Page 69 of Her Devils

Kyle’s jaw ticks for a moment, but it’s gone so quickly, I would almost think I imagined it if I didn’t knowPapà’sbest friend so well.

His tone stays professional. “No, Gina, but Ken was there too, so I’m sure he’s going to take care ofhis team.”

Uncle Kyle is definitely annoyed, and I wonder why Mom is pretending not to notice. “Kyle, are you coming over for dinner with the team?”

His shoulders tense. “I was planning to, but Anna has ordered some healthy food for the Angels, and Kiara is helping her set up a buffet style meal at the house. You and Lenley are welcome to join us.”

It’s more than obvious that Ken and the Devils aren’t invited, and I know that puts Mom in a tough spot.

“Oh,” she comments. “I was going to invite everyone to my—”

“Darrius asked to keep things strictly within the team for the next week of events. He doesn’t want any distractions because he’s determined to win. I hope to see the two of you at dinner,” he concludes, walking out of the boardroom.

Mom exhales the second her business partner leaves the room.

“I booked a table for everyone at Morelli’s, but I guess it will just be Ken and his guys now. I want to support both teams, so I guess it’s two dinners for me tonight. As the Angels’ co-owner, I have to show my face at Kyle’s. Are you coming with me?” she says with a hopeful glint in her blue eyes.

“Hmm, do I have to? I feel like Lorelei and Rory inGilmore Girlswhen they had four Thanksgiving dinners.”

Mom giggles. “Come on, we can do it. Us DeLaurent girls love to eat, and we can give those Gilmores a run for their money.”

I laugh. “Would you hate me if I missed the dinner at Kyle’s? I’ve been working around the clock to organize the socials for our team. With us being hosts this year, there’s a lot riding on our performance, and I’m tired. I’m not really in the mood to break bread with Anna and Kiara.”

Mom’s smile softens as she covers my hand with hers. “It’s okay. I don’t blame you.”

I smile back. “I’ll support you in spirit.”

“Thank you, baby girl.” She smooths my hair with gentle fingers the same way she used to when I was little. “And thank you for supporting me with everything.”

I know what she’s referring to. “You look happy, Mom. You deserve it. I can see how much you love Ken, but I’m glad you still call yourself a DeLaurent girl. I’m glad you haven’t forgottenPapà.”

She pulls me into her arms, making our chairs scrape against the wooden floor of the boardroom. “I could never forget Patrick, sweetheart, but Ken understands. He feels the same way about Peyton’s Mom. He doesn’t mind that I’ve decided to add his name to ours rather than dropping DeLaurent.”

“So now you’re Gina DeLaurent-Cox? I like the way it sounds.”

Mom squeezes me tightly before rising from her chair. “Len, there’s something I meant to ask you. Did you make a decision about your shareholder vote? Are you going to let Kyle continue to vote on your behalf?”

I shake my head, surprised by the turn of conversation. “At first I was planning to, but I’ve been reading as much as I can about how the company operates, and I think I want to try to work it out myself. I can always ask you or Uncle Kyle if there’s something I don’t understand.”

She nods. “Good. I was hoping you’d say that.”

There’s something she isn’t telling me, and my curiosity is piqued. “Why?”

“Don’t worry about it for now, just concentrate on nationals. Let’s just say that I have plans for the future of our team, and I wanted to know what kind of voting power I can expect Kyle to have.”

Oh. “Do you think you two might disagree on something important?”

Her expression remains calm. “Maybe.”

“And you’re looking for my support?”

This is why I adore my mom. She’s always been there for me, but she isn’t the controlling type. “I would appreciate your support, but only if you agree with me when you hear my next motion. If you don’t, you need to vote the way you see fit. That’s what yourpapàwould have wanted. He never asked me to vote with him when he was alive. He always wanted what was best for the Angels, even if it wasn’t his own idea that prevailed.”

That sounds exactly likePapà. “Okay. Whatever it is, I’ll keep an open mind.”

“It’s all I ask,” Mom reassures me. “I wish Patrick could see you now. He would be so proud of you, baby girl.”

I squeeze her tightly in my arms, feeling tears burn behind my eyelids. “I really hope so, Mom.”

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