Read Online Never Too Late by Jay Howard - Free Book Online Page A

the last few. Why did he have this feeling she was after something more than just company? He could bide his time though – let her make the running. Let’s see what kind of negotiating skills she was learning at that big corporate public relations firm, he thought to himself. God, the money businesses spent on their spin doctors these days, he thought. He’d stand or fall on the name he made for himself thank you very much!
    The conversation continued on a very inconsequential theme until they were both well into the Pollo alla Cacciatora they had both opted for. When Chloe put down her fork and picked up her glass of Chianti Classico d’Annata Iain knew the main business of the evening was about to be broached. He’d been reading her every mood and expression too long not to know the signs, but still she hesitated.
    He waved his fork a little. “Come on then, spit it out.”
    Chloe opened her eyes wide, all innocence. “What do you mean Daddy?” She took a sip of her wine. “Lovely and zesty, this wine. I approve your choice.”
    Iain waited to finish his mouthful and took up his own glass. “Never mind the wine. I’ve been waiting all evening for you to raise the matter of whatever it is that you want, and I can see by your face you’re ready to talk about it now but you seem to be having difficulty finding the right words.” He chuckled a little. “It’s a good job for you other people don’t know you as well as I do or you’d never be able to hide any cards up your sleeve.”
    “Oh, Daddy!”
    “So – what do you want?” He circled his hand in the air urging her to speak. “You know if I can give it to you I will – when have I ever refused you?”
    Chloe took a deep breath and it came out almost a sigh. “It’s nothing for me, Daddy,” she assured him. “It’s for Mummy.”
    Iain looked puzzled. “Your mother has access to the joint account – there’s plenty of money in there.”
    Chloe pursed her lips at him. “It’s not money she needs, Daddy, it’s you.” There, she’d said it, well almost. But she suddenly felt afraid of going further, the way her father’s face had hardened and closed down.
    “That’s just where you’re wrong.” His voice was clipped. “I doubt she’s noticed whether I’m there or not for many a year.”
    “That’s not true, Daddy,” she asserted. “You know she’s never built any kind of a life for herself outside of always being there for us.”
    “For us? Or for you and your brother?” He placed both hands flat on the table and drew a deep breath. “Look, there’s no point in continuing this discussion so let’s not ruin a lovely meal.”
    Chloe bit on her bottom lip, thinking hard. Inspiration struck her as she heard a party further along break into a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday To You’. This would take some working on but at least she could get the edges of the jigsaw in place and worry later about adding the middle pieces to complete the picture.
    “Actually,” she said confidingly, “it is sort of for me too.” She took one of his big, strong hands in her own two delicate ones. He’d always loved her long tapered fingers – pianist’s hands he called them since she was too small to play more than chopsticks. “I’m a bit stuck to know what to do about Mummy’s birthday – you do realise it’s her birthday next month, don’t you?” She cocked her head at him and he flushed slightly.
    “Well, you know me and birthdays…” he trailed off.
    “Please, Daddy, couldn’t we give her a surprise party?” she squeezed his hand and pleaded with her eyes. “I’ll organise it all,” she assured him. “I’ll even choose a present for you to give her. I’ll just put it on the credit card you gave me.”
    “Well, if it’s just my blessing you want for it then go ahead.”
    Chloe stamped her foot at him. “Don’t be obtuse Daddy! You have to be there for it!”
    “Princess,” he appealed to her, “you know how busy my