Knight's Mistress (38 page)

Nana scowled. ‘Don’t try and charm me. I’m an old lady. I’ve seen it all.’

‘I’d like to talk about her if you don’t mind.’

Blunt, honest, a quiet humility in his gaze. ‘Would you like a drink? You look a little peaked.’

‘It was a long flight.’

‘Come downstairs, I’ll give you a little pick-me-up. My husband Roy made my still years ago when he came back from Nam. He needed something to take his mind off … well, you know what went on over there. He showed me everything I know about making vodka and mine’s damn good, if I do say so myself.’

‘No problems with law enforcement?’ Dominic followed her down the stairs to the basement. She was thin and spry at seventy-five, taking the stairs with a little spring in her step.

‘I know the sheriff and his father, and grandfather, for that matter, and they know me. I give ’em a few bottles now and then. Everything’s copacetic. Sit over there at that table. I’ll get us a drink. Blueberry OK with you?’

He almost smiled, remembering his mother’s face when he’d brought up Nana’s hobby at lunch that day in Hong Kong. ‘Blueberry would be just fine,’ he politely replied.

Two drinks later, after Dominic had asked Nana about Roy, about Kate as a child, about small-town living that was like an alien universe to him; after he’d heard about the new roof on the gym thanks to his gift and the eight teachers they’d been able to hire back with five-year
contracts, Nana set her glass down, speared him with her gaze and said, ‘You must have set Katie up in business.’

‘Not personally. Six times removed. I’ve been able to send a few clients her way, but her success is her own. I have nothing to do with it.’

‘She liked the flowers you sent when she opened her office. Purple iris, I heard. Three or four baskets.’

It took him a fraction of a second to answer, the room in the Garden House suddenly too vivid, rocking his world. ‘I’m glad she liked them.’

‘She’s making lots of money.’

‘That’s the idea.’

‘Why doesn’t she know you’ve done this for her? It’s clear as day.’

‘You raised her not to be cynical. She’s remarkably innocent despite her intellectual accomplishments. It’s one of her great charms.’

‘Hmpf. From an arch cynic.’

‘I didn’t have the advantage of her upbringing. She was fortunate.’

‘So you’re saying money doesn’t buy happiness.’

‘Pretty much.’

‘And you’re wondering if she can fill that void for you.’

‘I don’t know. She’s just on my mind a lot. I thought I’d come and see how she was doing, that’s all. I should go. I’ve taken up enough of your time.’ He came to his feet.

‘I won’t ask you to promise me you won’t pester her
because I can see that you will. But she’s like her grandpa. You mess with her, she fights back.’

He smiled faintly. ‘I’m aware of that.’

‘You mess with her and
I’ll
make trouble for you. Roy came back from Nam a little bit crazy and some of it rubbed off. Just so you know.’

‘I have no intention of hurting her.’

Nana softly exhaled. ‘I don’t envy you. You don’t know what you want.’

His smile was sweetly boyish. ‘I’m trying to figure it out.’ He pointed at the bottle on the table. ‘If you ever want to go into business, let me know. Your vodka is first class. I’m always looking for new investments.’

She smiled. ‘You trying to buy your way to my granddaughter?’

He laughed. ‘I’m not so foolish. Katherine didn’t care about money. I’m assuming she learned that from you.’

Nana met his gaze. ‘Life’s about almost everything
but
money. I’m not saying you don’t need enough to keep a roof over your head, but after that’ – she shrugged – ‘it’s about the people you love. That’s what makes life worth living. Sorry about the lecture. I’m an old school teacher. It’s in the blood.’

‘I don’t mind. And let me know what more you need for the school. I mean it. My educational foundation is one of my pet projects. Let me give you my cell phone number.’

‘I already have it.’

Dominic’s brows shot up.

‘Where do you think my baby girl learned to love computers? There’s no privacy left in the world. I don’t have to tell you that.’

Dominic laughed. ‘In that case, give me a call if you need something.’

‘Or if I hear something from Katie?’

Kate would have recognized that small startle reflex. ‘I’d like that,’ Dominic said a moment later. ‘I like to know how she’s doing. Thanks for the drink and conversation.’

Nana stood on the porch and watched the wealthy young man walk through the snow in his sandals, get into his rental car and drive away.

She’d never met anyone so alone
, she thought.