“Are you sure it’s okay for us stay here?” Dad asked me.
“Of course. We just have a bit of a full house.”
“Let me help you with that, Mr. Collins,” Marius offered as my parents dragged enough luggage for a six-week stay into the grand salon.
“Tell your man to hire him as his butler.” Grenadine jammed her finger at Marius.
“I already have a job, ma’am,” Marius said.
His cat, Moose, jumped on top of the suitcase and hissed at Gizzy, who was plodding by.
My dad wrapped me in another big hug.
“I haven’t seen you in a gazillion years. I think you got taller.”
“She bought a new bra,” Grenadine said walking by, duster slung over her shoulder. “It vastly improved her posture.”
“Drinks? Does anyone need a drink?” I asked loudly, herding them into the kitchen and out of the way of the caterers who were setting out the food.
“Are you hungry?” my mom fretted. “You look peaky. Let me make you a snack.”
“Mom, we have a ton of food for the party. The caterers went overboard.”
“Caterers?” My mom was horrified. “I’ll have to make some pigs in a blanket. Thank goodness I brought that cooler. Didn’t I tell you it was a good idea, Barry?” she said to my father as several packages of mini wieners appeared on the kitchen counter.
“Mom,” I begged.
“Don’t be afraid to accept help, Lexi,” Grayson’s deep voice said. His eyes were dancing.
“Fine,” I said, throwing up my hands. “Pigs in a blanket it is.”
“Oh, come here, Grayson.”
My mother rushed over, gathered him into a hug, and kissed his head.
“How’s my favorite almost son-in-law?”
“Hint, hint.” Grenadine cleared her throat. “Someone needs to propose.”
“I’m going to check on the caterers.”
I had a whole itinerary planned. There would be toasts, snacking, and grand tours of the finally decorated penthouse that was looking much homier.
“Shoo,” I told Gizzy, who was eyeing a platter of fruit.
I waved the caterers out then made sure all the knickknacks and throw pillows in the grand salon were picture-perfect.
“Sorry I’m late,” McKenna said, coming into the grand salon with bags of ice.
“You can move here too. It will be like a sleepover,” I offered.
“Or I could stay at a hotel andnotin my boss’s house with my grandmother and have room service.”
“Smart woman,” Grayson said dryly.
McKenna took in her grandmother’s maid outfit with a thousand-yard stare. “I hope you’re wearing underwear.”
“Women my age don’t need it. I’m dry as those dead air plants Lexi has in the laundry room.”
