Page 24

Zoey ducked her head. “I’m sorry, Ms. Winter.”
“Oh, hey. It’s okay. Sometimes we make a mistake when we say yes to a date.” I helped myself to a roll. Even though I hadn’t planned on staying, I was starving. “Next time, I’ll just have to be more discriminating before I say yes.”
“Discriminating?”
“Yes, make sure I pick my next date with better qualities.”
She pointed her roll at me. “So, what qualities do you want?”
“Uh…” I had no idea how to answer her without making this awkward.
“Do you like tall guys?” She pursed her lips. “Do you like guys that wear suits a lot? Maybe even ones with green eyes?”
“Zoey!” Beckett reprimanded her, his tone sharp. “I think that’s enough.”
Not fazed by him or his words, Zoey grinned. “I just wondered.”
It wasn’t often I found myself speechless, but right now, I couldn’t find any words to respond. Was Zoey trying to set me up with her father? Oh dear Lord.
I glanced at him. Had he realized what she was up to? He must have based on his response.
A buzz sounded in my purse. “I’m so sorry. I should check and see who it is.” I grabbed the phone and noticed a text from my financial planner.
Bruce
Call me as soon as you get this. Urgent.
Before I responded, my phone lit up with his incoming call. It must not be good if he wasn’t even waiting for me to contact him.
“I’m so sorry.” I shot an apologetic look at Zoey. “I need to take this call. There’s an emergency.”
“Is it Grayson or Ruby?” Beckett asked concern etched on his face.
I shook my head. “No, it’s a family matter. I’m sorry, but I really must go.” I stood and waved to them. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
Without a backward glance, I rushed for the restaurant doors and swung a sharp left once outside. I picked my way around the outdoor tables to the nearby fountain and sat on the edge of its wall.
I dialed his number. “Bruce. What’s going on?”
He didn’t even bother with hello. “Did you transfer a million dollars from your account?”
I gasped. “Hell no.”
“Damn it.”
Rage slithered up my spine. “Where was the money deposited?” Even though I asked the question, I was pretty sure I knew the answer.
He paused. “The Wishing Well Foundation.”
Shit!
“Can we put a hold on any other withdrawals? For now, at least.” I dipped my fingers into the fountain and swirled the cool water around in circles.
“You know we can.” Bruce didn’t say it, but I knew he was thinking it. I should have cut the foundation off years ago.
“Do it.” The anger that coursed through me quickly dissipated. I’d been trying to keep the foundation my mother created afloat for years. It didn’t matter that the money was withdrawn from a trust fund I never used. I’d long since learned to live on my teacher’s salary.
“Will you call her, or should I?”