Page 25 of Her Counterfeit Christmas
Dorian and Spencer hug. It lasts for a second at most, but even then I’m surprised. When Spencer talks about his dad, it sounds like a business relationship more than a personal one. He spent much of his childhood being raised by his grandparents.
My smile dies when Spencer’s dad looks me over with a wolfish grin. My skin crawls.
“This is the girl?” he asks in a low voice. Spencer’s dad must know about our arrangement, or at least Spencer’s reason for bringing me.
Spencer looks over at me with an apology in his eyes, if not on his lips. “This is my girlfriend Layla.” He speaks loudly so those on the couch can hear.
“Call me Dorian,” Spencer’s dad says as he holds out his hand. His handshake is firm, but he holds me for too long. I tamp down my discomfort. This will soon be my father-in-law. Yikes.
Dorian motions to the women on the couch. “My partnerGinger. My sister Ellory. Her husband Gerald. We’re happy to have you here for Christmas.”
Ginger studies me with a pinched smile. Her bright red hair looks unnatural, and she’s older than I expected. From the few times Spencer has mentioned her, I thought she was much younger than his father, though it’s hard to guess her age because her skin is unnaturally tight and smooth, I’d guess from plastic surgery. Maybe she’s in her early fifties? Her dress is a gorgeous gray and white floral that reaches to the floor. She’s paired it with gray peep-toe heels. Stunning.
I stand straighter at her perusal and meet her glance as her eyes travel back up to mine. She raises her eyebrows and turns away, dismissing me, but I know she’s found nothing to criticize with my appearance. I loosen my fingers from around the strap of my Boudron. This is a highly uncomfortable situation, but I’m holding my own. For now.
Ellory approaches wearing a tailored tweed business suit paired with a black turtleneck and is no less stunning. As she pulls me into her arms for a quick hug, I catch the scent of honeysuckle. “We’re so happy to have you. Dorian was just bragging about the wonderful woman his son has been dating.”
Now that Gerald has a full drink, he shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you. Unfortunately, we’ve had a case fall apart in the last twenty-four hours. Did Spencer tell you? We’ll be working on reviving it for much of the week.”
“Gerald, I’ve got it under control.” Spencer’s cheeks turn red. From embarrassment or indignation, I can’t guess. “There isn’t any reason for you to get involved.”
“Nonsense,” Dorian says. “This trial is worth millions. We can’t lose. We’re all putting in the time. This isn’t yourfault, so don’t get defensive, but if the case fails it reflects badly on the firm. We have to do what’s best for our client, not your ego.”
Brutal. I look at Spencer to see his response. He doesn’t argue, just purses his lips and gives a sharp nod.
Ginger wraps her arm around Dorian’s waist. “Yes, the client comes first, but not tonight. Let’s enjoy a few hours without talking shop.”
Ellory laughs and lifts her glass as if to clink it against an invisible one. “Agreed. I could use a break from work. I was hoping for a week, but I’ll take twelve hours.”
Tori walks into the room and heads to the drink cart. “Why does Sadie have to be so difficult at bedtime? I would love to sleep for nine hours straight. She doesn’t appreciate sleep like she should.”
Ellory shrugs like she’s heard this from her daughter before. “If you had a nanny, you wouldn’t have to deal with her tantrums.”
Tori takes a long swig of whatever she poured into her glass. “I’m raising my daughter myself. If a nanny can handle tantrums, so can I.”
“Once Sadie starts school and you come back to the firm,” Ellory says patiently, “You’ll have to hire someone to help you. Now that you’re a single mother, you can’t do everything.”
“Watch me.”
Ellory shakes her head and raises her hand like she gives up talking sense into her daughter.
Tori collapses on the couch and lays her arm over her eyes. Her body sags with exhaustion. “Grandmother better make this week worth it. Does anyone know why she madeus come early? We’re not going through her will until after Christmas. There’s no reason to make us stay here a week when we can get it done in a day.”
“Just as long as I get the Manhattan Penthouse, I’ll stay for a month,” Dorian says.
Ellory stands straighter. “I get the Manhattan Penthouse. Father promised it to me.”
“Yes, well, he’s dead, and now Mother holds all the strings.” Dorian taps his chest. “I’m the oldest. I get the first pick of properties.”
“I’m the favorite, and that holds more weight with Mother.”
“Will you two stop arguing?” Ginger says. She lays a hand on Dorian’s arm. “We have this one night where you two won’t be working. Let’s enjoy it.”
Dorian and Ellory’s glares soften, and they nod. This is not the family I expected to meet in Maine. Where is the joy in seeing each other? These people don’t seem to like each other.
It’s going to be a long week.
Spencer tugs me toward the couches.
