“Why are we going to lunch?”
There was an adorably confused look on Grae’s face that had me fighting the urge to kiss her.
“If we’re dating, people will expect to see us together occasionally,” I reasoned. But the truth was, after a shitty morning dealing with Gabe and my father, she was the person I’d wanted to see.
“I guess that’s true,” she said, her fingers fidgeting in mine.
“I told my family about us.”
Grae’s fingers jerked as her gaze snapped to my face. “How’d that go?”
“My mom was thrilled. Dad was begrudgingly happy. Gabe was an ass.”
She searched my eyes. “It’s still bad?”
It had been so long since I’d talked to Grae about my family. I used to lay all those burdens at her feet. When I no longer had her, I’d started shoving them down and locking them away.
“It just gets worse and worse. Dad seems determined to tear us apart in his quest to make us his version of the best.”
Grae was quiet for a moment, but she kept a tight hold on my hand. “I wonder if it’s his twisted way of protecting you.”
My steps faltered. “Protecting us?”
She toyed with the hem of her shorts before answering, seeming to mull over her words before setting them free. “He couldn’t protect Clara from what happened. It had to make him feel powerless. I always wondered if he wanted to make his remaining children as strong as humanly possible so they could face anything.”
Grae’s theory took root in my mind as memories swirled—Dad’s obsession with us being the best in all things. School, sports, work. “I don’t know. He seems to like pitting Gabe and me against each other. Gets a thrill out of us being at odds.”
The scowl that took root on her face would’ve sent anyone running. “God, why does he have to be such a prick?”
But even though she thought that, Grae sought to understand him and show empathy. That was just who she was.
I let out a long breath. “I kept hoping things would get better, but I’m not sure that’s the case.”
Grae looked up at me. “What does that mean for you?”
I shrugged as I opened the door to Dockside Bar & Grill. “Nothing.”
She frowned as she stepped inside. “You could always go work for another company. I mean, they’re your family, and you’ll still have to deal with them, but not working with them would change the dynamic.”
I shook my head. “I can’t.”
“Why?”
This was one of the things I both loved and hated about Grae. She was never afraid to boldly ask whatever questions she wanted answered.
“Clara always wanted all of us to work for the company. She painted this picture of all of us being there together with family lunches and all the amazing things we’d plan for the hotels. And now there’s her foundation, too. I can’t give up on that.”
“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” said a feminine voice laced with humor.
I grinned at the waitress who’d been working at Dockside since before we were in high school.
“Hey, Jeanie.”
Her smile widened as she took in our joined hands. “I heard rumors, but I didn’t believe it.” She glanced at Grae. “You gonna make an honest man out of him?”
Grae snorted. “I hardly think that’s possible.”
Jeanie barked out a laugh, then sent her a wink. “But it’ll be fun to try, won’t it?”
