Page 46 of Convenient Rivals

“Why?”

“You need to get the full picture, and from someone who’s objective.”

“What am I going to do if you’re right?”

Gregory wasn’t sure what he could say in response. He knew what it was like to be hurt your by parents, and he wouldn’t wish that on anyone, let alone a man he had more feelings for than he should.

CHAPTER12

OSCAR

Oscar walked out of the office of his grandfather’s solicitor in a daze. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to feel. Anger? Hurt? Betrayal? All the above? What he didn’t understand was why she’d done it. It wasn’t like his mother needed the money. He’d asked the solicitor, and although he couldn’t break confidentiality, the scoff he’d made when Oscar had suggested there could be some financial concerns was all he needed to know. What was he supposed to do with this information? Part of him wanted to confront her, but what would that do? Oscar could only see it leading to more hurt.

He’d agreed to meet with Abby after his appointment. The January cold was already biting, but he needed the fresh air, so he walked down Cannon Street towards St Paul’s Cathedral. They’d agreed to meet at a coffee shop on Chancery Lane. It wasn’t too far out of Abby’s way, and Oscar had to head back to his own office, which was close by. He’d arranged to stop by Gregory’s new venture later this morning and have a look, and Oscar suspected it was a way for Gregory to check up on him after his meeting without saying that’s what he was doing. The thought of someone caring about him in that way was a new yet welcome feeling. He didn’t know what they were to each other, but he wasn’t about to push for a definition and risk things reverting.

Abby was waiting for him with his cappuccino ready when he walked into the coffee shop. He’d texted her when he started walking down. She stood up when she saw him and pulled him into a hug, and he had to stoop down so she didn’t throttle him, she was hugging his neck so tightly. Looking round, there was an eclectic mix of people. Chancery Lane wasn’t inside the square mile, so you always got a blend of professionals, locals, and tourists.

“What did he say?” she asked.

“That Gregory was right.”

“I know that part, but what did he say exactly?”

“If I’m married by my thirtieth birthday to someone who is not living off a trust fund, I get the money.”

“So, Gregory meets that criteria, doesn’t he?”

“I’m not marrying Gregory.”

“You can’t let her have the money.”

“Apparently, she has the power to still give me the money if she wishes.”

“Do you think she will?”

“I don’t want it.”

“Then give it to charity. Cats and gays. Your grandfather would have liked that.”

He couldn’t help but smile. His grandfather had always been accepting, and had supported queer charities ever since Oscar had come out. As for cats, his grandfather had always been obsessed with them, and was always housing rescues. His grandmother had gone along with it, but she secretly loved them as well. They’d had the same bloodline of cats for years, as well as all the adopted ones. The last of the bloodline had died two weeks before his grandfather did. It was like they knew something was going to happen.

“Why do you think she’s done this?”

“No idea. If they need the money, why didn’t she say something? I would have done whatever I needed to get it for her. Then when I mentioned marrying Gregory, she went ballistic and set me up with Daniel, who would meet the conditions of the will if I married him anyway. What the hell is she playing at?”

“That’s something you’ll have to ask her yourself.”

He groaned, rubbing his hands on his face. The last thing he wanted was a confrontation with his mother. He loved her, but she was the ultimate gaslighter. They’d once had an argument about the age of a celebrity, so he’d shown evidence he was right. Her response had been to imply she’d been right all the time, and she did it in such an innocent way he didn’t feel he could challenge her.

“What are you doing for the rest of the day? Not going into the office, I hope.”

“I’m going to see Gregory. Then I do need to go into the office.”

“Is that a good idea?”

“I’m the CEO. I can’t just take the day off.”

“First, you are the CEO, so you can do whatever you want, and second, you know that’s not what I was talking about.”

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