Harbor Street (Cedar Cove #5)(41)

His gaze met hers.

“You wanted an opportunity to get to know me.”

“Absolutely,” he said, dazzling her with a smile. “You’re the first woman to capture my father’s heart since Mom died.”

Charlotte blushed with pleasure. “I was a widow for more than twenty-five years myself.”

David nodded absently. “That just goes to show that you’re never too old to fall in love.”

That wasn’t exactly how Charlotte would’ve put it, but she did agree. “I love your father,” she said simply.

“I know you do, and it shows. I’ve never seen my father this happy.” He gave her another warm smile. Oh, yes, this boy was a charmer, Charlotte thought. His eyes grew serious then, and he added, “There’s also another reason I wanted to talk to you.”

Charlotte took a sip of tea and was about to respond when Justine brought David’s drink personally.

“Is everything all right here?” she asked. Although the question was directed at them both, she looked at Charlotte.

“Oh, yes,” Charlotte assured her. “Everything’s perfect.”

Justine eyed the whiskey glass, then reluctantly left the table. As she did, Charlotte noticed that David was frowning.

“Does she always involve herself in her diners’ affairs?” he asked. Charlotte could tell he wasn’t taking kindly to Justine’s barely disguised censure.

“No, no, Justine isn’t like that,” Charlotte insisted, feeling a little awkward. “She just wants to be sure the service is good. Justine and Seth pride themselves on excellent service.”

“I heard what she wasn’t saying,” he muttered. “She’s afraid her precious grandmother isn’t safe with a man who enjoys a drink or two.”

“I’m absolutely sure you misconstrued the question.”

David’s scowl darkened and then, as if by magic, relaxed. “You’re right, of course. I was hoping for quality time to get to know you, Charlotte. Unfortunately that wasn’t possible at our last meeting.”

“I did enjoy our dinner.” It had been one of the best dining experiences she’d ever had—until the very end, when David left so abruptly.

“I did, too,” he agreed, “but I felt badly afterward.”

Charlotte nodded. David’s sudden departure had been unsettling to Ben, and to her, too.

“I want to apologize for my behavior during our dinner. I was…distressed.”

Charlotte patted his hand. “I understood that.”

David lowered his gaze and released a beleaguered sigh. “I never did get the money I needed. I don’t think my father appreciates how hard it was to turn to him for help. I have my pride, too.”

“I’m so sorry about your troubles, David.”

“There’s nothing worse than not being able to meet one’s commitments. I was raised to be responsible, and now I’ve found myself in a situation where my back is to the wall.”

“That is worrisome, isn’t it?” Charlotte had lived frugally her entire life. She’d never had many luxuries but always managed to meet her needs.

“Thank you.” His face softened at her sympathy. “Who would’ve believed a measly five thousand dollars would do me in?”

Five thousand wasn’t all that measly to Charlotte. “I’m sure you’ll find a way out of this.”

David shook his head and his brow furrowed. “Not this time.” His voice seemed to crack with the strain.

“How do you mean?” she asked anxiously.

David shrugged. “Let’s not talk about this now. There’s no need to concern yourself with my problems. You’re a sweet, caring woman and I don’t want to ruin our lunch by discussing my troubles.”

“But I think we should. Maybe I could help.” She didn’t know what she could possibly do, but perhaps…

“You’d be willing to do that?” David asked, relief shining from his face. “Help me, I mean?”

“If I can.” An uneasy sensation settled in the pit of her stomach—the same feeling she always got when she was in over her head. “I could talk to your father.”

“Don’t,” David insisted. “Hard as it was, I’ve already gone to him and he refused. I don’t have much left, Charlotte, except my pride. My father knows I’m desperate, but that didn’t make any difference to him. He’s never given me much help.” He hesitated. “I shouldn’t have said that. Forgive me.”

“Of course.” It wasn’t true either, Charlotte knew. According to Ben, he’d lent his son quite a bit of money through the years. Not once had David repaid him.

“I need five thousand dollars, Charlotte.”

The sick sensation returned. “That’s a lot of money.”

He didn’t disagree, even though he’d considered it “measly” a few minutes earlier. “Yes,” he said, “but I have every intention of repaying you with interest. I explained this to my father, but he didn’t want to hear it. I’m due for a big Christmas bonus from my company. I know I’ll be getting a check for five grand, probably more, and it’ll come in two weeks. I only need the money until then. If I don’t get some cash now…” He sat back in his chair and sighed. “I can’t bear to think what will happen.”