ting to be introduced.
"This is my sister Belinda," I finally said. She nearly leaped at him, her hand thrust at his face as if she expected he would kiss it instead of shake it.
"Oh yes. I can see the resemblance," Samuel said.
"Olivia thinks she looks too sexy in one of my dresses," Belinda blurted.
"Belinda!"
"No, she's fine," Samuel said smiling at her. She batted her eyelashes and smiled coyly.
"That's what I told her. See, Olivia," Belinda said, her eyes fixed on Samuel.
"We're late," I said. "I don't want to lose the reservation."
"Right," Samuel said. "Pleased to meet you, Belinda."
"Likewise, I'm sure," she said. He laughed and we left the house.
"I didn't know you had a sister," Samuel said. "Your father never mentioned her." He opened the car door for me and I got in without replying. "Where are we going?" he asked after he got behind the wheel.
"Antonio's at the Point. It's a small place but the food's the best and it has a pretty view from every table," I said.
"Sounds perfect. What does your sister do? Does she work for your father, too?"
"Belinda doesn't do anything," I said sharply. "Nothing?'
"She plays," I said.
"Oh. Nice life if you can have it," he said. "No wonder your father thinks so much of you."
"You and my father apparently talked a great deal about me," I said.
He laughed.
"Well, since we might become partners, I thought it would be a good idea to know you. You and I will eventually take control of our family
enterprises. Of course, yours is far greater than mine and you might even take us over, but I can't think of a better company to consume Logan Enterprises."
"You have no brothers or sisters?"
"No. My mother died when I was young and my father never remarried."
"Sometimes, I wish I were an only child," I muttered. He heard and laughed.
We were lucky to get a table right by the window that overlooked the water and gave us a good view of the lighthouse. The blinking lights of what looked to be a luxury liner moved slowly across the horizon, and the sky had a purple glow around it.
"What a wonderful choice of a restaurant, Olivia. I see I can leave all the major decisions in my life up to you," Samuel said.
"Your life? I'm hardly in your life, just going to dinner with you, Samuel."
His smile resembled the smile of someone who knew a deep, dark secret.
"That's an oversight that I hope will soon be corrected," he remarked. His boldness was so surprising, I nearly laughed aloud. At his request, I ordered for both of us.
As usual, the food was delicious. I know I drank too much wine because I could feel the heat in my neck and my face. Samuel dominated most of the conversation, talking about himself, his education, his family and his plans.
"I've traveled somewhat, but I have yet to find any place as wonderful as the Cape. How about you?"