Hopping into the truck, I playfully asked Dad, “Where to?”
He smiled but shook his head. “It’s a surprise, kiddo. I’m not telling. We’ll be there in about twenty minutes.”
I figured I wouldn’t get any more clues from him, and my mind was already a jumble of thoughts as I replayed the scene in the library on an endless loop in my head. I knew that I was probably just obsessing over my run-in with the blue-eyed stranger because I didn’t have any other experiences to compare it to. But, I honestly felt like we had an instant connection. He seemed quiet but friendly, not to mention attractive.
Staring out the window at the passing scenery, I realized that we were traveling in the opposite direction of what I expected. Instead of heading to a restaurant in Minden, Dad was driving west on Highway 207 toward Lake Tahoe. We rarely ventured out this direction, and this section of the road was new to me.
“Are you really not going to tell me where we’re going? We’ve never even gone this way.”
Dad’s laugh echoed in the quiet cabin of the truck. “Haley, I love your inquisitive mind, but sometimes it really is okay to be surprised.”
With a playful tone, I responded, “You know, it is my birthday. Aren’t you supposed to cater to my every whim? You’re a terrible father. Really, just awful.”
Ignoring me, he turned the volume up on the radio before glancing over at me. “Did you say something?”
Shaking my head, I turned to the window to soak up the scenery. The mountains rose on one side while the other presented a valley dotted with homes and landscape much like our own. As we traveled further from Minden, the two-lane road became narrow and windy. Other than occasional turnouts, there were few roads that intersected it. The pine trees became denser and the cliffs steeper. It was difficult to gauge where we were and where we headed.
The road continued to wind, and at some point we stopped climbing so much. Every so often I noticed passing houses hidden in the trees until we finally approached a small town complete with ski resorts and a casino. Assuming our destination must be near, I was surprised when Dad bypassed the center of town.
Not long after, he turned onto a side street with a gated entrance and a guard shack. A variety of ornamental plants surrounded a large, stylized log topped with “Edgewood” in thick metal letters. After passing through the gate, our speed slowed and the scenery subtly shifted to a more manicured look. We passed gently rolling hills, pristine green grass, and a landscape peppered with trees.
The parking lot overlooked a beautiful lake with a large chateau-style clubhouse perched on the edge of the water. Reminiscent of a chalet, it had a slanted roof line and multiple A-frame windows that jutted out. The structure was mostly glass with wood support beams accented by stone.
The natural simplicity of the building’s design only served to augment its opulence. Set in the middle of the magnificent surroundings, the many faceted glass windows made it look like a jewel. I was speechless.
We strolled into the clubhouse and immediately entered a sizable room. Guests weaved their way through the lobby to their various destinations. Some were dressed in casual golf attire while others wore suits with ties or colorful dresses. The wood plank ceiling and oversized furniture placed throughout created an effect that was both impressive and inviting. Large floral arrangements gently perfumed the air as we made our way to the restaurant.
The restaurant had immense glass windows that stretched from the floor to the dramatic vaulted ceiling, showcasing the magnificent scenery. A medley of aromas wafted tantalizingly through the air. As we followed the host to our reserved table, I was suddenly more grateful than ever to Jessica for her gift. The overall grandeur of the setting combined with the spotless white tablecloths and elegant china deserved no less than a beautiful dress.
Our table was located right next to the windows, and we had arrived in time to watch the sun set. The mountains beyond were reflected on the lake’s glass-like surface as the sun dipped lower in the sky. The host pulled out a chair and indicated I should be seated before placing a linen napkin in my lap and handing me a menu. I had never been anywhere this nice in my entire life; I was shocked Dad brought me here and hoped we didn’t look too out of place.
I opened the cork-bound menu but was too busy scanning my surroundings to focus on the offerings just yet. The dim lighting cast a warm glow on the already picturesque scene. Elegant and well-dressed couples and families sat around tables topped with water glasses, a candle, and a vase with delicate white roses. The restaurant was fairly busy, and there was a hushed murmur as people conversed, clinked glasses, and ate their meals.
I felt my dad’s eyes on me while I drank in the scene. I sensed that he was pleased with my reaction. The entire experience was overwhelming, and I so wanted to enjoy every moment of it.
A waiter arrived at the table and took our drink order, reminding me that I still needed to look at the menu. After the waiter flitted away, I perused the options and stopped short when I realized there were no prices listed. Do they assume we are all regulars and know the price? Or do they just figure price isn’t a consideration for most of their guests? Either way, I now dreaded that it was even more expensive than I originally feared.
Apparently reading my mind, Dad spoke. “Haley. It’s your eighteenth birthday and I wanted us to do something memorable. Order whatever you like.” I started to protest, but he shook his head firmly, clearly ending any further discussion on the matter. I finally decided on chicken stuffed with dates and cashews, served with yam dumplings and drizzled with a sherry shallot sauce. I assumed it was less expensive than lobster or steak, and it sounded really delicious.
While we waited for the food to arrive, Dad and I made small talk. It was strange, because in that moment I felt both grown up and incredibly unsophisticated all at the same time. Surrounded by people in a nice restaurant, I wondered if this was what “normal” felt like.
The setting sun painted a colorful display as vivid shades of orange contrasted against the deep blue lake. The silhouettes of the mountains and trees were still visible but gradually faded to darkness. I mentally snapped a photograph so that I could paint the breathtaking scene tomorrow.
As I grew more comfortable in the unusual surroundings, questions began to creep into my mind. I could tell my dad put some effort into planning the evening, and I didn’t want to ruin it with questions about the past. But I also didn’t think I would be able to make it through an entire dinner without blurting out at least a question or two. I started trying to figure out how to confront him about our past and my future.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed him reach for something in the interior pocket of his suit jacket. Before I could see what the item was, he hid it from my view. He looked me in the eye, and I sensed he was struggling with his emotions. “Haley, I can’t believe you’re turning eighteen. I will always see you as my little girl, but I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming.” I blinked back a tear. Although my dad and I were close, I wasn’t used to such emotional statements from him.
He paused and shifted in his seat, running his palm over his short hair before continuing. “I want to give you something special that belonged to your mom.” Revealing the item he’d been hiding, he placed a small midnight blue, almost black, leather box on the table in front of me.
I gently untied the delicate white silk ribbon before opening the box. The inside was coated in velvet, and a sapphire and diamond ring sparkled when the light hit it. I gasped as I removed it carefully from the box, admiring the round-cut sapphires that alternated with diamonds connecting all the way around the band.
His tone was solemn. “It was your mother’s wedding ring. Sapphire was her favorite stone, and I know it’s your favorite color. The sapphires always reminded me of the night sky she loved so much and the diamonds, the stars. Considering sapphire is also your birthstone, today seemed like the perfect time to give you her ring.”
I was breathless and unable to respond as I slid the ring on my finger, smiling when it fit perfectly. “I want you to have it, and she would have wanted that too. Wear it and remember how much we love you.” The small round stones shimmered in the light, enchanting me with their perfection.
I didn’t know if it was a real memory or just my imagination, but in that moment, I could see the beautiful ring on my mom’s finger as she placed my tiny hand in her own. Since I didn’t have anything else of hers, the ring meant more than any other gift my dad could have possibly given me.
I was still staring at the ring when the waiter arrived with our dinner. With some fanfare, he lifted the domed silver lids off the plates to reveal my chicken entrée and Dad’s salmon. After the waiter left the table, I simply said, “Thank you.” I was too emotional to express the depth of my gratitude, but I could tell by my dad’s affectionate smile that he understood.
Cutting into the chicken, sweet and savory notes filled the air. Each bite was bursting with flavors I had never experienced. Thanks to the pleasant atmosphere and phenomenal food, it felt as though we were floating in a bubble of delight.
Suddenly, my mantra floated back to me. I can’t live like this anymore. I didn’t want to ruin the moment, but I knew Dad wasn’t on his guard, and I needed answers. Besides, I figured he opened the door when he gave me my mom’s ring.
I eased into the conversation. “It’s nice to hear you talk about Mom. You promised to tell me about what happened to her and why we aren’t safe.”
He gently dabbed his mouth with his napkin, obscuring his expression. I could tell from the shift in his eyes that he was not expecting this and was not pleased. “Let’s enjoy your birthday dinner, Haley. We can talk about this later.”
I gritted my teeth and smiled, then looked him straight in the eye. “Please, Dad, I’ve waited long enough. I deserve to know.”
He folded his napkin and replaced it in his lap continuing to smooth it despite its heavy starch. I realized I was holding my breath in anticipation. He sighed, “I guess I can’t put this off any longer.”