“We were planning to go to Delmonico’s,” I said, trying to keep up with him. “Would you like to join us?”
“I would enjoy that.”
“I won’t be going,” Grace told him.
Luc turned to her, disappointment in his voice. “I had hoped to speak to you, as well.”
I waited, torn because I wanted Grace to come yet I longed to be alone with Luc.
She shook her head. “I’ll let Hope tell me later.”
“Is there nothing I can do to convince you?” he asked.
“I’m afraid not.”
Reluctantly, he hailed a taxicab for her, though she protested and said she could walk. He won the debate, and after she got inside, his gaze followed the cab.
I slipped my arm through his again. “Can you tell me the good news now? Or must I wait for Delmonico’s?”
He put his free hand over mine, his excitement returning as his focus shifted back to me. “You must wait.”
It didn’t take us long to reach Delmonico’s. The opulent restaurant was the place to see and be seen by the upper crust. Rich wallpaper adorned the walls, thick trim graced the doors and windows, and crisp white tablecloths draped to the floor.
The maître d’ showed us to a private table in the corner. People looked our way, commenting amongst themselves. Whether they knew me or Luc or us both—it didn’t matter. Delmonico’s was filled with rich and famous people, and no one bothered each other. Luc could relax, and we would have privacy for our talk.
After the waiter took our order, I leaned forward, smiling. “What is this good news?”
He studied me. “You have an offer from a sponsor.”
Thatwas the good news? I leaned back, deflated. There had been several sponsorship offers. Different companies asked me to endorse their products, wear their logos, or agree to be on advertisements. I had said yes to some of them, though they didn’t pay as well as speaking or flying engagements.
“It’s more than a sponsorship,” Luc said, his eyes animated. “William Randolph Hearst has offered a fifty-thousand-dollar prize to the first person who can fly from New York to Los Angeles in thirty days or less. Armour and Company approached me, since they heard that I was your business manager for the Channel flight, and asked if you would be interested in attempting the cross-country trip. They are offering to sponsor you if you agree to paint the logo of their new grape soda, Vin Fiz, on the aeroplane. The flight will require a large support team, so they have agreed to charter a three-car train to follow you on your journey. They would like the press to go along—so I thought perhaps Grace would like to go. And your parents, too, if you want.”
My head was spinning, so I put my hand on his arm to stop him. All I could think about was the first thing he had said. “A fifty-thousand-dollar prize?”
Luc nodded. “And Armour and Company’s president has said that you will get every penny, if you make the flight in thirty days.”
I wasn’t even sure I knew who Armour and Company was—butthere was another pressing question on my mind. “And if I don’t make it in thirty days?”
“They’ll still sponsor your flight, since it will bring awareness to Vin Fiz. You might not make any money, but at least you won’t lose any.”
I put my hands to my head, thinking through the possibilities. Excitement and nervous energy buzzed through me. “And my parents?”
“They could come with you on the train. Grace could write articles about the flight.”
I nodded slowly, but then I looked up and met his gaze. “And you? Will you come?”
He studied me. “Would you like me to come?”
My heart soared, and I nodded. “Yes—very much.” I went on quickly. “I know you would have to give up your own flying to come with me, so you could serve as my business manager again. And I will share fifteen percent of my earnings—if that’s enough.”
“Oui.” He smiled. “I would do it for free.”
I shook my head, wanting to take his hand, but uncertain. He was kind and thoughtful, but he never reached out to me. I couldn’t tell if he was helping me because he was furthering aviation—or if his feelings went deeper.
A little voice whispered in my heart that if he did love me, I would know by now—but it sounded an awful lot like Grace’s voice, so I pushed it away.
“You could attempt the flight and try for the money yourself,” I said. “Why are you letting me do it?”
