Paul did call Wednesday night as he had promised and additionally promised to take us to dinner on Friday night. There was a quaint little spot in La Jolla that he liked, and I felt sure myself and the kids would enjoy it too. They had been afforded the luxury to have nice things by Brady's hard work. Vacations. Nice dinners out. The latest technology. Cars. And college tuition bills that would be paid for. It would not be long, and I would be sending Isabella to college, and Liam would be graduating and following in her footsteps not far behind. But I digress.

Paul and I had a long conversation. He had been a bachelor his entire life and had dated many and had been engaged twice, but for reasons unknown yet none of them ever panned out. He liked to ski and play golf, and was slender and athletic enough at sixty-two to enjoy the activities that he enjoyed.

He picked us up promptly at 6:00 PM, Friday, and ushered us in his black, Mercedes CLS to The Marine Room. We were escorted to a fine dining table with white linen cloths and brown armchairs with a hounds tooth design. One of the most amazing features is that we could see the Pacific Ocean. Our dining experience would be complete by listening to the gentle crashing of the waves as we ate.

Just as I figured from a bachelor, Paul was a meat and potatoes man, although he noted in conversation that Italian was his favorite. However, one of his favourite places to visit abroad was Monaco; where primarily, the culture and the food is French. Over the years, he had taken only a select few to Monaco, as it was his respite that he was reluctant to share; so he said.

I had Maryland Blue Crab Cakes to start and a bowl of Lobster Bisque before moving on to a Pistachio Crusted Lamb Rack. My bill alone with wine would be over one hundred dollars, but we were instructed by the one who invited us to order as we wished. Liam and Isabella were instructed to take it easy on Paul and were careful about the right side of the menu. They each said that they were trying to stay lean for the summer. Isabella had been worried about going on to college and putting on the "Freshman-15", and Liam was simply trying to keep his figure as it was. He was in the best shape of his young adult life.

It seemed like all of the countries were represented and Lisa, the sommelier, had suggestions for pre-dinner drinks, wines to compliment our dinner, aperitifs between courses, and of course a nite-cap. I was happy after my third glass that I was not driving.

Conversation was kept lite at dinner, and we held tight to our seats for nearly two-and-a-half hours. Paul would eventually take us for ice cream, one of our favourite pastimes.

He had scored some points with myself and the kids, and I was once again eager; for the first time, to see where things might lead.