“There is a woman in the home. You don’t need a servant,” Fani snapped.
Gwen heard a low growl and witnessed an eyeroll come from Troy. Wes and Ian joined them in time to prevent a potential war. Gwen opened a cabinet and was thankful it held service ware.The new kitchen’s contents remained alien to her.
“Circe, let me help you.” Fani’s hands rested on her ample hips.
“Of course, Mrs. Bremen, thank you for the offer.” Gwen moved to her right to grant Fani access to the counter.
Wes took the soup off the stove and poured it in a large tureen. Ian opened the oven and lifted the trays of food onto the island.
Troy filled pitchers with water and iced tea. He jumped when a ceramic platter crashed to the floor. Fani exploded in Greek.
“Mom, English.”
“Fine. I hope Circe is better at her job than in the kitchen,” the older woman glowered.
Troy huffed. “Mom, her name is Gwendolen.” Gwen stopped him from saying more by placing a hand on his chest.
Ian opened a tall cabinet and found a broom, then began to clean up the shattered platter.“No worries, Fani. Everything is under control.”
“Hmm, she can’t lift a finger and has all these men jumping to her aid,” Fani scolded. “Troy, I want some white wine. You three can have a drink of wine too; you're not driving anywhere.”
“Mrs. Bremen, I’m unable to drink because of my medication, and your son is very gallant. When I don't drink, neither does he.” Gwen tried covering for his diet-induced inability to drink. Troy handed her a glass of iced tea, and she took a sip.
“Are you pregnant?” Fani asked.
Gwen’s shaking hands managed to place her glass on the counter before it shattered too. At that moment, she could have chugged an entire bottle of whiskey. “No, ma’am.”
Ian pushed the glass further onto the counter. “Gwen, would you do me a favor? Could you ask Martin to double-check our meeting time in the morning? I may have that drink.” Ian smiled.
“Yes, Mr. Chase.” She fled the room.
* * *
“Mom,please.When did you become so impolite?”Troy gritted his teeth.
Fani looked at her son and, in Greek, said, “Julian’s house, your house, the care you get, the gifts you send. All of you make a lot of money. I worry about a gold digger.”
Fani was speaking when Gwen returned. Troy’s tone, despite the foreign language, was assertive and strong. Fani’s demeanor changed.
Troy watched her silently thank Ian. He knew there was no meeting with Martin. Ian rescued both of them.
After the food was brought to the table, the group reveled in the delicious courses. Fani filled Troy in on his siblings’ lives and asked each man she’d met in Silverton and Denver about themselves. Congratulations were extended to Zach and Wes on their engagements, and to Martin and Elizabeth on how beautiful their children were. Tim was not exempt from Fani’s interrogation; she zeroed in on him as a newcomer.
“I’m not that new, Mrs. Bremen, just new to San Diego’s health center,” Tim said.
Meal complete, Gwen stood, placing her hand on Troy’s shoulder. “Stay, you’re tired,” she whispered.
After dessert, everyone in the room said goodbye or goodnight. Zach and Saoirse, Kip and Wes retired to guest rooms.The house staff began to clean the dining room and kitchen.
Fani swirled the wine in her glass. “I think I will have a little more wine. Somehow, looking at you two, I think I'm going to need it.”
Troy shared a look with Gwen. Glints of gold reflected from her green eyes, and her lower lip wobbled. “Mom, if Gwendolen will have me, I’d be honored if she’ll be part of my personal life. I need to request that you keep things in perspective and don't start planning a wedding.”
“The truth finally. You tried to fool me with the idea thatGwendolenis involved in your security.”Fani’s brow arched to a perfect vee.
Troy’s shoulders ached and sagged. “Mom, there was no attempt to fool you. In August after I was hurt, she was the executive officer for one of Chase Security’s elite teams, and her squad was assigned to keep me safe and facilitate any transportation I needed. She was then and remains one of the best operators we have.
“In November when I was transferred to the rehab hospital in Denver, Gwendolen was on that ambulance ride. She started out as my protector. During that ride and through some difficult times, she became a trusted friend.”
