Jessica reached across the table and took Michael’s hand in both of hers. “I knew that the very first moment I met him.”
“Smart girl,” I said.
When the check came back, Richard signed it with a hand that trembled slightly. “Mr. Warren — Tom. I hope you can forgive us. We’ve been terribly rude today. I would very much like to discuss Riverside Development with you properly. But more than that, I’d like the chance to start over. To actually get to know Michael’s father.”
I stood, and everyone else scrambled up after me in a small, awkward flurry.
“I’d like that too. Michael, why don’t you and Jessica take a walk around the grounds? Her parents and I need to have a conversation. A real one this time.”
The young couple left together, Jessica still dabbing at her eyes, Michael looking thoroughly dazed, as though he’d just watched his entire understanding of his father rearrange itself in real time — which, in fairness, he had.
