“No, I think it’s you because I’ve known you for nearly four years, and during that time, you’ve never struck me as the type of person who takes anything for granted, or anyone for that matter. You go about your days with a smile on your face simply because you know that when you get home, your father is here. It takes a very special person to do the things you do and not have any animosity.”

“Thanks for the compliment,” Joanna said with a grin. “I guess I should be flattered that you thought of me, but honestly, I…I couldn’t do what you’re asking, Millie, convenience or not. It would just be too…too weird.”

Millie’s shoulders slumped. “I understand. Well, it was worth a shot as they say.”

“I’m sorry,” Joanna said softly, seeing a frown appear on her friend’s face.

“Oh, please, you have nothing to be sorry about. It was just my attempt at trying to help Addison. I’m sorry if I offended you.”

“You didn’t.”

“Well, I think I’ve taken up enough of your time for one evening,” Millie said, getting to her feet.

“Can I ask you a question?” Joanna said, following Millie to the door.

“Of course.”

“I would think someone in Addison Kane’s position wouldn’t have a problem finding a partner for herself. Why does she have you beating the pavement for one?”

“She doesn’t. She has no idea that I’m here.”

“No?”

“No. Addison is having a tremendously hard time accepting the fact that this is the only way to keep her company, so until we find a viable candidate, there’s really no point in getting her involved.”

“We?”

“Oh, yes, I’m sorry. Addison’s lawyer, Francesca Neary, is really the one doing the search. This was just my attempt to help. Speaking of that, this sort of thing has to be kept entirely confidential, so I have to ask that you not repeat what I’ve said here tonight.”

“I won’t, Millie. No worries.”

Millie took Joanna’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “I didn’t think you would, but I had to make sure. I hope you understand.”

“I do,” Joanna said, watching as Millie put on her jacket. “So where do you go from here? I mean, surely you have other irons in the fire beside me.”

“I’m afraid you were my only iron, but Fran has been working day and night trying to find someone, so I think I’ll let her be the matchmaker from now on. I don’t really have a lot of friends your age, and whoever we find has to at least appear compatible with Addison. I doubt she would appreciate me soliciting gray-haired old ladies for her partner.”