“Girlfriends?” I pry.
“No.”
“Are you trying to tell me he’s celibate?”
He scoffs, “Hardly.”
I purse my lips, glancing out the window as the coffee warms my hands.
“What has stirred up these questions?”
I shake my head, “No reason. Just curious, like I said.”
He narrows his eyes at me but doesn’t press further before he focuses back on the streets as he navigates them, heading toward the hotel.
I spend the day holed up in the tiny office room at the back of the hotel. No one has bothered me, except Willow once when she called to ask about dress shopping for the event, and I’ve managed to get a shit ton done.
The caterers are confirmed and paid, the DJ replaced since the last one was just arrested for god knows what and I’ve set up an auction to raise funds for the local charity. I’ve called a few of the city’s event decorators but have yet to hear back so that’swhere this could all fall apart.
Glancing at the clock I decide to call it a day and grab my purse, heading through the hotel. I greet a few of the staff on my way out and offer courtesy hellos to a few guests who spot me, but I’m almost relieved when I climb into the back of the car.
My back aches and my feet hurt thanks to the heels last night. I need a foot rub, stat.
“Home?” Dennis asks.
Rolling my lips, I nod and settle in for the quiet drive home.
It’s almost dark when we pull through the gates, the house ahead lit up, warm light spilling out from the many windows.
“Thanks Dennis,” I pat his chest, holding my purse and the shopping bag I grabbed from the mall and head inside, smelling dinner the moment I enter.
I’m immediately greeted by Abe.
“Olivia, sweetheart!” He smiles broadly, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“Hi Abe,” I smile. The sweet old man was a literal ball of energy that I don’t even possess half the time.
“Join me for dinner?” He asks, already guiding me toward the dining room.
“Where’s Malakai?”
“Oh, the boy has been sulking all day,” He rolls his eyes, “Did you tell him off?”
Stifling my cringe, I shrug, “Sort of?”
“I like you,” He pats my arm affectionally, “He’s always needed someone to put him in his place, god knows I tried when he was just a lad, but that boy has never been one to listen.”
“Oh, he doesn’t listen to me,” I assure him, “I just piss him off.”
“Keep him on his toes,” He nods.
I’m pretty sure I can do no wrong in Abe’s eyes, he’d probably pat me on the back if I were to tell him about the petty pranks I’ve been pulling and say something likeMalakai needs a little fun in his life.
It is obvious he loves his grandson, and despite this sweet man holding my arm, I know he’s likely just as ruthless as Malakai.
We eat and talk, but Malakai never joins us and when I decide to head to bed, I lay there in the dark waiting.
I was going to put up the barrier but decided not to, it didn’t feel right so I’m just laying here.
