Page 93 of Taming the CEO

Diane turned to the group. "Thank you, everyone, for your time today. It was lovely. You can ask me anything you want, recommendations for restaurants and so on. Tipping is optional but very welcome."

Thank heavens everyone tipped, because she'd gone above and beyond. A few asked about restaurants, and others even asked if she thought the cruise was a good idea at this time of the year. She advised them to check the weather forecast because if it was cloudy, there was a high probability of fog as well.

Once everyone left, Diane looked at me. "Did you enjoy it? Please be very honest. I haven't been doing this for too long, so I'm happy for any tips."

"But Maddox said you've been a guide for years!"

She nodded. "True, but I only set up my company a few months ago."

"It's a great tour. I can't compare it to others in Boston, but I've been on a few in Essex. You're by far the best tour guide I've ever had."

She grinned widely. "I can see why Maddox likes you." Then she looked at him. "So."

"So," Maddox replied, glancing at me.

I frowned. "What's going on? I feel like I'm missing something."

Diane laughed. "Um, well, you'd better explain, Maddox, because I'm still not sure what's happening."

"Gran found out from someone"—he looked at Diane—"that you're in Boston today."

"Hey, don't look at me like that. I didn't tell her anything," Diane professed.

"But Gabe knows?"

"Of course. Ah," she said, understanding dawning on her features. "My fiancé has a tendency to run his mouth."

"Yeah, but only when it comes to his brothers' personal lives, not his own," Maddox clarified.

"Okay," I drew out, still feeling like I was missing something.

"So she very nicely asked us all to come by for coffee."

"What do you mean, 'all'?" I asked.

"She wrote it in the family group," Diane said. "Her exact words were 'Whoever's got time is welcome' and that 'This is your chance to meet Cami.'"

Maddox looked at me, taking my hand and squeezing my fingers. "We don't have to go."

"I like your grandmother," I replied.

"Yeah, a word of warning. This would not be just the grandparents," Diane said. "Most of the family will be there. It feels as if everyone's dropping whatever they're doing to meet you."

I laughed nervously. "Maybe they're just excited to see Jeannie."

Maddox started to laugh. "Knowing my brothers, they’ll come just to make sure the focus stays on the two of us. And so Gran doesn't get any ideas about matchmaking the two of them. The rest will be just enjoying the fact that Gran was right again."

Diane smiled at me. "There's never a dull moment with this bunch."

"Starting to learn that," I said.

"It's your call, Cami," Maddox said.

"Let's do this. I want to meet everyone." I was also jumping with joy at the fact that he seemed to take all of this in stride. "I've already met Gabe, Leo, and Jeannie. I think I'm good. I won't be overwhelmed."

He snorted. "Famous last words."

Chapter Twenty-Two

---