“Has Kate been taking you around? You need to meet some people your own age. Maybe you’ll find a nice girl. Fall in love.”
Grant tried to relax the death grip he had on his cutlery. “I think I’m fine.”
“Nonsense. All you’ve been doing is meeting the people that even I find old. They’re my father’s friends and my grandparents’ friends.”
“I met her friend Brandy.”
His father scoffed.
“I’ve also met her old boyfriends.”
Walter turned up his nose.
“I don’t know what she saw in them. Did you meet Jean Claude? Terrible. She has the worst taste in men. Such a shame. She’s well-bred but has a history.”
“This is the twenty-first century,” Grant said, coming to Kate’s defense. “She’s allowed to be her own person.”
He’s a bully.The words of his mother’s friend surfaced in his thoughts. Grant tried to ignore them.
“She was in relationships with them,” he said. “It’s not like she was sleeping around.”
“No, you’re right. She’s a wonderful person, aside from her personal life. I only want her to find a good man. Not that I should talk.” He gave a sad laugh. “I of all people probably have the worst taste.”
“What was Danielle like? Why did you marry her?” Grant asked.
“Let’s not talk about her. I don’t want to ruin a nice meal. When I’m good and drunk, I’ll tell you the whole sordid tale.”
Grant frowned but didn’t say anything else. He did not appreciate people keeping secrets from him. He thought back to the letter and wondered if it would have any answers.
Chapter 29
Kate
The days passed. Kate kept Grant at a distance. She didn’t eat breakfast at the Holbrook estate anymore, instead choosing to arrive at the residence after Grant and his father finished eating. She would accompany Grant to various lunches and outings and, usually, would bring her grandmother as a buffer.
Her grandmother had started to warm to Grant. She would recommend food for him to eat and fill his wine glass. Grant let her fuss over him. He would periodically give Kate a bemused look. She tried to ignore her feelings for him and stay professional.
Kate kept Grant busy, mainly so that he wouldn’t have a chance to plot out a way to corner her. She didn’t think she could resist him again. In addition to the wine tastings, charity dinners, and lunches with various people who were friends of his father, Kate also took him to some of her own personal social gatherings.
One evening was an engagement party for Brandy’s sister, Ginny, that Kate’s grandmother was hosting.
“You met her at the grooming shop,” she told Grant.
“I didn’t know she was engaged.”
“She takes off that rock on her finger when she’s dog grooming. I’m surprised you missed it. She’s marrying one of the Davenport boys. You met his parents at the polo match. Adam Davenport is also a big watch collector.”
“Did I?” Since Kate’s grandmother was hosting the party, she had to stay home and help organize. She brought Grant along to help put the finishing touches on the setup. Then they cleaned up and changed and were at the door to greet the first guests as they arrived.
“Did you bring him as your date?” Brandy asked when she and her parents arrived at the party.
“No, I only brought him along so he wouldn’t be cooped up in the house.”
“Make the rounds. Maybe you can find someone that strikes your fancy, Grant,” Brandy said.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“You’re adorable,” Brandy said, kissing his cheek.
