While everyone laughed, I took Liam’s hand in mine, trying to absorb his inner turmoil. He remembered all too well.
“I can’t even imagine you as a kid.” Grayson smiled at his father. “You never talk about growing up here.”
“Well, there’s not much to say.” William turned to his wife. “Caroline, would you pass me another slice of pie?” He switched topics smoothly, and no one persisted.
“So, are you coming?” Grayson asked Adam, but his brother was distracted. Grayson turned to the cause. “Cass, you’re welcome to come, too, of course.”
My eyelashes fluttered between them. “Oh, no, I can’t. I’m um…expecting a call.”
“Of course you are.” Josie’s gaze softened as she smiled “It’s Thanksgiving. Tell Amy I said hi.”
“Oh, I spoke to her earlier.” Anxiety filled my body. “This is…um…Dom’s family.”
“Who’s Dom—” Grayson blurted before Josie punched his arm. “Ow.”
Something flickered across Adam’s expression, but I refused to face him.
“It’s fine, Josie.” I smiled in appreciation. “Dominic is my late husband.”
Liam’s shaky hand found mine. He was returning the comfort.
“Oh shit.” Grayson winced. “I’m sorry.”
I sniggered when Josie punched him again. “It’s fine, really. You don’t need to apologize.”
“On second thought,” Adam interrupted, drawing everyone’s attention. “I think I’ll stay here and challenge Gramps to a game of chess—if he’s up to it, that is.”
Liam chuckled. “As long as we finish it this weekend. I don’t want to wait until your next visit to beat you.”
Adam’s eyes narrowed playfully. “You’re in trouble, old man.”
“I’m shaking in my boots,” Liam uttered with a hoot.
After our laughter settled, we returned to our meals, while Max helped feed Liam. He was eating less and less these days but remained in good spirits. Having his family visit every weekend was game changing, more than any alternative medicine I could offer, as I could feel him living for the next moment they walked through his door. If only they knew how much they all meant to him—even William.
18
“Please tell me who you’re working for,” Tash pleaded over our video-call.
“You know I can’t.”
“What if I guess and you just nod or wink or something.”
“No!”
“Tom Cruise?”
“What?! No!” I cackled. Tash always made me laugh.
“Ugh, you’re so…” Tash narrowed her eyes.
“Unfun?”
“Professional,” she muttered, crossing her arms. “Whoever they are, they better give you a great reference.”
“I need the money more than I need the reference.”
“Well, whatever gets you back here quicker. LA isn’t the same without you.”