Adam pursed his lips. “In that case…hey, Cass, want to come back to my room…andtalkit out?”
“Goddammit, Adam!” Grayson scowled at his brother. “Cassidy’s a professional. You’re not going to treat her like one of your playthings.”
“Why can’t she be both? I’m sure we’re paying her enough.”
“Someone has clearly had too much wine.” Josie rose to her feet and marched toward Adam. “I’ll be back in a sec.” She grabbed his arm and yanked him toward the door.
As they disappeared into the hallway, Grayson closed his eyes with a sigh. “I’m so sorry, Cassidy. He didn’t mean that.”
I gulped down another mouthful of wine. “I know.”
“He’s not processing our grandfather’s prognosis very well.”
“I’ve noticed.”
“Our father saw our emotions as a weakness. It was only here, in this house, where Adam and I could be our true selves. With Josie’s help, I’ve learned to follow my heart, but Adam…he has no one to walk his path with. Our parents won’t be able to fill the hole Gramps will leave, and I’m concerned Adam will switch off his compassion entirely in an effort to feel closer to them.”
“Whyisyour father the way he is?”
“I’ve been trying to figure him out for years. He had amazing parents, grew up in this incredible home… Perhaps kindness can skip a generation?”
“Maybe,” I said, but I suspected something deeper. “The grandparent/grandchild relationship can be vastly different from that of a parent and child.”
“I don’t even know if my parents want a relationship with Harry at all. They keep taking these trips, yet not one of them has been to visit us since he was born. They dote on him every time they see him, but it’s always so fleeting.”
“Have you told them how you feel?”
Grayson grimaced. “We haven’t exactly been on the best terms since I left the family business.”
“Maybe they don’t know how they fit into your life anymore.”
He pondered my words. “No, I guess not.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to have the conversation. Who knows? Maybe your gorgeous boy is just what your father needs to soften him up.”
“Oh, if anyone has the power to conquer my father, it’s Harrison,” Grayson said with a chuckle.
“It may even take the heat off your brother. I sense a lot of pressure there.”
“Oh, Adam thrives off it. He lives and breathes Harlow Corp.”
“Like your father?”
“Yeah, he’s struggling to let go since retiring.”
“That must be hard on Adam. Seeking his father’s approval while wanting independence can create some extremely conflicting emotions. And with your grandfather’s prognosis…it’s a lot. For anyone.”
“You’re right. I should cut him some slack.” He stared at the doorway. “I don’t know if Josie will, though.”
“Why don’t you do something fun together this weekend?”
“I wouldn’t even know what he does for fun.” He chortled. “Except supermodels.”
The knot in my stomach tightened as I forced a laugh.
“Maybe I need to take him out,” Grayson continued. “Get him laid.”
I emptied the entire contents of the glass into my mouth. “If you think that will work, go for it.” I rose to my feet. “Well, I better get to bed. Enjoy your weekend with your grandfather. He really loves it when you’re all here.”