Page 37 of Taming the CEO

"Start us with those, and then we'll see what else we'll order," I added.

He nodded. "Sure."

He disappeared without even asking what we wanted to drink.

"That was a bit unusual," Gran said. "But it doesn't really matter as long as the food is delicious."

"I'm sure it will be."

"What time do you have to be in Essex?"

"Not until late this afternoon. We've got plenty of time."

I wanted to make it out of the city before rush hour. The crew had already started breaking ground this morning. At this point, it didn’t matter if we got the park or not; it didn't influence where the hotel was being built or how big it would be.

Gran looked at me for a few seconds before asking, "My dear boy, are you sure you're not taking on too much?"

I blinked. I didn't expect that from her. "Why do you ask?"

"It seems there's a bit of a workaholic streak running in our family."

I pointed at her. "Do not put me in the same boat as Colton."

Colton was our oldest half brother, and he was a true workaholic—although he was getting better lately.

She shook her head. "No, Colton's always been in a league of his own. All of you boys have a drive that I admire, but sometimes I feel like you're all pushing yourselves too hard."

If you don't push your limits, then you won't know what they are.

"Don't worry, Gran. I've got plenty of bandwidth left."

Was I going to be busier than usual? Hell yes. But I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.

"I always wonder what your dad thinks about how far his boys have come in life."

I opened a napkin and put it on my lap to give myself something to do. I didn't want to look her in the eye and lie. After all, Gabe and I were the reason why Dad didn't get this property in the first place.

"Doesn't really matter. Can we change the subject?"

"Sure. Are you going to have dinner in Essex as well?"

"No, I just intend to talk with the head of construction so we're on the same page about deadlines and such, then come back."

"You know, I spoke to Cami this morning," she said as the waiter came with the lobster rolls.

"Here they are," he practically sang. "Have you decided what you'd like to have next?"

"No," Gran said impatiently, which was unlike her. "We didn't get a chance."

She opened the menu, and I did the same. She closed it after only a few seconds. "I'll actually have another portion of lobster rolls."

"I want the lobster omelet," I said.

After the waiter left, I expected her to bring up Cami again, but she just took a bite of the lobster roll. I did the same.

“These are fantastic," she exclaimed. "I’ll search for a recipe and make them myself.”

Since she didn't add anything else, I asked, "Why did you speak to Cami?"