“A cruise!” Mathieu’s announcement caught Gray’s attention. “This is wonderful.”
Mathieu blinked several times, and Gray wondered if he was fighting back a tear or two.
“This celebration deserves a second slice of cake.” Mathieu sliced himself another piece of cake. “I can’t believe you and Kiera did this. I can’t wait to go. And Gray make sure you get my daughter down to New York the weekend Annette and I are there. I’m looking forward to spending another evening with you both.”
Gray planned to get her there next month.
***
Gray sat on the couch and waited for Kiera. She’d walked her parents downstairs, insisting he didn’t need to follow. He hadn’t argued.
Gray’s phone beeped, alerting him to a new text message, which reminded him of the two he’d received during dinner. He hoped the one he just got wasn’t another from Randall. When he’d first started working for him a few years ago, Randall had let Gray do his own thing, only contacting him when he needed Gray’s assistance. Lately, the man controlled Gray’s every move. Perhaps the time had come for him to reconsider his position and go back to working solely for Sherbrooke Enterprises.
Gray checked the newest message. Call me the message from Derek read. Derek again. Well, he could handle a conversation with his younger brother tonight.
“What sunny beach is your ass parked on?” Derek asked after saying hello.
“It’s not.” Gray glanced over when he heard the apartment door open behind him.
“You’re not in New York. I stopped by your place this afternoon, so where are you and your latest beauty hanging out?”
Kiera sat next to him and snuggled against him. Right away, he kissed her head and put an arm around her.
“I’m in Providence, Derek. What do you need me for?”
“What are you doing there? Is Dad okay?” His brother’s carefree tone disappeared.
“Everyone is fine. Just visiting. I’ll be home in a few days.” Gray wondered if his brother would let it go at that.
“Why don’t you come back tonight? Miranda Bergman has a welcome home party planned for her cousin tomorrow night.”
Although they attended many of the same events, Gray had never cared much for Miranda and her cousin. Derek knew that.
“You called because you need a chaperone to a party?”
“Funny. No, I thought I’d let you know I ran into Val. She asked about you and made it quite clear how lonely she’s been.”
He’d gone out with the swimsuit model a total of five times. They’d had some fun together, but he’d stopped calling for a reason. Spending time with Val reminded him of being with a walking, talking, programmed doll. While beautiful, the woman couldn’t form a thought that didn’t involve fashion or her looks.
“I haven’t had the same problem.”
“Then you don’t mind if she and I go to Miranda’s party together?”
“Knock yourself out.” Gray didn’t care who is brother or Val spent time with.
“I guessed as much. Just wanted to make sure. If you get bored in Providence, Miranda’s party starts at eight. It’s at her place.”
He had plans to do many things and getting bored wasn’t one of them. “Don’t expect me. I’ll be back in a few days if you’re still around.”
Gray turned off his phone and tossed is aside. With Kiera’s parents gone and his phone off, he could focus all his attention on Kiera.
“Who was that?”
“Derek. He needed me to act as his babysitter again so he doesn’t get himself into trouble.”
Kiera flicked his arm. “He’s not the only Sherbrooke that needs a babysitter. You need one, according to the media.”
“Not anymore. My days of spending time with other women are over. You’re stuck with me, love.” A trip down the aisle like his brother had just taken might not happen tomorrow, but he saw them married in the near future.