His clothes were a different matter. He looked online and found some good, comfortable jeans and t-shirts. He picked out some long sleeved shirts and sweaters for the cold season and, of course, some new work boots. He would save his custom suits for business meetings, but going outside dressed to the nines at all times was a thing of the past.
“Daniel, what should we do with the farm? Rosie doesn’t want anything to do with it. It seems she had many painful memories of that place. Do you want it?”
“If it was a pleasant place I would. But I can’t find it in my heart to own something that put Rosie through so much. I think it’s something she needs to remove herself from and bury in the past. We might be able to find a use for it though, so hang onto it for a bit. I’ve been bouncing an idea around, like putting up some nice, clean apartments for people would be wonderful. There are a lot of folks who lost their farms and homes, and that horrible place that Beatrice runs isn’t suitable for anyone.”
“I think that’s wise, Daniel. I’ll definitely look into doing something like that. I’ll keep ownership in case Rosie changes her mind one day. She should be part of any decision we do that involves the farm. It may even be a fun project for her that could help heal some old wounds. Did you see her today?”
“No, I don’t think she’s back from shopping. When she arrives we’ll go see the horses.” Daniel couldn’t hide the excitement.
“You like those horses, no?” Francesco smiled.
“I love them. I spent so much time with the two girls it wasn’t funny. I would sit in the barn for hours just talking to them. I think they changed me as much as Rosie and the work on the farm did. They’re beautiful, Father, and I know you’ll fall in love with them.”
“Rosie Lynn Montoose. Who wouldn’t fall in love with her?”
“Father, I was talking about the horses, but yes, you’re correct too.”
“Oh. Yes, well, I meant the horses…” Francesco put his best business face on. “And by the way, while you’re grinning from ear to ear, stop by the study and sign the documents, they’re sitting on the desk. Daniel…”
“You did not! You weren’t talking about the horses. Seriously, you should ask Rosie out on a date. And don’t be changing the topic to business! You’re a great looking man. Just ask her out on a date.”
“Me? Daniel, I wouldn’t know how. Besides, if she said no to me I’d put my head in the sand.”
“Ask her.”
“Daniel…”
“Tonight. I’m not going to the stable with you two. I want you to go alone with Rosie. Then you ask her.”
“I don’t know, Daniel.”
“Okay, let me know how it goes!” Daniel smiled and winked at his father. After stopping by the study, he signed the papers his father had prepared and left them on the desk for him, then walked upstairs to his room. It felt strange to him to be happy for his father’s retirement and his possible future with Rosie, as opposed to how he would have acted in the past. The old Daniel would have been in cloud nine for all the money he’d have access to.
He stretched out on his bed to try to nap, hoping to shut his mind off. Here it was, Monday, and he was sure that Katherine had went back home. Wherever the hell that was. He didn’t dare call the bar again. That would be three hang up calls on his part. He was disturbed by a knock at his door.
“Daniel, your father received a phone call. He would like to discuss the matter with you in his study.”
“Thank you, Carl.” Daniel walked down the long staircase and went inside his father’s masculine office.
“Daniel, have a seat. I just heard from the investigator. They have found Katherine. There is a girl by that name who fits the profile description living in Michigan. I think you should fly there, my son. Maybe it’s her, maybe it isn’t. But she’s attending the University of Michigan and is living in that vicinity. She stays in a small apartment, and I was told that the neighborhood isn’t very safe in her area. You’ll have to just find her on campus. Promise me, Daniel, that you’ll stay clear of that apartment.”
“I promise. Is the jet done with maintenance?”
“Yes, and I’m sorry about not having it available for you.”
“It’s fine. I will leave as soon as it’s fueled and ready to go.”
“Do you want me to accompany you, Daniel?”
“No, I think this is something I need to do on my own. Besides, you have a woman to ask out on a date!” Daniel gave his father the biggest smile he could.
“Take this file I’m preparing. The fax is just coming in, so hold on for a second.” Francesco picked up the sheet with a photograph. “Is this your Katherine?”
Daniel studied the pictures. The strawberry blonde curls, the green eyes…
“Daniel, is it Katherine?”
“Yes, it is.”
“She’s a beautiful woman. Go talk to her, Daniel. When she meets the man standing before me, not the man that you were, she’ll fall in love with you.”
Daniel nodded and left the study. He packed a bag and included some suits, just in case he got to take Katherine to an expensive restaurant. He didn’t have much else to wear. His order would take a week or so to arrive, so in the meantime, he could pick up a few things when he reached Michigan. Hopefully she wouldn’t slap his face for lying about who he was. Hopefully she wouldn’t one-round him for his behavior with Emily and all of his cruel accusations. Hopefully she’d see a changed man.
Chapter 11
Katherine looked at Marty with a worried face.
“No takers yet?”
“Marty, this is so horrible! What am I going to do?”
“Just have faith, Katherine. Something good will come through.”
“How about you keep up the faith for both of us, because I certainly can’t. After the trip to Tennessee, I have sixty-five dollars left. I can’t afford to pay anyone, and if my landlord doesn’t give me a little bit of extra time to fork over rent, I’m screwed.”
“I’d give you money, Katherine, but I spent all my extra cash on material for my sister’s dress.”
“Marty, you’re such a sweetheart. But I wouldn’t take your money.”
It was nine at night after Daniel found a motel room in Ann Arbor. It looked like a typical college town, but he was hungry for more. He rented a Jeep at the airport because the weather was calling for snow. He drove around for a while looking at the city, looking for Katherine. He was desperate. He found a little coffee shop and picked a table that had a newspaper on it.