The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(23)

No, this woman had principals. It didn't hurt that she had an hourglass figure, either. It was a little hard to tell in her dirty work clothes, but he suspected she would clean up real nice.

Perhaps he should get her into his world, and she'll see how much better it is and what a favor she would be doing for her child by giving him full custody.

On Friday, Dallas sent a dozen roses to Jada at her apartment. He included a handwritten note.

Dear Jada,

We got off to an awkward start, and I apologize for my insensitivity. You are obviously a good mother with a great sense of pride, respect and protectiveness for your child. Please allow me the pleasure of getting to know you better. I promise, no talk of custody or money or any other gimmicks - just a nice evening with dinner at a place of your choice.

Dallas

Dallas left his phone number and waited for her call. Two hours later, his phone rang.

“Hello?” Dallas answered.

“Dallas, this is Jada. Thank you for the roses and for the nice note. I’ve had a few days to think about our situation, and I am ready to meet and have a grown up discussion about it.”

“I’m very happy to hear that, Jada.”

“There is a local restaurant not far from my place where we can go.”

“Perfect. What time should I pick you up?”

“How about seven?”

“I’ll see you then.”

Jada felt a little embarrassed when Dallas showed up in a limousine. What would all the neighbors say? Was he trying to show off? Or did he just not know any other way to travel?

Jada opened her apartment door and greeted Dallas. She introduced him to her mother who seemed taken by his appearance. Jada agreed he was handsome in a traditional sense. He reminded her of Clark Gable from Gone with the Wind, minus the mustache. His dark slicked back hair, captivating smile and the twinkle in his eye were very attractive.

But she was determined to keep a clear head tonight. Big decisions needed to be made – life decisions. She suddenly wondered if her little black dress was too revealing. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea.

“You look stunning,” Dallas said.

Jada looked down and smiled. “Thank you.”

Dallas walked Jada to the limousine. He opened the door and Jada slid onto the luxurious leather seats. She tried not to be impressed. She believed money was the root of all evil, and she refused to let herself get caught up in the clutches of greed or envy.

Jada gave the driver directions to The Blue Nile, a quaint, Ethiopian restaurant. She’d only been there once before, but she loved it and always wanted to return.

When they arrived, Dallas offered his hand to help Jada out of the vehicle. He did have nice manners.

“You have amazing taste,” Dallas said as he looked around the Blue Nile Restaurant with décor straight from the horn of eastern Africa with lots of color in its murals and mosaic art on the walls, and a homey atmosphere in the dining area with bright cushions. There was even live music featuring an acoustic piano.

“Thank you. The style here is to serve the meal on one plate and we share. We also eat Ethiopian style using the Biddeena, bread, instead of silverware.”

Dallas raised his eyebrows. “I’ll follow your lead.”

Jada smiled. She was surprised at his willingness to follow her lead. She assumed his wealth made him domineering.

They ordered the Gosa Gosa sampler for the appetizer and the Hoolaa Akaawii (lamb with spices) for the entrée.

“I hope you like spicy food,” Jada said.

Dallas looked at her and raised a corner of his mouth. “I do.”

There was that darn twinkle again! She was hoping he wouldn’t be so charming so she could keep her guard up. But as the night continued, Dallas kept her laughing and she sincerely enjoyed her time with him.

After the meal was over, and they ran through the surface chit chat, they sat in silence and watched and listened to the pianist play.

Jada closed her eyes. “Mm, I love this song.”

“You know it?”

“Oh yes. It’s Lena Horne’s classic, ‘Stormy Weather’.” Now, that woman could sing the blues like no other.” Jada started humming along with the melody.

“You are a singer, too?” Dallas asked.

“Oh, I love to sing. It has always been a fantasy of mine to be a professional singer.” Jada snickered at the thought.

Dallas placed his hand on Jada’s and said, “I’ll be right back.” He slipped out of the booth and walked over to the pianist. Jada watched him whisper to the pianist and put a wad of cash in his glass jar. The pianist nodded and Dallas motioned for Jada to join him by the piano.

Oh no, what did this man do? She reluctantly joined him.

The pianist made an announcement to the diners. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome Jada Foster singing ‘Stormy Weather.’”

Jada felt slightly embarrassed when people looked her way, but once the piano played the smooth jazz intro, she was in a different world. Jada sang from her heart and soul like the song had touched her so many times.

At the end of her performance, the crowd clapped. Jada laughed a little, took a small bow and thanked the pianist. Then she and Dallas went back to their seats.

Dallas looked at her with glassy eyes. “You have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard, Jada.”