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“I didn’t want you to think—”
“I wouldn’t have.”
“I’m sorry. What were you going to say?”
“Given your sister’s stellar academic career, this seems unlikely, but do you think there’s any chance the boyfriend could’ve talked her into going away?”
“I don’t think so, but she is twenty-three.”
“Like I said, from the little you’ve told me about her, it seems unlikely.” He turned toward me. “You mentioned your mother hasn’t spoken with her. What about your father?”
“He died a few years ago.”
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” I waited to see if my dad’s death would jog his memory. It didn’t appear to.
“Tell me about the ten grand. You said you weren’t interested in the date.”
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision.” Something occurred to me. “Oh my God, I’m such an idiot.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The money doesn’t go to you; it goes to the charity.” So essentially, I’d bid ten thousand dollars to have a conversation with him. I felt sick to my stomach.
“Your plan was to use it to pay me to help you.”
I looked away.
“I’m going to help you, Seraphina. And even if you’d offered it to me, I wouldn’t have taken your money.”
“Why?”
“Am I helping you?”
“Yes.”
“Because it’s what we do.”
“I don’t have much money left,” I said without looking at him.
“Again, we wouldn’t accept your money either way.” When Noah covered my hand with his, I glanced over at him. “And I told you I’d cover the cost of your bid.”
I shook my head. “You don’t have to do that. You said you’d help me. That’s all I care about.”
“Which, if I’d returned your phone calls, wouldn’t have cost your savings.”
“I can’t let you.”
He shrugged. “I’m sure Alex will agree to it if I offer to double the contribution.”
“Why would you do that?”
He smiled. “I could let you believe I’m gallant. However, the truth is, I always donate twenty-five thousand to the foundation anyway.”
“Thank you, Noah.” My eyes filled with tears, and I looked down at his hand resting on mine. I tried to move it away, but he held tighter.
“I promise we’ll find your sister.”
“How can you be so sure?” I whispered, hating to think what not finding her would mean.
