye. It’d done more to ruin his reputation—as one who touted his amusement parks as family-oriented—than it did hers.
She folded her hands together. “Kids are resilient.”
Her flippant tone grated on his good will. “Why do adults use that excuse for bad behavior? If your sister canceled a spa weekend on you, you’d not speak to her for a month.”
Grace’s stiffened at the accusation.
Savannah bounded in and slid to a stop behind them. “Um, Mom?”
Grace swiveled in her chair and threw her arms out in welcome. “Savannah, darling, you look adorable.” They air-kissed.
Ben’s heart cracked. His ex-wife had as much warmth as the Terminator. Would it kill her to hug the girl? He’d been slowly sucked into Hades by her ice queen ways. One day, Quin had appeared in his living room wearing a pair of sunglasses and a leather jacket. “Come with me if you want to live,” he’d said. Ben had gone and taken Savannah with him.
“I’m taking you to dinner tonight.” Grace took Savannah’s hand as if she were a five-year-old.
Savannah looked to him for confirmation.
“Have fun. There’s so many wonderful places to eat in this town. If you find a good spot, let me know.” He smiled, hoping to put her at ease.
Savannah rolled with the change in dinner plans. “Alton?” The chef stopped scrubbing a pot and gave the twelve-year-old his whole attention. “Dinner smells wonderful. If you’ll save me some, I’d like to take it for lunch tomorrow.”
Alton acknowledged her kindness with a nod. “Of course, Miss Savannah. Have fun.”
Savannah nodded at her mother that they were ready to go. They set off, Savannah matching her mother’s stride. She’d be a knockout, and she carried herself well. He just wished she didn’t have to grow up so fast. The whole exchange depressed Ben. He walked around the counter, found a fork, and dug right into the pan of lasagna.
“Ahimè!” exclaimed Alton.
“Sorry, friend. I needed cheese.” He offered Alton a fork. “Join me in my rebellion.”
