“Wouldn’t have anything to do with Quentin, now would it, twin?”
André hid a smile at her blush. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I won’t deny that might be part of it. Meeting him last night was like a whole part of myself I didn’t know existed sprang to life. You can’t tell me I’m jumping into anything because that’s how it was when you met Chess, right? I remember you saying that as soon as you started talking to him, you knew.” She gazed at him as if seeking his approval, and he was more than happy to give it.
“I’m not going to mock you. That would make me a hypocrite. I’m happy you’re planning a future instead of running around with no guidance. Now, Henry’s already given me his ideas, but I’d like to know what you have in mind for yourself.”
She tucked a shining curl of hair behind her ear. “Well…you know I’ve stayed in my share of hotels, and while there’s still a lot to be said for the old-style luxury brand, I think people are more interested in fresh, new looks. Sleek and elegant, but still with the attention to detail that separates high-end from mid-grade. We need more of a Webster brand, so that when people come stay with us, they know they’ll be getting an experience like no other.”
His attention caught, André nodded. “Tell me more.”
“I haven’t thought it all out yet, but I want to create that brand. Something innovative, but still luxurious. I heard Mom talking about this, and I agree with her ideas. We should consider spinning off the Webster brand to accessories—not only shampoos and sheets and towels, but luxury goods. We could take it to the next level and have boutiques in the hotels, featuring up-and-coming designers. But we have to do it the right way, and I could ask Spencer for advice. I want to put down roots and do something more than going to fashion shows and parties and event openings. I’m smarter than that, and I want to prove to everyone that I have a head for business, too. Like you.”
“I’ve waited for years to get to this point with both of you. I know you can do anything you want—the sky’s the limit. How about we arrange for a meeting next week when I’m back in the city, and we can go over details?”
Bianca glanced at Henry first before speaking. “What do you think Mom will say?”
André rose from his chair. “Why don’t we go find out? She must be going crazy, not knowing what’s going on in here.”
The three of them strode down the hallway, and flanked by Henry and Bianca, André stood in the wide, arched entrance to the dining room. Wolf’s chair was empty, Elliot and Win were sharing a piece of cake, and he was surprised to see his mother in an animated discussion with Spencer. Bianca returned to Quentin’s side.
“If you’d like to come upstairs with me later, Spencer, I can show you some of my vintage Chanel gowns.”
“Margery, I would love it. Maybe we can do a little business, and you could lend us some of your gowns to put on a display in the store. You might even like to model one or two. I’m friendly with our woman’s couture stylist.”
Oh, Spencer was barking up the wrong tree. His mother was so not like that.
“That sounds intriguing. We should talk.”
Could this evening get any more bizarre? He slid into his seat next to Chess.
“What did I miss?”
“Well…” Chess’s eyes twinkled. “Spencer and your mother started playing ‘Who Do You Know?’ and discovered that he once worked for one of her stylists. They’ve been bonding ever since. Wolf got a phone call and disappeared somewhere. How did your conversation go?”
He slid his arm around the back of Chess’s chair, and when he lifted his glass of champagne, he found Henry’s gaze on him. He tipped his glass and grinned, heart lighter at the returning smile.
“I hope you’re not going to get sick of me being home more, because it looks like things are going to work out exactly the way I’d hoped.”
“I could never get sick of you. It’s what I wished for as well.” Chess chewed his lip, and André could sense something still brewing.
“What’s wrong, love? You aren’t still worried about what happened earlier? I thought we ironed it all out.”
“I don’t want to talk about it at the table. But I do think it needs a longer conversation than we’ve had.”
André nodded, and though he smiled and chatted with everyone, listening to Henry and Bianca talk about the future roles they wished to take on, he wondered what else Chess had to tell him.
Chapter Twenty-One
The dinner over with, André and his mother, with Henry and Bianca in tow, had left to draw up an announcement for Kyle’s departure from the company. Wolf still hadn’t reappeared, and Chess sat with the rest of his friends, picking at the dessert carcasses and finishing up the wine.
“Mmm,” Spencer moaned around his fork. “This is the best thing I’ve put in my mouth all week, even if it is soft.”
Win choked on his wine, and Elliot patted him on the back.
“Still not used to him, are you?”
“It’s going to take years, I’m thinking. Every time I think I am…” Win yawned and rubbed his eyes. “I’m beat. I hate to be a buzzkill, but I’ve been up and out the door by six every morning for the past month, except for the weekend with Elliot at the beach condo. I need to get some sleep, or else I’ll be useless tomorrow night for the big engagement party.”
