Page 38 of Counterfeit Connection

“No.” I reach over for his hand. “It’s all right. It’s a fair thing to want to know, and if we are really close, you’d know these things.”

“I still have so many things I wish I could have told her or things I needed to ask. My dad has been amazing, so has my sister. I wanted to quit college. They wouldn’t have it. It took a lot of convincing, and therapy, to keep on, but in the end, I know that’s what she would have wanted. Gilly, my sister, Gillian, she took on that mother role.

“We’re a decade apart in age. Growing up, I was like her baby in a lot of ways too. She’s my person. I mean, I have a ton of close friends, but when I tell Gilly something, it’s like I’m telling my mom too, you know? Is Tobias your person? I mean, I’m sorry if it feels like I’m pressing about your brother. I’m not.”

“I didn’t think you were.” He looks down at his wine for a moment then smiles. Maybe at a memory? “My brother and I, even with our differences, were best friends, so I guess you could say I had two ‘persons.’ Tobias, Joseph, and I were a trio that was a force to be reckoned with.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did he pass?” I hate myself for asking, but I think it’s important I know. It’s a formative event in his life. I could easily be asked about it.

“He was taking a chartered flight from Dublin back to London. There was some kind of mechanical malfunction and the engine died. The pilot tried to take them down easy, but in the end…” He doesn’t finish. He doesn’t need to.

“I’m so sorry. I wish I had more words of wisdom or something super profound to say that would help. In the end, all I’ve ever had is, it fucking sucks.”

He offers me a small smile at my word choice before he pulls his hand out from underneath mine to tenderly drag his fingertips down my cheek. It’s a small gesture of affection, but I also see it coming from a place of understanding. The more we talk, the more I see us as very similar people, not this large gap of wealth or knowledge.

“Your skin is so soft,” Griffin whispers.

“Good genes,” I whisper back.

Griffin’s eyes flick to the window behind me. “This is not a line, I swear. There are lenses across the street peering in. Would it be all right if I leaned over to kiss you?”

My heart leaps into my throat. I knew this moment would come, of course, but being faced with the reality of it is something brand new.

For a fleeting second, I forget this is staged. It’s not real, but all I want at this moment is to feel his lips on mine. I nod my consent and wait while he leans forward to close the gap between us. Time slows to a snail’s pace.

I can feel the heat of his lips nearing mine when a voice pulls us from our bubble.

“Griffin Shaw?” a man says from our side and when I look up, I’m glued to my seat. I knew this place was frequented by celebrities, but Oscar winner Julian Stone wasn’t even on my radar.

“Julian,” Griffin says, rising to his feet to shake hands with him.

“It’s been a long time. How are your parents? Are they loving their new home? I’m still shocked by the play yard request in the back of the property.”

“Yeah, well, becoming a grandparent has become his new religion. Who is your lovely dinner date tonight? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.”

“Where are my manners?” Griffin says. “I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend. Kaitlyn Logan, I’d like you to meet Julian Stone.”

My brain fries out. Not only was I just introduced for the first time as Griffin Shaw’s girlfriend, but it’s to none other than Julian Stone. If I was still a teen, he’d be the wallpaper on my phone and have half of the photos saved in my gallery. I take his hand. His soft firm grip is my instant hold on reality.

“Girlfriend? Wow. It’s about time someone made an honest man of you. It’s my pleasure to meet you, Kaitlyn.”

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Stone.”

“We’re all friends here. Please, call me Julian. My wife will be sorry she missed you.”

“How is Alexandra?”

“She’s amazing. She wanted to be on this trip with me, but Lila’s ear infection had other ideas.”

“I’d love to see pictures of them if you have any,” I ask quietly.

“Are you kidding? That’s what most of my pictures are nowadays.”

Griffin slides in beside me as Julian takes Griffin’s former chair. We talk like we’ve known each other for years. After about ten minutes, Julian rises from the chair. “I’m sorry to meet and run, but I’d like to video chat with Lex and the kids before bedtime. It’s sort of our routine when I travel without them.”

“I totally understand, Jules. It was good to see you.”

“Don’t act like this is the last time you’ll see me. I brought my partner in crime to take Lex’s place at the gala tomorrow night. Maybe I’ll get a dance with your lady here?”

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