“I’d have to see that to believe it,” Lauren said. “I can’t see the point of such extravagance.”

“Remember who you’re dealing with. Think of the Biltmore Estate. Mr. G’s playroom, according to what I’ve learned, is larger. So, having a Rolls Royce at your disposal would be normal for him.”

“I could never get used to living that way.”

“Whatever you do, don’t say that when you interview him. He’s totally self-made, so I’m going to go out on a limb and say there’s some pride in all he’s accomplished. Just keep that in mind when you start the interview.”

“Sure, but I need to hang up because I’m driving home, and the vet is stopping by to scope out the house. You’re sure this is a done deal?” Lauren suddenly felt as though she were about to be duped, as in ha-ha, the joke’s on you. Why in the world would a man so wealthy choose her as his biographer?

“You need to show some self-confidence, Lauren. You’ve got a stellar reputation, so yes, I’m sure this is a done deal. Remember, I brokered this myself, and you trust me, right?”

“Of course I do; it’s just this e-signature thing. Somehow, it lessens the, I don’t know, excitement, the thrill of signing on the dotted line, so to speak. I guess I’m old-fashioned in that way.”

“Lauren, do you hear what you’re saying?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Why?”

“Think about it for a minute,” Angela encouraged.

“I’m missing whatever it is you’re trying to tell me,” she said as she drove down the long drive to the house.

“Your dad.”

“Oh, crap! I get it.” She parked by the guest house. “Yeah, I sound just like him. Okay. You made your point. I’m good with the e-signing; it’s just different.”

“Good, then do whatever you need to do, and I’ll stay in touch.”

“Yep, talk soon,” she said, then hung up. She glanced at the fancy Rolex on her wrist. She had half an hour to kill before the veterinarian arrived. Inside, the house was warm and cozy, the aroma of her parents’ morning coffee lingering in the air. She went to the kitchen, poured herself an orange juice, and sat down at the table. It seemed strange not having her dad waiting for her when she arrived home. That’d been their routine since she returned. She liked routine and all, but change was good, too. While she was still in a state of semi-shock over her dad’s decision, and the reason he’d made it, she was truly thrilled that he could go back to work, feel useful again. The sad part was he’d have firsthand knowledge of what she’d been trying to tell him for years. Razzle Dazzle had lost its appeal.