really? Is that why she abandoned me for her lover? Is that why I spent so much time with Grandpa Charles growing up?”
“Did you not like spending time with Charles?”
“You know I loved Gramps. That’s not the point.”
“I hope you can resolve these feelings of ill will, child. Pierre is now your stepfather.”
“That man will never be anything to me.”
“Your mother will not be there, Charlene.”
“I wish you’d call me Charli.”
“Charlene is a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. It’s that feminine side of you that gets far too little attention. I want you to let her out tonight. With me. At the dance.”
Charli sighed. “You’re just not going to quit bugging me, are you?”
“Sure I will. Just as soon as you get here. Say, around seven?”
“What time does the party start?”
“Nine. But you need time to get ready.”
“How long does it take to put on a dress?”
“We need our girl time. I have someone coming over for our hair and makeup. See you in about two hours?”
“If you insist.”
“I do.”
* * *
Warren stood in the middle of his walk-in closet, staring at what he called his monkey suits and wishing for the umpteenth time that he hadn’t picked up the phone. He recalled the conversation.
“I had other plans for tonight, Mother.”
That those plans were a delivered pizza and early bedtime need not be shared.
“I reminded you about the table for ten we purchased two weeks ago,” his mother had countered. You promised you’d come.”
“I don’t remember.”
“You were on your way out the door. But you agreed.”
“Great.”
“The money made from the sale of tables is for a good cause. We’re going to build a combination food bank and donation center somewhere in town. Everyone goes to the Days of Paradise gala, Warren. Besides, you’ve been working too hard lately. And there’s a surprise.”
Oh, here we go. “Who is she?”
He grimaced at his mother’s tinkling chuckle, grating because of what was sure to come next.
“Rachel’s home.”
“So now we get to the real reason for all this prodding.”
“Surprised you need it for such a beautiful girl, or rather, young woman. She’s even more stunning than when she left to finish her senior year. You’re almost thirty years old, Warren. Time to think about settling down.”
“Junior’s thirty-two. Go and bug him.”
“Oh, trust me, Ike Jr. gets his share of...encouragement. But right now I’m not talking to him. I’m talking to you.” Silence. “Rachel graduated with dual degrees in psychology and music theory.”
“She’s still playing the piano?”
“Beautifully, even participated in a concert at Carnegie Hall. Any man would be blessed to have her. She’s gorgeous, talented, comes from a great family with morals like ours.”
“And it doesn’t hurt that her father works for the leader of the free world.”
“I’d never want to be considered a social climber, but yes, her father’s prestigious position at the White House is a definite plus.”
“Which tux should I wear, black, navy or gray?”
“The black one, definitely. And it would be a nice touch, sweetheart, if you brought Rachel a little welcome-home gift. Nothing too frilly. A single rose, perhaps? Or a nice box of chocolates?”
“I’d rather not, Mother. I know how women think and to give her anything like that would be giving her the wrong idea.”
“You’re a kind, thoughtful man, no? What’s wrong about that?”
“Absolutely nothing. Which is why I’ll welcome Rachel home with a greeting and a smile.”
“Now, Warren—”
“Goodbye, Mother. See you at the dance.”
He finished dressing, splashed on cologne and headed for the door. A smile spread across his face as a thought occurred. He’d told his mother that he was coming to the dance. But he hadn’t told her how long he planned to stay. Not long. He felt better already.
Chapter 7
Anybody entering the Paradise Cove Country Club would be hard-pressed to imagine it belonged to a community of less than three thousand. Every aspect of the building was magnificent, both inside and out, and everyone who entered the solid brass double doors looked as though they belonged. Limos vied with Maybachs and Bentleys and enough diamonds sparkled to rival the night’s starry sky.
“Warren!”
He turned around and smiled as the twins walked toward him. “Hello, Teresa.” He leaned down to give his sister a hug. “You look amazing.”
She curtsied. “Well, thank you, brother dear. You look dapper as well.”
“Terrell.” Warren and his brother shared a fist bump and a hug.
“Careful,” Terrell said, brushing nonexistent lint off each of his shoulders. “Don’t mess up the threads.”
“Trouble coming toward us,” Teresa mumbled, turning her head and twirling a curl.
Warren resisted looking, but Terrell turned around. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. CEO and the princess.”
Now he didn’t have to turn around. He knew who it was: Ms. Gold Digger, Ms. Social Climber. Ms. Will Do Anything to Marry a Drake. Niko had alluded to bringing someone respectable. Even though her stint as an exotic dancer had been very brief and in another state, Terrell knew that this was not the title his mom would give Ashley. She was going to be furious.
“Hello, family,” Niko said as he approached.
“Hello, Niko,” Warren said with a brother’s handshake. “Ashley,” he said with a nod.
“Hello, everyone,” Ashley responded.
“Where’s the rest of the family?” Niko asked.
“Inside,”
