Page 35 of Miss Fortune

“It appears they will.”

“Wow.” I had a newfound respect for just how smart she was. “And you went to work on this electrical system patent for the hell of it?”

She shrugged. “I have a busy mind. When I bought my Prius here, I started wondering how I could make it better. Anyhow, I have several other ideas I’ve yet to document fully, but it’s sort of a hobby.”

“I’m impressed.” To the outside world, Daisy was a free spirit who didn’t take life too seriously or have much of a plan. Meanwhile she was kicking ass designing electrical systems sought after by the biggest car manufacturer in the world.

“Thank you. The design work is a source of pride for me, but I don’t talk about it much because it might give the impression I’m interested in going back to my former career. I’m not. I don’t talk about money because it gets awkward.”

“Believe me, I understand.” I made millions a year but wasn’t one to flaunt my success. I drove nice vehicles, lived in a beautiful home, and was grateful to be able to do so. “Do yourself a favor.”

“What?”

“Before you get married, ensure you draw up a good prenup.”

She laughed. “Spoken like a top divorce attorney.”

“No, spoken like someone who thinks you should be careful.” Hadn’t Doris expressed concern over her naivete?

“A prenup doesn’t sound romantic.”

“Anyone who truly loves you won’t mind protecting your assets. I can’t tell you how many clients have told me they didn’t believe someone would go after every penny and wished they’d insisted on a prenup.”

“How depressing.”

Maybe, but it was reality.

“Okay, so time for my nosey question.”

“Sure.” I braced myself for any number of topics she might inquire about. My declaration of no relationships due to my divorce, my lack of enthusiasm for my job. My family who never got me the help I needed as a child for fear of how it might look. All were sore subjects.

“The blonde I met the morning of my interview. You mentioned she wasn’t your girlfriend, but who was she, then?”

I was surprised she was interested. “We went out a couple times. She called me Monday morning to say her car wasn’t working and requested a ride.”

“That’s a big favor to ask after only a couple dates.”

I’d thought so too, but I hadn’t known how to say no. “I can only imagine how she treated you before I got out of the car. I’m sorry I sent her out to speak with you.”

“You don’t need to apologize for someone else’s behavior.”

“I never asked how the child is doing? Toby?” In my effort to forget about the morning, I’d been remiss in asking after him.

“Toby is fine, thanks for asking. No injuries. He was more upset about his change of routine than anything else.”

I stiffened at the mention of routine. It was such an integral part of my ability to function, I could relate. “What was the change?”

“Typically, if I babysit him overnight, his mom picks him up at my apartment. But with my schedule and her working the late shift at the hospital, we changed it to me bringing him to the hospital in the car. Then there was the rain and the accident, so he was in the car a lot longer than he’s used to.”

“Glad he’s okay. How often do you babysit him?”

“Once a week. Twice if his mom has to work overtime. We love making pancakes together in the mornings.” She suddenly stopped, taking a deep breath. “Wow, check out this view.”

Having lived in and around LA for most of my life, I sometimes forgot how it looked through someone else’s eyes. “Doesn’t seem too bad when there’s no haze.”

She took out her phone to snap some photos. “Thanks for coming with me today.”

Her appreciation made me feel uncomfortable. “Would hate for you to need to call Dr. Lucas for another injury.”