The Grumpy One (Bossy Glenhaven Billionaires) by Leslie North

Author:Leslie North [North, Leslie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

18

NATALIE

How was it possible that the brunch display made me hungry and nauseous?

Bernie, James, Christopher, Kathleen, Teddy, and a few other relatives whose names I’d forgotten were gathered around the long table in Bernie’s grand solarium, nursing hangovers and trading stories from the night before.

“I always judge a party’s success by how many people fell into the pool, and based on what I saw going on last night, I’d venture to say that this was the best one on record,” Bernie said, raising her mimosa in a toast.

“Did people fall in, or jump?” Teddy asked as he looked around the table. “Because I definitely jumped.”

Kathleen broke out in giggles and reached for his hand. He brought it to his lips for a quick kiss. They were so in love it was almost embarrassing to watch. I glanced over at James, but he seemed oblivious.

“And some of us were pushed,” Christopher added, glowering at Teddy.

At first I couldn’t tell if it was good-natured teasing or if the two had an actual beef. But Christopher’s face transformed into his usual cheerful expression, and Teddy reached across the table to fist-bump him.

“What happened to you, sir?” Bernie fixed her gaze on James, and he seemed to brace for impact. “You seemed to disappear for quite a while.”

I felt my cheeks go hot at the memory of the fun we’d had in the pool house before people started jumping in the water.

“What do you mean?” he asked, wide-eyed and innocent. “I was there the whole night.”

“Mm-hmm,” she replied. “Maybe I should check the security cameras, because I have a distinct memory of you excusing yourself with your lovely girlfriend right after you danced.”

“My strap broke,” I volunteered quickly. “On my, uh, undergarment. We only missed a little bit of the party.”

“Speaking of missing things,” Kathleen began, shooting a guilty look at Teddy. “I have some bad news about the couture launch.”

James sighed. “Let me guess: you can’t make it.”

“I take all the blame,” Teddy said, raising his hand. “I booked the trip without checking in with Kathleen on the dates, and now we can’t get out of it.”

With their resources I had a feeling that they could change any plans at any time, but I wasn’t about to say anything.

“You two are always on the go,” Bernie said. “Doesn’t it get tiring?”

Kathleen beamed at Teddy. “Never. I’ve always wanted to see the world, but I didn’t have a chance. But this guy makes sure my suitcase is always packed and ready. He’s the perfect travel companion.”

“Where to this time?” James asked warily, clearing his plate at an alarming pace.

“Bucket list trip: a safari!” Teddy said.

“Yes, and because of the weather it’s the best time for us to go. I wish we could be there for the show, but you have to understand.”

James snorted out a laugh. “It’s sort of expected now, Mom. We have an event, you can’t make it. We have a crisis, you’re out of the country. Someone needs a shoulder to cry on, your phone is out of range.

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