Page 234 of Champagne Nights

“June, I’m heading over to the hospital to see my dad. I’ll be back.”

“Okay, Henry. Tell him we’re thinking about him.”

I gave her a small smile as I left the building and climbed into the back of the limo. When I walked into his room, my mother looked up from the magazine she was reading and then looked back down.

“Hi, Dad,” I said as I approached his bedside. “How are you feeling?”

“Like shit. How are things at the office?”

“Good. You don’t need to worry about the office.”

“Well, I am worried. I always worry.”

“Which is why you had a heart attack, Carlyle. Henry can handle things. At least for now.” My mother glared at me. “Henry, can I speak to you out in the hall?”

“Sure, Mom.”

I followed her out into the hallway, and she stood there with her arms folded.

“I want you at my house tonight at six-thirty and don’t even think about telling me you have plans. You are to be there, or else.” She pointed her finger at me.

Tucking my hand in my pants pocket, I slowly shook my head as she turned around and walked back into the room. I didn’t have a choice. This situation needed to be discussed, and it was better just to get it over with tonight so I could move on.

As I walked out of the hospital, I pulled my phone from my pocket and sent Ellie a text message.

“Hello, beautiful. I’m sorry, but I can’t see you tonight. I was just at the hospital visiting my dad, and my mother needs me to come over tonight.”

“Hi. It’s okay. I totally understand. Family comes first.”

“Again, I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night. Are you free?”

“I am.”

“Excellent. I’ll text you later.”

I took in a deep,solid breath as I placed my hand on the door handle of my parents’ townhome. Stepping inside, I walked up the stairs to the living room, where I knew my mother would be waiting for me. Just as I suspected, she was sitting in my father’s favorite winged-back chair, holding a glass of wine in her hand.

“Pour yourself a drink, Henry,” she said when I entered the room.

Stepping over to the bar, I poured myself a double scotch.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done? The embarrassment you’ve caused this family?”

“Why? Because I’m not in love with Kirsten?” I asked as I took a seat on the couch.

“You were until you met that deaf woman,” she scowled.

“First of all, her name is Ellie Scott, and second, I never loved Kirsten. I only asked her to marry me because of you and Dad. You have no business telling me who I can and cannot see.” I pointed at her.

She brought the glass up to her lips and took a sip of wine.

“Don’t be a fool. She is a remarkable woman.”

“Then why the hell don’t you marry her?!” I shouted.

“Watch your tone with me, Henry!” she spoke through gritted teeth. “People are already talking about you and this family. Rumors are being started all over the country club.”

“Of course, they are because those snob-ass people have nothing better to do with their lives than to gossip about everyone else! It’s what they live for.”

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