“You would do this for me?” Her grandfather looked old and helpless, and her heart went out to him again. He was living with the consequences of his actions from all those years ago, and it was tearing him apart. If her father wouldn’t help him, Eve would see what Darius could do. He must know lawyers who could advise them.
“Yes. You might have disowned him, but I haven’t disowned you.”
He wiped at his eyes but said nothing. She kissed his forehead, turned out the light, and left the room.
If anyone had told her even a couple of days ago that her heart would break for her grandfather, she’d have laughed. Eve firmly believed in the concept of redemption. She could tell her grandfather was sorry, but his pride had kept him from making amends. Her father was no better, but she might be able to soften his attitude. Eve was glad she’d come.
15
Darius must have been more tired than he’d realized. He went to bed in his clothes, planning to listen for Eve’s return to ask her how the summons had gone to her grandfather, and woke to light streaming in the bedroom window. He showered and went to her door. He was just about to rap on it when it opened.
“Oh,” she said in surprise when she nearly plowed into him. “You’re just the man I want to see.”
“Well, I always like to see you.” He was about to kiss her when he heard Joe’s door open. Darius still felt awkward about doing it in front of the bodyguard.
Eve leaned in and stole a quick peck. “You guys ready for breakfast? I’d like to brainstorm some things with you before I call my father.”
“What’s up?” Darius asked.
She laced her fingers with his as the three of them walked to the dining room, and she told them about her second talk with her grandfather. The food was spread out on the sidebar for them to help themselves. They filled their plates and sat at the table. There was still no sign of Graham.
“You’re thinking of asking your father’s advice?” Darius asked
“He doesn’t have to do the actual work,” Eve said, spreading clotted cream on a scone. “But he ought to have some ideas about options Granddad might have.”
“So you’re calling him granddad now, huh?” Joe’s tone was approving.
“Yes, I am. He did a terrible thing, but I think my father gave up too easily, so he carries some of the shame of this unamended breach between them. I feel sorry for my grandfather, and I think his heart has softened.”
“I guess the big question will be whether or not yourfather’sheart has softened.” Darius sent her a sympathetic glance. He understood how she might be hoping for resolution between the two men, but maybe the cynic in him was too strong. It’d been a sore that had been allowed to fester for over forty years. A wound like that was hard to heal. “Don’t get your hopes up too high.”
“I’m a realist, and that’s why I’m hoping you can help me.”
“Me?” Darius looked at her in alarm. “Remember, I’m an artist, not an attorney.”
“That’s true, but I’ll bet that you know some attorneys. And you’re a smart man who helps run a billion-dollar business.”
“I just take care of my little art department.”
They bantered back-and-forth a little until she’d convinced Darius to agree to help her.
“Remember,” she said, “you’d just be the backup in case my father won’t help. You know, I’d really like you to meet my grandfather,” Eve said when they were finished eating, “before the dinner tonight.”
“I’d be happy to—if he wants to meet me.” Her grandfather had good reasons to be impressed with Eve, but Darius wasn’t sure the old man would feel the same about him.
Darius accompanied her when she went upstairs to check with Alan. He told Eve her grandfather slept late and would take his meals in his room to be rested for the dinner party.
“Does he always have to rest like this?” she asked.
“His health has declined a great deal since Duncan died,” Alan said. “My own father was in the most robust health until suddenly he wasn’t. He was often complimented on how young he was for his age. When my mother died, it was like the life went out of him. Three months later, he was gone.”
“I’m sorry. That must have been hard. Maybe I can see him after lunch.”
“Perhaps.” Alan closed the door.
They left, and Darius could tell that Eve was concerned. But what was she going to do? Bully her way into her grandfather’s bedroom?
“I’m guessing we’re not leaving this morning,” Joe said when he rose from the hallway chair where he’d been waiting.
