“I don’t think he’s good enough for you. There are a lot of reasons.”
“Me being your daughter?”
“That is one of them. I want you to have a normal life. Diego, he can’t offer you that.”
“Why? Because he owns a club you think he doesn’t have what it takes to take care of me?”
“Oh, I know he has what it takes. I know he’s quite capable of taking care of you, but he can’t give you a normal life. There are reasons and facts.”
“Why are you being so secretive?” she asked. “You’re not making sense.”
“What exactly do you know about Diego?” he asked.
“I know a lot of things. I know that he’s smart and kind.” This made her father snort. “Dad, you don’t know him. You’re assessing him on one meeting. I’ve known him for weeks, and what I know, I like. Okay. I care about him.” She nibbled her lip. “I, erm, I even think I might love him.” She spoke so softly, merely a whisper.
“Belle?”
“No, please, don’t judge me. I’ve never been with anyone else. Diego, we didn’t just jump in this together, and it’s not a mistake. He makes me laugh, and he makes me believe anything and everything is possible. Can’t you see that?” she asked. “I really don’t want to argue with you about this. Diego means a great deal to me, and so do you. Please, just … let’s enjoy our coffee.”
She didn’t like feeling this way with her father. He was only trying to take care of her, and she got it, completely understood what he was trying to do. She just didn’t like it. Not even a little bit.
Pressing her lips together, she tried to think of a million other things to talk about with her father, but came up blank.
“After we’re done here, I’m going to go and check on Melanie.”
“Dad?”
“No, I think that girl should be given a piece of my mind, and I’m going to be the one to tell her what I think of her … annoyance. Stupid girl. I can’t even believe she left you and she said all those things to you.”
She smiled. This was easier for her to deal with. “Dad, you really don’t have to worry about it. I know Diego was pissed at her.”
“He was?”
“Yes. Don’t pay her any more money, please. She doesn’t deserve it.”
“I’m reaching for your hand,” he said. Belle held her hand open for him to take. “I care about you, a lot. I want to make sure you’re happy at everything.”
“Dad, I am happy. Honestly. I wasn’t expecting Diego. I wasn’t expecting any of this and I … I did think Diego and I wouldn’t work, but he is determined for us to make it work. I hope one day, you’ll care about him just as much as I do.”
He father gave her hand a little squeeze. “I love you, honey.”
“I love you too. Tonight, I’m taking him to sing karaoke. Do you want to come?”
“You’re taking Diego to sing?” James asked.
“Yes.”
“Does he know?”
“Nope. That’s the beauty of it. He doesn’t have a clue, and I know he’s going to love it.”
“I don’t know. Diego doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy that loves to sing.”
She chuckled. “You’ve got to give him a little more credit. He’ll surprise you.” She pulled out her cell phone and directed a call to Diego.
“Hey, baby, what’s up?”
“I want you available tonight. I’ve got date plans.”
“Tonight?”
“No excuses. Please, Diego, I want you there. It’ll be a lot of fun.” Her father laughed.
“Why do I feel this could be torture?”
“That’s just my dad. He thinks my plan for fun is totally wasted on you. Are you going to prove him right?” she asked.
“You know I can’t do that. I’ll meet you at eight, sound good?”
“Perfect.”
She hung up the phone, sliding the device in her pocket.
“Belle, honey, I know you have feelings for him.”
“Dad?”
“Hear me out. I’m your old man for a reason. I get to worry about you. Just take it easy. You don’t know everything about him.”
“Did you know everything about Mom?” she asked.
“I did. I knew everything about her. It’s important to know the little things about a person. What makes them tick.”
“It’s not the same as when you and Mom were dating, Dad.”
“I’m taking your hands,” he said. She felt his touch and this time didn’t flinch. “I would give everything to have her back for just a day. I loved your mother so much. I miss her each and every single day. I want that kind of love for you because I know it’s out there.”
“You know it’s different with me.” She let go of his hand to point at her eyes.
“No. True love. Real love, that’s what counts. Everything else, it doesn’t matter. When you meet the one, there is no fighting that love.”