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“Christopher?”
“I’ll take a Sex on the Beach.”
Bash makes an awful attempt at covering his laugh with a cough.
“I don’t know, nor do I want to know, what that is. Would you prefer scotch or cognac, Christopher?”
I stretch my legs out and cross my ankles. “Scotch.”
“Sebastian?”
“Same.Please.” Bash shoots me a superior grin.
He’s always been a suck-up.
Grandpa delivers our drinks, then takes a seat on the empty couch opposite Mom and Dad. Unfortunately, his keen eyes focus on me first. “How is it going at Kensington Consolidated, Christopher?”
I down a healthy amount of my scotch, hoping refills are self-serve. “All right. Company should break even this month.”
Bash quickly raises his glass to cover his smile.
Grandpa doesn’t appear amused. “I hope you manage to act more professional at the office,” he states.
“Stop by sometime and see.”
A few beats longer than his usual response time pass before Grandpa responds, “Perhaps I will.”
Dad casts a startled look in Grandpa’s direction. As far as I know, my grandfather hasn’t been to Kensington Consolidated’s headquarters since stepping down as CEO of the company decades ago. He’ll attend various events, and he’s always present at the annual company gala, but he’s totally removed from daily operations. I assume that’s by choice because my grandfather is relentless when it comes to getting what he wants.
Ben and Jerry, who just settled on the rug, suddenly leap to attention and dash out of the room.
“I doubt the butler will be thrilled about that,” Grandpa states.
Buthedoesn’t sound all that peeved by the dogs’ behavior. This is an awfully big house to live in alone. Must be quiet when it’s just him and the staff.
Lili and Charlie appear in the doorway. My sister crouches down to rub Ben’s belly while Charlie’s watching Jerry sniff his shoes.
“You’re late,” I drawl.
Lili straightens and props a hand on her hip. “Did Mom tell you six thirty instead of seven thirty? That’s the only explanation for whyyou’rehere on time.”
Bash chuckles.
I roll my eyes, but I’m tempted to smile. I missed my siblings. It’s been strange, returning to an empty penthouse after having Bash crash with me for most of the summer. And it feels like Lili just returned to New York, and she’s about to leave for Ireland to redesign a college campus in Dublin. After tonight, I probably won’t see Lili or Bash until Thanksgiving.
“We’re just glad you made it,” Mom says, going over to greet them. “It’s so good to see you, Charlie.” She gives him a hug, then embraces Lili.
I study Charlie as he shakes hands with Dad. And I get, a little more, what Bash was talking about earlier. I’ve met plenty of guys Lili has dated. But this feels more symbolic than a simple dinner, like he’s joining our family for more than just tonight.
Bash and I are up next.
“Nice to see you again, Kit,” Charlie tells me as we shake hands.
“Hullo, Your Highness,” I say. “Blimey, am I chuffed to see you.”
Bash groans. “Kit.”
“What?” I reply in my normal voice. “That was my best British accent.” I glance at Charlie. “Pretty good, right?”