She makes herself comfortable, then after a few minutes of driving, she turns to me.
"News of this wedding has spread. Phe informed our friend group, which has been messaging me like crazy.”
"And Connor is bound to inform my brothers," I acknowledge grimly.
We’re headed home after wrapping up dinner service. I insisted on dropping her, and Harper accepted.
Things seem to have taken on a life of their own since, first Phe, then Connor walked in on us.
He’s friends with Tristan and my brothers. He smirked at me, as if to say, 'finally.' Fuck.
Then he clapped my shoulder, gripped my hand hard, and said, “Your life’s about to change forever.”
I’d be lying if I said that didn’t give me pause for thought.
"I’ll meet Margot first thing tomorrow and tell her. Even if she hears about it from someone else."
It might be better if she did. But I wouldn’t hear the end of it from her. It makes sense to let her know right away.
"And I’ll have to tell my sister and my niece." She furrows her forehead. “It’s not an easy conversation."
I tighten my hold on the wheel. "I’m not looking forward to it. Margot is going to be elated that her not-so-subtle scheme to get me hitched has worked out."
Hopefully, this is a step toward getting Margot to stop interfering in my life.
"Your grandmother sounds formidable. I can’t wait to meet her. Actually—" She looks at me with speculation. "I could help you break the news to your grandmother, too. It might help soften her."
"The only person she listened to was my grandfather. When he died without warning, she took over as CEO. My father worked closely with her. He and my mother adopted me and my siblings."
Her features soften. "I didn’t know that."
"It’s to our parents’ credit; we turned out to be functional members of society. They were open and accommodating of each of our personalities. They gave us space to grow and find our identities."
She turns to me with her features lit up. "They sound amazing.”
"They are.”
Her features turn wistful. "I told you I was eighteen when my parents died. I’d just been awarded a scholarship to go to culinary school. I was heartbroken and didn’t want to go, but Briar insisted. If it hadn’t been for her, I wouldn't have had the courage to pursue my passion.” Her voice catches. "When Freya’s father left, it was a no-brainer that I’d support them."
I turn off the main road into a side street leading to Harper’s address.I park my car in front of her apartment block. It’s a new build in an up-and-coming area of London.
I’m out the car and opening the door for her before she can do it herself.
"Thank you." She slides out the car and walks up the path leading to the doorway to the building.
When she reaches it, she keys in her code and the door releases. She pushes it open, then turns to find me at her shoulder.
"I’ll be back at nine a.m. tomorrow to meet your sister and niece and take you to meet my grandmother."
She seems like she’s going to protest, then shrugs a shoulder.
"Might as well get it over with." Then she frowns. "The restaurant?—"
"I’ll get Henrik to lead on the prep. So, there won’t be any delays in the service."
She nods slowly. "Makes sense."
"Henrik’s my general manager. He likes getting his hands dirty in the kitchen but prefers the admin side of things."
