“But Sophie was finishing up her last year of college. Of course she took it.”
“What did she get her degree in?”
Frank’s frown deepened. “She never finished. It would have been in art history.”
Essie seized on the opportunity. “You know some gallery owners, don’t you? Could you reach out to them? Maybe get Sophie a job with one of them? Having an offer like that at the ready might soften the blow of losing her allowance.”
Frank blinked. “That’s a great idea.” He smiled for the first time that morning. “In case I haven’t mentioned it lately, you are a brilliant woman.”
She smiled, too. “Thank you. I want good things for Sophie. I mean that.”
“I know you do.” He sighed. “I wish Stacia had been more like you. Less concerned about things and more focused on substance. Sophie might not have turned out this way.”
Essie’s brows lifted slightly. This was the first time he’d ever said anything like that about his late wife.
He scrubbed his hand over his face. “I guess I should shower and pack a small bag. The car will be here in a few hours to take me the airport.”
“What would you like for breakfast?”
He put his coffee down and held his hands out to her. “Come here.”
She went to him, taking his hands and letting him pull her in close.
He wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head. “I will make this right. I promise.”
“I know. I’m sorry you have to deal with this.”
He kissed her forehead. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You know that?”
She didn’t really know what to say. “I love you, too. But you still haven’t answered my question.”
“About breakfast?”
She nodded.
“What are you having?”
She hadn’t planned on having anything because she’d had no appetite. Now maybe she could eat a little something. “Scrambled eggs and toast?”
“Sounds perfect. Thank you.”
“I’ll have it ready when you get out of the shower.”
He kissed her, then took his cup into the bathroom with him.
She got the eggs and bread out and started heating a pan with a big knob of butter in it. She got out her whisk and was about to crack the eggs, but as soon as she heard the water come on, she reached for her phone and sent a text to her daughter.
Frank is flying to Miami to speak to Sophie. No idea what he’s going to say but he’s ending her allowance. I think.
Liliana’s reply came quickly.That’s not going to be well received.
I know. No idea what will happen next.
I’ll be monitoring her TT. The first sign of a response and I’ll text you.
Thank you. Love you. Pray for Frank.
Love you too. I will.
