"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.
I wonder if she's still doing karaoke out here. The thought of her having to feign off drunk men in a bar setting was making him angry. She's living in a dangerous neighborhood. He knew that, as beautiful as Katherine is, she could easily attract men. God, what if she has a boyfriend?
Daniel began thumbing through the local paper. Every time the bell chimed on the door signaling that someone had walked into the coffee shop, he immediately looked. Just when he was about to put the paper down after reaching the classified section, he saw it. A male model was needed and the applicant had to contact Katherine O'Brian. His hands began to shake. With his phone, he answered the ad via email and used his real name. She wouldn't know who he was. Daniel went back to his motel room and waited.
At ten-thirty that evening he received a response. They agreed to meet in the little coffee shop he was just in. She must live close to here! He said he could meet with her this evening and that it wasn't too late.
Daniel was a nervous wreck. He made sure he was dressed to the nines. If she's looking for a model, then I better play the part. Feeling satisfied with the way he looked, he headed to the Jeep.
Katherine was exhausted. She had no choice but to meet this guy. He said he didn't have any photos of himself and the camera on his phone was broken. But he'd agreed to model for free. Please, please, please be the one! She slipped on a pair of clean black slacks, a blue sweater, and her faux leather jacket that she found at the resale shop. It wasn't even warm but it was the best she had. In the strong, cold wind, she walked to the coffee house. She went as fast as she could, even running part of the way. The neighborhood was not the safest, but that's why the rent was cheaper.
Daniel saw her go in the coffee shop and look around. She picked a little table in the middle, for safety. Good girl, Katherine.
Climbing out of the Jeep, Daniel pulled the collar up on his wool coat, kept his face down, and walked in.
"Hi, Katherine, it's really good to see you again. May I sit down?"
"You moved to Ann Arbor?!"
"No, not quite. It's a long story and I'd like the chance to explain everything to you."
"I don't have time for this, John, I'm waiting for someone."
"You're waiting for Daniel Giordano."
"Wait, how do you know that?" Katherine was getting ready to dart.
"I'm Daniel Giordano."
"That's your real name?"
"Yes, Katherine, and I'm sorry I never told you."
"Oh I see, so the nice things you said to me to get me into your bed were backed with a fake name so you could leave town and not be found! You son of a bitch!" Katherine got up and ran to the door. She flung it open and the cold wind hit her in the face as hard as Daniel's words.
"Katherine, stop! Please!" Daniel ran behind her.
Out of breath, Katherine reached her apartment door. Her hands were shaking so badly, it took all she had just to hold the key. Aiming it at the keyhole was a different matter. She dropped it twice.
"Katherine, please let me talk to you."
"There's nothing to say. I don't even know you!"
"You do!"
Finally, Katherine unlocked the door and ran inside. Daniel stopped the door from slamming in his face. Katherine picked up the phone as he cautiously stepped in and closed the door behind him.