Greyson
I stared at the addendum Teresa forwarded to me, my chest growing tight thinking about Alexis. Who would have thought at eighteen I’d meet the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.
I set out to make a name for myself and I had. Spending the last five years being a performing monkey hadn’t been exactly what I was expecting, but I’d done it. People knew my name; they knew my work. I had made my one dream a reality. And it was realizing that dream that brought into focus the simple truth. I wanted Alexis more. I wasn’t sorry for the years that separated us. We each grew as people, we learned we could function separately; I could now support her while she worked to make her own dream a reality. But more, the separation only solidified what we suspected as kids. We belonged together.
I had a graduation present for her. It was one that benefited me as much as her. I couldn’t wait to see her face when she saw it.
I was supposed to be working. Colin handled the bills and contracts; I took care of the correspondence. There was a pile on my desk, a purple envelope stood out. Thinking it might be from Alexis, I ripped it open. I was not new to fan letters, I still received dozens of them weekly, but this was different. Alarm and unease moved through me reading the words of a clearly disturbed person detailing what she’d like to do to me.
I wished it were as simple as tossing the letter to remove the images she’d put in my head. After the last incident with the woman in my hotel room, the police profiled the personality so I knew this had nothing to do with me. I was just the outlet for their sickness. Didn’t change the fact that it was unsettling to say the least. I was about to toss the letter when a flustered Colin hurried into the room. “It’s your grandfather. He took a tumble down the stairs. He’s okay but he’s in the hospital.”
I didn’t immediately react because I couldn’t even remember a time when he was sick. “You’re sure he’s okay?”
“Yes, but you can see for yourself. I’ve already booked the flight,” Colin added.
I wasn’t going to make Alexis’ graduation. “I’ll be ready in ten minutes.”
Eight hours after learning of his fall, I rushed into grandfather’s hospital room not sure what I’d find, but I hadn’t expected to see him looking so irritated. Eyes I shared skewered me as soon as I entered. “This is bullshit.”
I’d been so worried, wondering if there was an underlying illness that had caused the fall, but seeing how annoyed he was it really had just been a fall. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. He rarely cursed, only when he was really pissed.
“I fell down the stairs. I didn’t break a hip.”
He could have. “How did you fall?”
A blush colored his cheeks. He was embarrassed. I had definitely never seen that look on his face. “Since giving the household files to Alexis, I’ve been curious about the diamond so I’ve started exploring the castle. I was in the lower levels when I slipped on the stone steps.”
Fear bloomed because he could have done far more damage than scrapes and bruises. “You’re lucky you were only roughed up.”
He said nothing, but he knew that too.
It then dawned where he’d been. “Who found you? I can’t imagine the staff goes down there.”
“William happened by, thankfully.”
A chill moved through me because he could have been down in that dark, damp place for a hell of a lot longer before his absence was noticed.
He fiddled with his blanket. “I’m sorry. I know Alexis is graduating. You should be there.”
“No. She’d want me here. I’ll see her soon enough. If I have my way, we’ll be under the same roof come September.”
Alexis
Graduation day. I played with my tassels as I thought about my years at NYU. My writing had really taken off with a few of my short stories being published in some of the local magazines. I was still writing my adventure column, which had been picked up by Leisure magazine. My play about the foster monsters, the parody that my professor was pulling some strings for, was opening Off-Broadway next year. It still hadn’t sunk in that a marquee was going to light up my play. I understood better Greyson’s comment about how humbling and terrifying it was when he reached his dream.
My phone rang. Speaking of the devil.
“Hey. Are you on your way? I can’t wait to see you.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not going to make it. I’m in Ireland. Grandfather took a fall down the stairs. He’s okay, he didn’t break anything miraculously, but moving around will be a little difficult for a few weeks. I’m going to stay and help out.”
I had to sit. Thinking about Callum in any other way than the robust man I’d known was difficult and scary. “There wasn’t any medical reason for the fall?”
“My thought too, but no. It was just a fall. He actually cursed at the nurse.”
“Really? That doesn’t sound like him.”
“That’s how annoyed he is with himself.”
“That’s a relief to hear. Please give him my love.”
“I will. I do have a present for you.”
He was all I wanted.
“As soon as I finish the last of my commitments, I’m moving to New York. I’m hoping you’ll agree to be my roommate.”
It didn’t feel real. A part of me thought I was dreaming.
“Alexis?”
“We’re really doing this.”
His voice was like a soft caress. “There’s no reason why I can’t move my studio to New York. I’ll move it anywhere you are, if that’s still what you want.”
“Absolutely it’s what I want.”
He chuckled, “I found a place. If you like it, my lawyers can handle the details. You can move in at your leisure. I should be on your door step the first week of September.”
“I can’t believe we’re finally here.”
“Believe it. I don’t want to keep you. Enjoy your day and tell the gang I said hi.”
Everyone was already at the stadium. Even Mr. and Mrs. C. flew in for the ceremony. “I will.”
“My girl, a college grad. Congratulations, beautiful.”
I placed the phone back and couldn’t help the smile. Greyson and I were moving in together. Excitement bubbled up and I may have even done a little dance.
I had to get to the stadium. I grabbed my purse and yanked the door opened and almost stepped on a little gift bag. I looked up and down the hall, but it was empty. I stared at it like it was going to break out into song. I brought the bag inside and placed it on the kitchen counter then stared at it a little longer. Who sent it to me? Why not knock and hand it to me? There was no tag, no card. It seemed like something Greyson would do, especially now that he couldn’t make the ceremony. Logistically, I didn’t know how he would have pulled that off, but I didn’t care because I was too excited. I pulled the tissue paper from the bag to reveal a small black box. My hands were actually shaking when I opened it. Another emotion filled me staring down at the gold locket in the shape of a heart. My eyes stung as I lifted the locket. The gold was worn from age and that only made it more beautiful. Flipping it over, it simply said Love Always. I opened it. There were two pictures, one of my dad and one of me. The tears started then. My mom’s locket. Wherever they were, they were finally part of one of my milestones. I fastened it around my neck and palmed the locket. “Thank you, Mom and Dad.”
A few days after graduation, Grant and the kids returned to Mendocino, the twins to Berkley and their parents to France. Paige delayed her return after learning of Greyson’s graduation present and my mom’s locket. I was feeling a little tender so for two days we ate ice cream, watched movies and had girl time. Today we were heading to the apartment Greyson had found. The directions took us to a high rise just off Central Park.
“Are you sure this is the place?” Paige asked.
I double-checked the address. “Yes.”
Paige’s expression matched my own, surprise.
A doorman greeted us. He was dressed in an emerald green uniform.
“Fancy,” Paige whispered.
The entrance hall was done in Italian marble from floor to ceiling. Crystal chandeliers that burned like fire and ice hung in a row from front to back pulling your eyes to the large, marble desk where two men in the same emerald green uniform sat.
As we approached, they both stood. “Welcome Ms. Owens and Mrs. Atzer. Benny will show you the apartment.”
Paige and I shared a look. We were getting a taste of what Greyson’s celebrity life was like. I noticed a man and a woman sitting in the small reception area drinking coffee. It looked very cozy. We walked right past the elevators to a smaller one concealed discreetly on the back wall; it made only one stop. The penthouse. Paige saw it when I did because her mouth fell open. We exited on the top floor into a circular foyer with walnut floors that were so clean you could eat off them. In the center of the foyer was an octagonal mahogany table that held a large vase of fresh flowers.
“This is beautiful,” Paige whispered.
I whispered back, “How can Greyson and I afford this?”
Glancing at her, she’d been thinking the same thing. I still wanted to see the apartment. How often did one get to see a place like this?
Benny walked to the carved walnut door with a security pad just to the right of it. He entered the code and pushed the door open. “I’ll wait for you outside,” he offered.
As soon as I crossed over the threshold, I was in love. The floors were the same walnut as the foyer; the walls were a combination of brick and painted plaster in pale yellow. Ionic columns were scattered throughout the open floor plan adding a touch of charm and warmth to what could have been an overwhelming space. The kitchen sat against the inner wall, black granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an island that spanned the length of the kitchen. The cabinets that lined the entire wall were a beautiful cherry wood with paned glass. It was the most beautiful kitchen, almost too beautiful to use.
“I could live in the kitchen,” Paige whispered at my side.
“I think I need to be pinched.”
“No, I’m seeing it too,” she offered with a chuckle before she took my hand and led me to the opposite wall which framed floor to ceiling windows that overlooked Central Park. A balcony wrapped around the entire floor.
The bathroom was almost as big as my studio apartment, and the only other room on the first level was flooded with light from the floor to ceiling windows. A room that was perfect for a studio.
The upstairs had three bedrooms and two baths. The walnut floors continued throughout the second floor and each bedroom was spacious and had its own balcony. The baths were natural stone with steam showers, jet tubs and double vanities. There was even an elevator. When I entered the master bedroom, I fell in love. The entire outer wall was windows. A button on the wall operated the blinds that fed up into the ceiling. On the far wall was a fireplace, trimmed in creamy white wood. The walls were painted Wedgwood blue so it felt like we were walking among the clouds. I turned to Paige.
“It’s perfect, but there is no way we can afford this.”
“Greyson doesn’t seem the type to pussyfoot.”
I knew he’d been very busy over the last five years, but did he really make the kind of money needed to afford a place like this? We headed back downstairs as I battled disappointment. Now that I’d seen the apartment, I wanted it. Anywhere else would just be runner up, but I didn’t want us to be house poor either.
“Miss Owens?” The woman and man who had been in the receiving area were walking toward us.
“Yes.”
She handed me a phone.
“What do you think?”
“Greyson.” I stepped away. “Can we afford this?”
“Yes. My art has done very well, but I also have family money.”
Family money? I hadn’t thought of that but he did live in a castle. Maybe it was stupid, but I didn’t like not being able to contribute particularly when the place had the price tag this one did.
“Stop overthinking it, Alexis. You’re just getting started.”
How did he do that? “How do you know what I’m thinking?”
“Because I know you.”
Even feeling apprehensive, I couldn’t help the smile at how well we fit.
“Do you like it?”
“I love it. One room is perfect for your studio.”
“I thought so too. Tell my lawyers we’ll take it.”
“How did you see the apartment?”
“A virtual tour.”
“A what?”
“The realtor sent me a tour of the apartment through the computer.”
“You can do that?”
“Yep.”
Scary. “How did you know I was coming today?”
“Benny called me.”
Of course he did.
“Give the phone back to Patricia and tell her yes.”
“Are you sure you don’t need to see it in person?”
“My only requirement is anywhere you are.”
“I wish you were here right now.”
He growled deep in his throat, his voice gruff when he added, “Get the apartment and tell Paige I said hi.”
I almost stuck my tongue out at him. Know it all.
I walked to Patricia and handed her the phone. “We’ll take it.”
“Excellent.” She reached in her briefcase for an envelope that she handed to me. “Enjoy your new home.” Then she put the phone to her ear and walked out, her companion following after her.
I recognized the stationery. Inside was a platinum American Express card and a note.
Have fun shopping with Paige.
Love, Greyson
Greyson
I pocketed my cell and wished I had been there to see Alexis’ face as she walked through the apartment. Hell, when she stood outside the building. It was an expense, but it was also an investment and one both my business manager and my grandfather urged me to make. I had the money and would happily part with it to ensure a safe and welcoming home for my girl.
“Based on your expression, she said yes.”
Grandfather guessed when he joined me in the study. We’d only just gotten home from the hospital and instead of taking it easy, he was trying to catch up on his to-do list. He looked good though.
His gaze caught mine. “Congratulations.”
“Shouldn’t you be resting?”
“I’ll rest when I’m dead.”
“Too soon for talk like that.”
Contrition shifted his expression. “I’m sorry.”
“Just take it easy. You don’t have to be on the move all the time. You do have people.”
As if my words conjured him, Nigel entered the study. Grandfather and he went back a long time; their father’s shared the same relationship, as did their grandfathers. That was how it worked in these old homes; the families that supported the estates did so generation after generation. It was a point of pride and honor on both sides. Grandfather and Nigel could bicker like siblings, but they were family. “I’ve been saying the same thing. He listens to you as well as he listens to me.”
Grandfather took a seat. I grinned. He did listen, just begrudgingly.
“Greyson and his girl are moving in together.”
Nigel turned to me and though he didn’t smile, not his style, he dipped his head before he offered, “Congratulations.”
He joined grandfather on the sofa. “Is this the same young woman working on the family history? The one the photocopies were for?”
Nigel had an incredible memory. “She’s been researching our family. Says there are a few mysteries buried in our ancestry that she wants to solve.”
Grandfather’s face lit up. “I look forward to talking with her about it.”
“About what with who?” Maggie, the housekeeper, asked as she entered pushing the tea cart. She didn’t typically serve us tea, we weren’t that formal, but she was worried about Grandfather too. She knew he wouldn’t slow down unless he was made to slow down, even if that was just for a cup of tea and a scone. Her red hair had faded over the years, but her green eyes were as bright and lively as they were when I was younger and she’d sneak me biscuits before dinner. She had been a rock when we lost my parents. Had a spine of steel and an overflowing heart. She wasn’t staff. Like Nigel and William, she was family.
“The Ratcliffe mysteries with Alexis.”
She turned to me, her smile blinding. “Finally on the Alexis front.”
My thoughts too.
“With as long as Ratcliffes have been around, I’m not surprised to hear they stirred up a scandal or two,” she continued then winked.
William entered, dressed in the black three-piece suit he insisted on wearing despite Grandfather’s encouragement to dress down. He was old school and took his role of butler very seriously. He scanned the room, taking in the occupants before he asked, “After tea, would you still like me to have Lady saddled for a ride?”
Lady was my mother’s horse. She’d just been a filly then, but even at ten she was magnificent.
“I’m going to pass on tea, so you can have her saddled now. Thank you, William.”
He nodded before he turned and walked out.
“The man needs to loosen up,” Nigel teased.
“Let’s have tea,” Maggie didn’t wait for an answer and started pouring.
I headed for the door. I hadn’t ridden in far too long. I was eager to see the estate as only you could on horseback. “Enjoy your tea. Grandfather, taking a nap doesn’t make you an old man.”
“So noted.”
“I’ll see you later.”
“I’d like to send Alexis a graduation gift. Perhaps we can discuss it later this evening,” Grandfather’s offer halted my exit.
“Me too. It could be from all of us,” Maggie added.
I could see Alexis’ face, the surprise and tears over a gesture and from people she didn’t know. “She’d love that.”
It was thinking about Alexis that had me detouring to my parents’ rooms. They had been gone for eight years and still their rooms were maintained as if they were still with us. When I was younger, I didn’t come in here. The housemaids were always talking amongst themselves about ghosts that haunted the halls and hills. I’d never seen one, but the idea of seeing my parents as apparitions, that they’d come back to hover at the foot of my bed terrified me.
“You can take anything in here.” I turned at the sound of my grandfather’s voice. He stood just in the doorway. “I knew you’d come here.”
It shouldn’t surprise me he knew me so well and still it did.
“Anything you want.”
I touched the shade of the lamp on the bedside table before reaching for the framed photo of my mother, father and me. It reminded me of the photo Alexis had of her parents; the one not framed but kept in a drawer, the picture that was well loved.
“You never came in here after they died.”
I traced the lines of my mom’s face. “I feared seeing their ghosts.”
“Some of the younger women on the staff do have quite the imaginations.”
I picked up their wedding picture. “They loved each other.”
“It is one thing I will say about the Ratcliffe men. If we choose love, we love forever. Your grandmother was the love of my life, not just my wife, but part of me. Your father had that with your mother, you have it with Alexis. That’s special, but it can also be a curse. Losing a love like that, you don’t ever get over it. You learn to move on, to get out of bed every morning, to function, but a part of you never comes back. Losing your father and your mother will always hurt, but there is a part of me grateful they died together. To be the one left behind is very difficult.”
A chill moved through me thinking about Alexis.
Grandfather was thinking about Alexis too. “They would have loved her.”
My eyes burned. “I know.”
“Anything you want, Greyson. Your parents would want you to have whatever you want.”
He walked from the room, I moved to Mom’s desk. Everything had a place, the pretty floral pattern of her blotter and pencil holder. I sat down and remembered as a kid sitting on her lap, talking and laughing. The memory was so vivid as I reached under her desk and felt around for the secret compartment she’d showed me. Pushing in the right sequence, a drawer popped open on the side of her desk. Her diary. That was something I would take. I closed up the secret drawer, stood and pushed in the chair being sure to leave the room as it was when I entered.
“You really would have loved her. She would have loved you too.”
I reached the door and took another look around as I remembered. “I’ll give Lady your love, Mom.” I pulled the door closed behind me, leaving those memories in that room with them.