“We’re having dinner,” Greystone said. “Join us.”
“Sure,” Gabriel replied. “Have you seen Monroe?”
“No,” Teddy and Greystone said.
“She called me right after we got out of The Situation Room,” Gabriel said. “She’s in town, wants to get together.” He glanced around. “Is she here?”
“I haven’t seen her,” Teddy said. “Check the salon.”
Gabriel checked. No Monroe.
As he returned to the booth, the server delivered his whisky.
The family lifted their glasses.
“To Gabriel, who saved us from a cataclysmic disaster,” Teddy said.
“To G,” Greystone said, “whose balls I willneverbust again.”
Gabriel chuffed out a laugh.
“Love you,” Sydney said.
“You’re the real deal, Gabriel Santini, and the Santini brother Ialwayswant on my side,” Caroline said.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said as they toasted. “I love you all.”
“No Monroe?” Teddy asked.
“She’s not here.” Gabriel texted her.
I’m at Santini Ristorante if you still want to meet
He joined his family for a delicious Italian dinner, grateful for a pause in the mayhem that was his life. Day in and day out.
As they were finishing, his phone binged with an incoming text from Halston.
Missing you like crazy
His heart beat harder.
“You’re smiling,” Sydney said to him.
“Text from Halston,” he said before replying.
Missing you too baby. Dinner with bros, Syd and Car at restaurant. See you soon
She hearted his text.
“We love her,” Caroline said. “I’m so happy she’s always going to be in our lives. She’s one in a million.”
“She is,” Gabriel replied, “and I can’t believe she’s mine.”
“Neither can we,” Teddy said, and the group laughed. “You did good, G.”
“I didgreat,” he replied. “Halston is perfect for me.”
His phone binged with another text. This one from Monroe.
