Greystone put his arm around his brother. “I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
“I hate that our family is so fucked up.”
“All families got some kinda fucked up. That’s what makes ‘em interestin’.”
“I never hear from Mom. You’re back, but Gabriel’s too busy in Italy to care, and Lulu’s too pissed to get over himself.”
“People deal with trauma and drama differently,” Greystone said. “I was gone for a long time, so we gotta give ‘em time.”
“I think you should see G-ma.”
“Bring her here for dinner, and I’ll talk to her.”
Teddy cracked a smile. “That works.”
Greystone extended his hand and Teddy pulled him in for a hug. “Love you, brother.”
“Right back atcha,” Greystone replied.
He left the restaurant, jumped into his truck, stopped on the way for a box of condoms, before continuing on to the club. At the hostess station, he gave the woman his name.
She checked, then shook her head. “No Greystone Santini is on the list. Sorry.”
“Check Grey Stone.”
She did, then cleared him to enter.
The first floor was wall-to-wall with costumed people, and he had to remind himself it was April, not Halloween. Guys dressed as gladiators, a few princes, and men in leathers. The women were either wearing next to nothing or dressed like a princess. He spotted someone at the photo corner dressed like a queen.
He texted Sydney.
I’m here
A group of women surrounded him like sharks. “Hey,” said one of them. “Wanna dance?”
Sydney walked over, shot him a smile. The other women glared at her.
“Sorry ladies,” Greystone said. “I got plans.”
Sydney pushed up on her toes and Greystone lowered his head. “Room five. You’re my guest, so I have to escort you up. Ready?”
He was as ready as he was ever gonna be. “Let’s put a smile on the birthday girl’s face.”
Sydney led him to the upstairs exit, paused in front of the scanner. The light turned green and she opened the door. “After you.”
He held the door, gestured for her to walk through.
On the way up, Sydney asked, “Do you find my sister attractive?”
Greystone learned that silence was a valuable tool. Information was powerful, especially in the hands of the enemy. In this case, however, Caroline was anything but.
He flashed her a smile. “Very. Why?”
“Why did you ghost on her?”
“I got reassigned.”
“Why didn’t you say goodbye?”
