Belle looked at her father.  Didn't he realize after all these years that she could tell when he was lying about or avoiding a subject?  He was trying to placate her, telling her he would not do business with these people any more.  But his eyes were as obvious as a lie detector test.  He didn't mean it.<br/><br/>She sighed, giving up for the moment.  She would let him play his game.  After all, if she expected him to treat her like an adult, she needed to return the favor.  He could and would make his own choices.  All she could do is let him know how she feels, and she has done that.  When the snack was served, she drank a cup of tea, forcing herself to relax and enjoy this time with her father.  When he rubbed her arm, it brought back so many memories, and she wanted to lay her head on his shoulder.  But those days were over.  She wasn't a child any more.<br/><br/><em>"So what are your plans for tomorrow?</em><br/><br/>She smiled, knowing they had already been through this, but he was wanting to change the subject.<br/><br/>"I have coffee with Diego around 4:30, but the rest of the day is for you and me.  When was the last time we were able to spend a day together?  Perhaps we could take the yacht out for a while, have lunch on it, maybe play a card game, watch a movie, fish, anything as long as we do it together."  She grinned.  "I'll bet you fifty dollars I can catch a bigger fish than you."<br/><br/>Finishing her tea, she rose.  "I know you are anxious to get in bed, father.  You have to be stiff and sore after the beating you took."  She cringed thinking about it.  "I am going to my room and read for a while, then go to bed myself."  She kissed him on his forehead.  "Goodnight, father.  I love you."<br/><br/>If she hurried, she still had time to call Diego before it was too late.<br/><br/>Closing her door, she sat on the bed and called his number.  "Hello, Diego.  I hope I'm not calling too late.  Did I wake you?"<br/><br/>She did not having anything specific to talk about--just wanted to hear his voice.