“So I can expect waffles every time?” I joked lightly. “You know I don’t need it.”
Kade turned off the waffle iron and got the last waffle out. Setting it on a serving platter, he came over and pulled me into his arms. “You may not need it, but I enjoy it. Isn’t that all we need?”
“Well, that and some new clothes,” I replied, snuggling against his chest. “You said we’d talk about shopping today, but you have work. I understand.”
Kade shook his head. “I didn’t forget. This evening, after work. I’m going to talk to Vince and Monica, set up some stuff on the cases we’re working on, and then be home by six to take you out for the evening. It won’t be the best shops in Portland, but we can definitely hit up the Lloyd Center tonight, it’ll get you started. It has a Macy’s, but sadly the Nordstrom’s is closed.”
I chuckled and snuggled tighter against him. “I don’t need expensive clothes. I have everything I need right here.”
Kade chuckled and whispered in my ear. “Lloyd Center also has a Victoria’s Secret. Not all of the shopping is going to be just for you. Now, let’s have some breakfast. I have a few requests for you for while I’m at work.”
Chapter 14
Kade
After a busy but relaxed day at the office, where Monica spent the first half hour having me sign paperwork, I was surprised when Dad gave me a call. I closed my office door and put him on speakerphone while I looked over the transcript of the deposition Vince had sat in on. “Hey, Dad, how’s it going back at work?”
“I wish I was back in Catalina,” Dad said with a laugh. “But considering the talk that Layla and Alix had last night, I wouldn’t have it any other way. What magic happened to have Alix call Layla like that?”
I was tempted to tell Dad the truth, but decided against it. It would lead to too many questions that I wasn’t prepared to answer. “I don’t really know, Dad. I was surprised when Alix asked to come with me to Portland, actually. If we didn’t spend most of the night talking, I would be worried, but I think she’s just moving on to a new stage in her life. Can you guess what she wants to do now?”
“What? Please don’t tell me she’s fallen in love with someone and wants to get married. Layla hated her last boyfriend. I can’t say I liked the guy either.”
How close you are, yet how far, Dad. “No, but she was saying she wants to take a sabbatical from modeling, and look at going to college. It was part of why she wanted to come up here, she’s looking at maybe going to PSU.”
“Really? That’s great,” Dad said, genuine happiness in his voice. “I mean, Alix is beautiful, and I was always happy for her modeling career, but she’s always had more brains than she gives herself credit for. Any idea what she wants to study?”
“Not yet. I think she really got fired up from all the investing and real estate work you’ve been helping her with, and she might be looking at something like that.”
“Well I’m glad to hear it. You know, Kade, Alix impresses me more and more every day. Why don’t you settle down and find a nice girl like her? I’m fifty-eight, and I’d like to be young enough to play with grandkids some day.”
I laughed, leaning back and setting my deposition transcript aside. “Dad, you and I both know there’s only one Alix Nova. Besides, you can’t rush love. Sometimes it just comes out of nowhere and smacks you in the face.”
“I know, son. Sorry about that. Listen, I just wanted to make sure everything is okay with you and Alix. I assume she’s staying at your condo?”
“Sure is. She says she’ll be comfortable in the guest bedroom for a while. We’ll play it by ear from there.”
“That sounds fine. Son, I’d love to talk more, but I know you’re at work. When you have some time this weekend, think the two of you could do a group call with me and Layla? I have some big news for you guys, and I’d like your opinion on some things.”
“Of course. Let’s set something up for Saturday.”
After finishing with Dad, I wrapped up my transcript reading and talked the case over with Vince and Monica, knowing there was little on our plate for the rest of the day. It was both the blessing and the curse of being an attorney who spent most of his work representing athletes. I got a monthly cut of their paychecks directly from their teams, which was nice. On the other hand, there was little to do at times when they were keeping themselves out of trouble and focused on their jobs. I certainly handled a few other cases. I enjoyed trial litigation, but at the moment we were in the long pause in between initial filings and actually going to trial. Things were quiet, which I suppose was a benefit to me.
As I was getting my bag to head out, Vince stuck his head in the door. “Hey Kade, can I bend your ear for a minute?”