A little startled at her request, he held out his hand, only to hear André say, “Mother, really? It’s Chess’s ring now. We discussed this already, and now is certainly not the time to get into this.”
“It’s okay,” Chess said, rubbing his thumb over the wide smooth surface. “It’s a special ring, and Corbin was a special man. I’m honored to have had the chance to know him.”
Kyle joined them. “Corbin was special and had a great sense of humor. Remember, André, when we’d take the boat out and he’d always joke not to get lost at sea?” The smirk grew on Kyle’s face, and Chess itched to wipe it off him with his fist.
“No. I don’t remember. Mother, let’s get you some champagne.” With his hand on her elbow, André steered Margery toward the bar, and Chess filled a flute of champagne for her.
“Here you go. André brought this champagne home with him from France the last time we were in Paris.”
“How lovely.”
Her tone was off, and uneasiness sat in Chess’s stomach. He caught André’s eye, but he merely raised his brows and shrugged.
Dottie appeared in the doorway. “Dinner is ready, everyone.”
Margery set her glass down without touching a drop, Chess noticed, and took André’s arm. “Come, darling. Walk me in.”
“But—”
Oh, something was definitely off, but Chess held it together. “It’s fine, babe. I’ll be there in a minute with the guys. Save me a seat.” And with deliberation, and knowing Margery’s eyes were on him, he leaned in to kiss André on his lips. “I love you.”
Love warmed André’s intense gaze. “Love you too.”
He watched as they walked away and was immediately surrounded by Elliot, Win, Wolf, and Spencer.
“What was that about? Why did André leave with his mother and not you?” Spencer, of course, was the first to pepper him with questions, but it was Wolf who shocked him the most.
“Why doesn’t André’s mother like you?”
“We’re not exactly friends, but I don’t understand why she’s giving me the cold shoulder. Why do you say that? Did you notice something?”
They began a slow procession into the dining room, where Dottie had set the table with beautiful china, sterling silver, and crystal glasses. A centerpiece of orchids and lilies sat in pride of place, scenting the air with their sweet perfume.
“Nothing in particular…but her eyes. They always give them away. Watch the eyes.” In an uncharacteristic show of emotion, Wolf hugged him. “I’ll be here for you.”
“I agree.” Elliot’s brow furrowed. “She wasn’t acting like a woman who was celebrating her son’s engagement, right, Win?”
“Yeah. I’ve interviewed people like her. She’s holding something back.” Displeasure thinned Win’s lips, and his eyes narrowed in contemplation. “It’s an instinct you pick up after years spent on the force—what she’s holding back speaks louder than her words.”
Even though beads of sweat slid down his spine, Chess smiled. “I can’t imagine what. Let’s sit. Dottie worked all day on this meal for us, and I don’t want to ruin it.”
His friends found their seats at the other end of the table from where the family sat. André sat next to him on one side, with Bianca, then Quentin on the other. Margery, Kyle, and Henry were opposite them. Freddie passed among them, pouring the champagne. Bianca picked up her glass and stood.
“I want to make the first toast. To my brother and Chess. I knew the first time André brought Chess to meet us that he was going to be part of the family. I’m so happy you’re getting married, and I’m looking forward to having another brother. I love you both so much.”
Touched by her heartfelt words, Chess kissed her cheek when she took her seat again. “Thank you. I love you very much, and I’ve always wanted a sister. I couldn’t ask for a better one than you. Or a brother like Henry. Not having any family left, the two of you mean so much to me.”
Henry lifted his glass. “I’m thrilled my brother has found the perfect person to spend his life with.”
Some of the weight lifted off his chest at Henry’s words. He wanted to have a closer relationship with André’s siblings, and this visit was going a long way toward cementing that wish.
“I guess it’s my turn now.” Margery turned the full force of her smile on him, but there was no warmth to the curve of her lips or eyes. “I thought I’d do something special for the occasion, and knowing how Chess made a point to tell us he had no family, I wanted to put all my resources together to find any relatives for him.”
Dread washed over him, and he found it hard to breathe, but she continued on ruthlessly, and all he could do was concentrate on forcing air into his lungs.
“So I hired a private investigator to look into his background. And imagine what I found.”
“Mother, what the hell are you talking about? A private investigator? On Chess?” Dishes, silverware, and glasses rattled as André slammed his hands on the table. “How dare you?”
