They ordered lunch, shared dessert, and stayed at the restaurant longer than either of them had planned.
According to Rachel, the conversation felt natural.
There were no awkward silences. No uncomfortable remarks. No obvious signs that my father had behaved inappropriately.
In fact, she seemed genuinely impressed.
When the date ended, my father walked her to her car and thanked her for spending the afternoon with him.
Rachel told him she had enjoyed herself.
He asked whether she would like to meet again.
She smiled and said yes.
When Rachel called me that evening, I could hear the excitement in her voice.
“Your dad is wonderful,” she said.
I laughed with relief.
“I told you.”
“No, seriously. He’s kind, funny, and genuinely interested in what people have to say. I can understand why someone would want to see him again.”
“So everything went well?”
“Better than well. I can’t believe nobody gave him a chance.”
