Maria turned from the computer. “Oh?”
“I found four Post-its, each with a handwritten amount—fifty dollars—but no record of any reimbursement or matching receipts.”
“Oh those.” Maria’s face clouded.
“They came from Sandro, right?”
Maria shifted in her chair. “I shouldn’t have listened to him, but he was so stressed. Something about emergency money and he needed it right away and had a cash flow problem at the bank. He said he’d pay it back. Did you find a check or anything from him?”
Dana shook her head. “No, but Matt told me that Sandro had paid the money back so no worries. I was just curious how it would appear in the debit/credit columns.”
“Good question.” Maria leaned closer to the computer monitor and scrolled through the spreadsheet. “I don’t see any payment here from Sandro.”
“It would have to be attached to proper receipts, right, instead of the Post-its?”
“Of course!” Maria glanced at Dana quickly, then focused on the computer. “I do see two new receipts listed here from Matt.”
“Matt?”
“He gets things all the time for the camp and the drop-in. The actual receipts will be here somewhere.” She searched through the folder and extracted two slips of paper. “Here they are. Looks like he purchased stationery—paper, cartridges for the printers and so on, for both the drop-in and for here. It all came to two hundred dollars.” Then she checked the spreadsheet column again. “I don’t see a corresponding reimbursement to him though.” She frowned. “I think what happened is that Matt made the purchases so he could—”
“Make sure the books balanced.”
Maria eyed Dana nervously. “I guess so. A bit unorthodox, but as long as it works out. And it does, because the Post-its are gone.”
Dana merely nodded. She spent a few more minutes with Maria before going to see Matt. He was on his phone, but his face lit up with a smile that immediately dispelled her misgivings. What did it matter if Matt found a way to make things balance? But does it matter if he lied to me about Sandro paying?
She pushed aside her doubts and dug out her phone to check for any messages while she waited for Matt to finish his call. When he closed his phone, she asked, “Is everything all right? You look worried.”
“I’ve been speaking to the editor of the Willow Springs newspaper. I thought if he knew that our boys had been exonerated, he’d publish a follow-up piece clarifying the original article, but no luck.”
“Something like that would have to go through official channels. It’s better that the reporter get the info directly from the police department.”
“Yeah, probably. Well, I hope that happens. I want some of the bad press to go away before the council meeting.”
“Are you all set for it?”
“Pretty much. And thanks again for showing me Lucy’s note. I called her foster parents this morning and—”
“Foster parents?”
“Yes, she’s in care. That’s confidential by the way. I don’t know all of the circumstances but—”
“Serious, maybe.” Dana fell silent, thinking of timid Lucy.
“I’m sure,” he said. “But they’re willing to come to the presentation.”
“That’s great.”
“Okay,” he said, stretching. “I’m ready for a break. Want to walk down to the lake? Did you bring your swimsuit?”
“No, but I brought food for a picnic.”
“Wonderful!”
Partway through their picnic lunch, Matt asked, “Were you able to walk Maria through the accounting you did for her?”
Did she really want to spoil the moment by raising again the issue of Sandro and the receipts? She kept chewing her piece of focaccia, had a sip of water and replied, “Yes. There weren’t any problems. Everything balanced.”
He nodded and she waited for him to mention the receipts he’d submitted. When he didn’t, she decided to change the subject. His way of handling the matter is different from how yours might have been, Dana. It showed his loyalty to an old friend. So drop it!
“How’s your mother doing?” she asked.
“She’s putting on a brave face, but I know she’s anxious—worried that the surgery might reveal more than the test results. You know, that the tests could be wrong.”
“That’s a natural worry, I’m sure. When is it scheduled?”
“A week from this Friday.” He leaned back on his elbows, stretching his legs out on the blanket, staring bleakly across the lake while he munched. His face was grim, as if he, too, were thinking about worst-case scenarios.
Dana nibbled on a brownie, wondering how she might help. She’d learned in her teens when miles of running took her mind off the loneliness that distractions were a good remedy against anxiety. “What about a family day?”
His gaze shifted from the lake to her. “Huh?”
“Maybe you, your mother and sister should spend time together. A family day. Go somewhere or do something you’ve never done or haven’t done in ages and...well...forget about next Friday for a few hours.”
His face creased in thought. “Maybe...but there’s so much going on right now. At the center and here, too.”
Dana placed her hand on his. “Matt, this is exactly the time when you need to take a break. Right now. You have staff and friends to fill in for you.”
He sat up, keeping hold of her hand. “You’re right. This is the time. Not later, when or if it’s too late.” He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Thanks for that. You came through as always.”
Dana looked away, thinking about her obstinacy over the accounts and Matt’s receipts. She wasn’t sure she deserved that praise.
“Any ideas for an outing?” he was saying.
“Hmm?” She turned her head. “Oh. You know, when you were at my place last night, how you were entranced by the lights from all the buildings?”
“Not just by the lights,” he teased.
“Well,” she went on, trying to ignore his sly grin, “have any of you ever taken that city cruise through the canal system?”
“Ashamed to say no. I’ve thought of it a few times, but you know how it is when you live in a big famous city. The locals often haven’t done many tourist things.”
“It’s a really wonderful experience, especially at night. Magical. You could do the cruise and then go to dinner. Or even do the cruise after dinner since it’s dark a bit later now. I know some good restaurants in that part of the city.”
“My mother and Rosie would love that.”
“Sounds like a plan, then.” Dana smiled at him.
“But...”
“But?”
“I’d love for you to come, too.”
“I’d like that, but it should be a family outing, right?”
“Yes, and that’s why I want you to come.”
Dana couldn’t speak and simply squeezed his hand. His implication that he considered her part of his family was both thrilling and scary. Belonging to a complete family had been a childhood fantasy, but she wasn’t certain she could live up to his esteem. What if she let him down, as she’d let her own father down?
* * *
“NO JEANS,” ESPERANZA had insisted, so Matt obliged, wearing the tan linen suit he’d bought three years ago for a friend’s summer wedding and hadn’t worn since. He added the jacket, too, knowing the night breezes on the water could be cool, and a light sage-green short-sleeved shirt, open at the neck. No tie. He hated ties and avoided them whenever possible. He knew he’d chosen well because Dana’s eyes widened as she watched him wind his way across the ground floor of Trattoria No. 10, the restaurant where she’d made reservations.
It’s our favorite place for any kind of celebration, she’d said. Dad and I eat there regularly. It’s a good Italian re
staurant and not pricey.
His mother was already there, sitting across from Dana and chatting as if they’d known one another for a lifetime. She was wearing her best dress, in spite of Rosie pointing out that she’d be cold on the cruise—“I’ll sit inside if I’m cold”—but had opted for the cashmere shawl Matt and Rosie had given her for Christmas last year. As for Dana...
Matt stopped a few feet short to stare. He didn’t know how to describe the outfit Dana was wearing. Something pale pink and silky beneath a tailored black jacket with silk lapels, and when she stood to let him squeeze onto the banquette seat next to her, he saw narrow silk trousers tapering to shoes with heels that could double as weapons in an emergency.
“Beautiful!” he whispered through the fall of chestnut hair over her ear. Her face pinkened and he smiled, pleased at being able to make her blush. Then he caught his mother’s face, noting her rapt interest. Esperanza never missed a thing.
“You’re late,” his mother pointed out.
“Traffic. I decided to drive after all, so I could take you and Rosie home after.”
His mother’s face softened. “You don’t need to do that, Mati. Transit works for us.”
“No way. I’m taking you home.” He noticed Dana’s eyes shining approval and felt that surge of pleasure again. Leaning against the plush banquette seat, Matt surveyed the room. There’d been a time years ago when he’d have felt out of place in such a restaurant. In fact, he’d have scoffed at the idea of entering its doors.
But tonight was different. Tonight was about giving his mother something special, something to think back to in the tough days ahead for all of them. He knew he’d never have thought of something like this evening. Dana was amazing and he loved that she was someone who cared, that she could make him feel good, that she was kind. Matt sipped some water to calm his racing mind. Face it. It’s not all these things about her you love, it’s her you love.
They ordered appetizers and their waiter was opening a bottle of wine, recommended by Dana, when Rosie appeared.
“I told her not to wear those shoes,” Esperanza muttered as they watched Rosie navigate her way to their table.
Matt got his mother’s concern right away. Rosie was still in remission, but he noticed her gait was off. Perhaps due to the shoes or the excitement of their family night out. Or something else, he thought, as she plopped onto the chair next to Esperanza, who grasped Rosie’s arm to steady her.
“Sorry I’m late,” Rosie said in a voice that didn’t sound sorry at all, Matt thought. When the waiter poured their drinks and left, she leaned across the table. “Guess what?”
“Don’t make us, please!” Matt begged in a falsetto.
His sister’s laugh was infectious, catching the attention of the tables next to them. “We found out today that our company has been bought by one of the big AAA studios. It’s all hush-hush but the rumors are flying about changes coming. And my team—” she gave a finger drumroll on the table “—is getting the go-ahead to develop a super cool project we’ve been working on. A game that is so amazing none of us can stop playing it.”
“Not even to work?” Esperanza commented dryly, and they all laughed.
“It is work, Ma. That’s what’s so neat about my job.”
“A toast is called for,” Dana put in, raising her glass. “Congratulations and may you play your heart out.”
The dinner was as delicious as Dana had promised and Matt was demolishing the rest of his lemon tarte when a shadow loomed over the table. He felt Dana stiffen next to him as a deep baritone asked, “A celebration?”
“Dad?”
Brent Sothern was tall, silver-haired and bore the authority of a man used to having his way his whole life. At least, that was Matt’s instant appraisal. Unfair, he knew, just as he knew the man was sizing him up in an equally judgmental manner. And with a flash of what he recognized as adolescent behavior, Matt felt some pleasure at the man’s frown when he spotted his tattooed forearms resting on the table.
Dana’s voice was thin and a bit squeaky as she made introductions. “Uh, this is Matt Rodriguez, the director of KidsFirst Place and Camp Hope. His mother, Esperanza, and his sister, Rosie.”
When the handshakes were finished, Matt asked, “Would you like to join us for a coffee, or maybe a drink?” He thought he heard Dana shift in her seat.
Brent looked from him to his daughter, smiled and said, “Love to.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BRENT GRABBED A nearby vacant chair and pulled it to the end of the table where Matt and Rosie were sitting. Dana was wishing he’d chosen her end, so that she could use the pointed toe of her stiletto if necessary.
“What are you doing here, Dad?”
He raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Dinner with friends, just as you are.”
She flushed, knowing she’d sounded a tad petulant.
“And I have a feeling this is some kind of celebration?” He looked around the table.
“No, Mr. Sothern,” Matt replied. “A family outing. We’ve booked a river cruise afterward.”
“Wonderful! The night cruise is breathtaking. I remember taking Dana on it to celebrate her high school graduation.”
Dana nodded. The same night as the prom she’d been too nervous to go to on her own.
“So,” her father went on, “a family outing.” He looked pointedly at Dana. “I’m beginning to understand why the camp is so important for you.” Then his gaze turned to Matt. “And why Dana has been avoiding the office lately.”
Her father’s grin didn’t fool her. She knew from his tone that he was ticked off at being left in the dark about Matt and her obvious connection with his family. Dana felt Matt’s eyes on her, but she didn’t dare look his way. “Matt was kind enough to invite me.”
A waiter appeared at exactly the right time to ask if there was anything else. “Coffee?” Matt asked Brent. “Or something stronger? I’m guessing you might be a single-malt man.”
Brent laughed, “Coffee is best. Working day tomorrow.” Then he turned his attention to Matt’s mother. “Is this your first river cruise, Mrs. Rodriguez?”
She smiled. “Esperanza, please. Yes, it is and I’m very excited about it.”
“You’ll enjoy it. And how about you?” He looked at Rosie. “Rosie, is it?”
“First time, too. And we have Dana to thank for this evening.”
“Oh?”
“She arranged it...well, with my brother.” Rosie grinned at Matt. “I have a feeling it was her idea. Family time hasn’t been happening much these days unfortunately, due to work schedules.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” Brent said, focusing on Dana again. “It’s difficult to get together with adult children who have their own very busy lives.”
Dana’s face heated up, but she refused to engage. Fortunately, he turned his attention to Matt’s mother again as the waiter brought their coffee order. “Dana’s been telling me about the drop-in and Camp Hope. Named after you, I believe?”
Esperanza beamed. “I don’t feel I deserved such an honor, but it was a very sweet gesture from Mati.”
Brent nodded thoughtfully. “It’s nice to be recognized in a special way by your child.”
Dana busied herself with her coffee when he glanced her way again.
“Yes,” Esperanza agreed. “But Mati has always been a considerate child. Sometimes even sentimental.”
Rosie tittered. “Maybe when he was twelve, Ma.”
“When I was helping change your diapers?” Matt rejoined.
There was a ripple of laughter. Dana felt herself relax when she noticed Matt discreetly check his cell phone. “Maybe we should ask for the bill?” she said. “It’s getting close to our reservation time for the cruise.”
Her father got the hint and stood up, thanking Matt for the coffee and wishing the
m a pleasant cruise. Watching him leave, Dana thought if she’d been more up-front about her feelings for Matt when they’d had dinner together, the meeting wouldn’t have been so tense for her. At least he hadn’t used the opportunity to grill Matt about the camp.
When she and Rosie excused themselves to go to the washroom, Rosie commented, “Your father is nice, Dana. What does he do?”
“He has a law firm. Corporate law. He’s my boss.”
“Oh. That must be awkward at times. Working for your father.”
Dana rolled her eyes. “Tell me about it,” she complained as she closed the door of her cubicle.
As they were washing their hands, Rosie suddenly said, “Maybe that’s why Matt keeps putting me off about doing a workshop at KidsFirst Place.”
Dana stuck her hands under the dryer. “How so?” she asked, raising her voice.
“Maybe he’d find it a challenge. You know, having his sister volunteer. Worried I might mess up or something.” She screwed up her face in thought. “Or maybe he prefers not to have to make explanations to the kids.”
“For what?” Dana asked, meeting Rosie’s eyes in the mirror as she touched up her lipstick.
“For my MS.” Rosie shrugged. “Some days my gait is clumsy or my hands tremble. And if I relapse, I have to use my canes.”
Dana swung around, clasping Rosie’s hand. “I’m certain Matt would never feel that way. He’s just worried for you, not about you.”
Rosie pursed her lips. “That’s a nice way to put it, Dana. But I’m not so certain.”
When they got back to the table, Matt was handing the waiter his credit card. Dana came up close to him and whispered, “I was planning to get that,” as the waiter inserted the card into the payment device.
“No way,” he said quietly.
Dana backed off at his expression. She ought to have known from his reaction to the check she’d written weeks ago, that offering money wasn’t the way to win over Matt Rodriguez. And she was ashamed to realize she’d been acting just like her father would—the grand gesture as a way of showing you cared.
Her Kind of Hero Page 18
