Page 35 of Welcome Home to Ivy Falls

Was Piper still there?

Was she talking to Barb and Susan about me?

I shook my head. Focused back on my brother. ‘Besides giving me grief about our parents, was there a reason you drove all the way here from Harpeth Manor?’

‘Oh, I almost forgot.’ He pulled a red envelope from the back pocket of his golf pants. My name was embossed on the front in thick black ink.

‘What’s this?’

‘Mom and Dad are having a fortieth anniversary party at the club. Cocktails and dinner. Champagne toast. They’ve asked that we both give a speech.’

I closed my eyes. Dragged a hand down my face. I was not a ‘speak in public’ kind of guy. Too many eyes narrowed in my direction. Too much expectation for me to be witty, clever and heartfelt all at the same time. I’d rather place twenty catheters than speak to that crowd.

‘How about you talk and I’ll stand dutifully by your side?’ I said.

‘Hell no. If I have to be trotted out like some kind of show pony, you do too.’

‘Fine,’ I said, taking the envelope from him.

He gave a satisfied nod like he was James Bond completing some urgent mission. ‘Mom said you should bring a date.’

‘Goodbye, Gray.’ I yanked him toward the door and threw it open.

He patted me on the head and turned for the hallway. After two steps, he spun back around. ‘You need to tell Mom and Dad the truth about going back to Africa.’

‘I know,’ I said heavily. ‘Give me some time.’

He gave a stiff nod. ‘Call Missy.’

‘You’re a menace.’

‘Older brothers know best,’ he cackled, and continued down the hall.

I closed the door and leaned my head against the wood.

A date? Nope.

The only woman who made my heart race had absolutely zero interest in ever being my plus-one.