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Declan drives down the busy streets of the more upscale part of town. He’d purchased his home in a pretty, high-end neighborhood, but his parents live in an affluent enclave.
When he pulls into the biggest townhouse I have ever seen, my mouth drops open at the sight of his parents' intimidating home.
While Declan rounds the car to pull the door open for me, I gather myself and flash him a smile. Declan offers the hand in a silent invitation that had gallantly been tucked behind him. He takes my hand in his and draws me to himself to drop a wonderful kiss on my cheek. I smile up at him, as we begin to make our way down the graveled path and toward the house.
Of course, I am filled with anxiety at the thought of socializing with Baron Gray in this setting. When we get to the door, we are ushered in by a butler, who gives Declan a bow and Eli a small smile.
Baron Gray's home is just as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside. The majestic stairwell and trendy chandelier, as well as the other contemporary design elements, make it appear more spacious and airier.
There are also several pictures of Declan and his parents when they were quite younger on the wall. I am almost tempted to move it, to have a closer look at what young Declan really looked like. But I don't because I know it would be quite rude to do that.
Declan moves next to me, I know this because his cologne greets me before he speaks.
"My parents will be here any second now."
I turn to flash him a smile.
"Okay."
"Let's sit," he says, taking my hand in his.
Eli is already settled on the far couch, his iPad already in hand.
The feel of Declan's hand holding mine firmly soothes some of the nerves I feel, and when we settle on the couch, his legs almost brush mine. Declan leans on to whisper, "Are you nervous?"
"I cannot help but be. I am having dinner with your father, who is also my boss. I am afraid I won't know how to act or what to talk about. Do I discuss valuations and freeholds with him or ask to see your baby pictures?"
Declan chuckles.
"I don't think it'll be that hard," he tells me.
"Let's hope," I murmur.
When I hear footsteps on the stairwell, I turn to gaze at Baron Gray, who is coming down, side by side with his wife, who looks just like she does in the pictures that Baron Gray proudly displays in his office.
I swallow hard when a look of surprise crosses Baron's eyes.
Had he not known that it would be me?
"Grandpa!" Eli shrieks and runs to them, throwing his hands around his grandfather first and hugging him as tightly as he can.
I watch the older man rub his head fondly.
Eli then hugs Baron's wife as well, who bends down to kiss his forehead and tells him how good he looks. Eli blushes and tries to get away from her, but she holds onto his hands. I try not to chuckle at the exchange.
When they make their way toward us, I sit up straighter and put on a smile.
"Father," Declan says, getting up to shake hands with his father. I follow his example, allowing Baron to take my hand in his and give a powerful handshake, which I try to return for good measure.
Baron does not look like someone who's been hospitalized recently; he is still as imposing as ever, and his eyes are focused and sharp. It makes me feel even more anxious that he will take just one closer look at Declan and me and sniff us out.
"When he told me about a Felicity, I didn't make the connection," Baron says as he releases my hand.
His wife steps forward.
"I am Helen Gray, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too. Declan has told me so much about you." I lie, swallowing when the woman gives me an odd look and then smiles a second time.
