“You’re my baby girl, Maggie. I’ve always hoped you’d choose better. You deserve better. Gennaro is—”
“Is what, Dad?” I jumped to my feet.
“A filthy womanizer, to say the least.”
“Okay. Um…I really didn’t expect that from you.” Had coming here been a mistake?
He rose and touched my arms. “How can I trust someone like him with you?”
I kept shaking my head, unable to find the right words. This was even more shocking and hurtful than when I’d come to him asking for help with my first movie. I didn’t need this…doubt from him. Not again. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I gotta go.”
“Maggie.” He held my hand before I turned. “At least tell me you’re happy.”
“I am. The happiest I’ve ever been.” I felt every word. “I would have been even happier if you’d given me your blessing. But just like making movies was the right choice for me and you couldn’t understand it, Mike is the right man for me. I’m not backing down even if you don’t approve. I hope one day you’ll accept my choice.”
He barely smiled, nodding. “I don’t think I can ever do that, but make no mistake, baby, I’ll be giving you away at that wedding.”
A long, shivering sigh escaped me. “That’s enough…for now.”
He chuckled, pulling me into a warm hug. “Take care of yourself, baby.”
“You too.”
There was a knock on the door and Anna entered. “I’m sorry, Mr. Dawson, but if you don’t leave now, you’re going to be late for the Medusa meeting.”
“Thanks, Anna. I’ll be right out,” he said and glanced at me. “Do you need a ride somewhere?”
“No. My ride is still waiting in the parking lot. Do you mind if I take a look around? I wanna see what you’ve done with the place.”
“It’s your place. You don’t need my permission. I’d love to stay and show you around, pick your brain even, but you know…”
“I know. See you soon, Daddy.” I strode out of the office and waved goodbye at Anna. Then I stopped at the offices area where I’d caught a glimpse of a smooth waterfall built in the wall. The water cascaded over slate-blue stone. A small cluster of employees hurried from elevators to various offices, throwing nervous glances at me.
A girl, probably my age, walked toward me, ducking her head. “Are you Maggie Dawson, the director?”
“Yes,” I replied with a smile. “And Nick Dawson’s daughter.”
“You’re so cool. Can I take a picture with you?”
“Sure.” I posed, and the girl clicked her phone with a selfie. In no time, employees circled me, asking for autographs and photos. My chance to see the new place had timed out.
After satisfying the crowd, I rushed to the elevator. The doors opened, and the one person I wished I’d never see again came out. This was not my lucky day.
“Maggie. What are you doing here?” Andrea asked.
“Leaving.” I jumped into the elevator, pushing the closing button fast.
Andrea held the door with her manicured hand. Then she got back inside, her face stern. “What’s the rush?”
I swore in my head, hiding my hand from Andrea’s sight, wishing to God I’d worn something with pockets.
Eight months ago, Mike said Andrea wouldn’t bother us again, and to Andrea’s credit, she hadn’t done anything to disrupt the peace since then. But something told me that if Andrea knew about the engagement, she’d cause trouble like none of us had ever seen.
“Why are you here?” I asked.
“I came to see Nick. Sometimes, here is the only place I can get hold of him.”
“Well, you just missed him.”
