No, but I golfed with Dan a few times.

I rubbed my chin. Do you think you can come with me to talk to her?

And do what?

I dont know. Name drop, talk her up, give her a reason to give me the house. You know better than anyone that success is about who you know, not how hard you work.

Actually, I dont know that, he said coldly.

Well, youre an exception. Please help me.

He sighed. You know Ill do anything for you, son. But I dont know how much help I can be.

Just come with me.

When?

You doing anything now?

Im retired. What do you think?

Ill be there in half an hour.

Okay. Bye.

I hung up then grabbed my keys and wallet. Cassandra was in the kitchen when I headed to the front door.

Where are you going? she asked.

I need to see my dad.

Everything okay? she asked.

Yeah.

What are you doing? She came to me then put her arms around my neck.

I couldnt lie to her but I didnt want her to know what I was doing. I didnt want to get her hopes up. I cant tell you.

Okay But Ill tell you when I can.

Should I be worried? she asked with a raised eyebrow.

No.

She gave me a kiss on the corner of my mouth. Hurry up.

I will. Knowing youre here in nothing but my shirt is motivation enough.

It better be. When she walked away, she shook her ass purposely.

I growled at her then walked out.

I picked up my dad at the house, and Scarlet immediately came to the door.

Whats going on? she asked.

Im trying to buy a house but Im having problems.

Do you need money? she asked.

No, I said with a laugh. Its something much more complicated.

Do you have a house in mind?

Yep. Its right down the street.

Her eyes widened in excitement. Really?

I nodded. Cassandra fell in love with it and now I have to get it.

Can I help? she asked.

No. I think this is a job for my dad.

Sean came down the stairs. Im sick of your face.

Love you too, bro.

My dad put on his jacket then came to the door. Ill be back in an hour or so.

Have fun, Scarlet said.

What are you doing? Sean asked immediately. Why am I not invited?

Because Dad likes me more than you. I walked out with my dad trailing behind me.

Theyre working on getting a house, I heard Scarlet explained as she shut the door.

We got inside my Jaguar and I put the address into the GPS.

Does she know were coming? my dad asked.

No.

Well, thats rude Itll be more personal if I speak to her in person.

He shook his head. Its not the way I would go about it.

Well, I dont have a lot of time. We left the house and stayed near the coast. I assumed this one had a beach house even bigger than the one she was selling. What do they do for a living?

They are the owners of a pharmaceutical company.

Figures.

My dad changed the radio station, putting on classic rock. Only Cassandra and my dad could touch it without getting their fingers bit off. When Sean changed the station, I punched him right in the face. Youre determined to get this house.

Cassandra had her heart set on it.

He nodded. You always got to do what the lady wants.

I like getting sex from her, so yes, I do.

Sounds about right.

I thought now would be a good time. We were alone, and my dad deserved to know first. I need to tell you something.

Im listening. He was cool and collected like always.

The reason why Cassandra and I got back together was because shes pregnant with my kid.

His eyes widened. She is?

Yeah. After she told me, I put aside my resentment and rage because I realized how insignificant it was. She wants to get married and have a family. Its exactly what I want.

My dad smiled like an idiot. Thats wonderful.

Im really excited about it.

He patted me on the shoulder. You two will make excellent parents.

I hope so. But you might have to give me some pointers.

Nah. Youll be a pro, he said confidently.

I gripped the steering wheel and released the breath I was holding. It felt so good to get it off my chest. I was excited about the baby and I was tired of holding it in. You were the first person I told.

That makes me feel special.

You are special.

How far along is she?

Only about five weeks.

My dads eyes crinkled in confusion. Thenhow is it possible that the baby is yours?

We hooked up, I explained.

Oh. I see. Not to doubt Cassandra, but you are sure its yours, right?

Yes. She wasnt with anyone when we were apart.

Did you do a test?

No, I said firmly. We dont need one.

Then Im very happy for you. Youre going to do right by her, right?

Yes. I have the ring.

He clapped my shoulder. Good.

We reached the house then parked on the street, off the property.

Now I understand why you want this house so much, my father explained.

I dont want to raise my family in the city. I dont want them to be cold and hard, or lose their faith in humanity before theyre an adult.

I dont see why they would. New York is a beautiful place filled with compassionate and caring people.

I rolled my eyes. Dad, you have a corrupted view of the world.

Conversely, I have the true view of the world.

Whatever.

We approached the door then examined the house. It was a three-story Spanish style house that led straight to the water. The lot was ten acres. She obviously did well for herself as a widow. I knocked and waited for her to answer it.

Who is it? the intercom said. The voice was feminine and smooth.

I hit the button. My name is Mr. Preston and Im inquiring about the house youre selling on Piccadilly Drive. I released the button.

My dad eyed me. You can be professional after all.

That house already has a buyer, she said.

But Id like to discuss that further. Please. I could tell this woman doesnt put up with bullshit.

Whos the man with you?

Shit, I didnt even see the cameras. My father, Mr. Preston.

Preston? she said. Of Linguistics Software?

My father pressed the button. Hello, Athena. I know weve never met, but your husband and I used to golf together. He was a good friend and still missed.

Andrew? she asked.