Page 106 of Loving the CEO

But it was good to know that he was in my corner no matter what.

“So, I guess we’re going?” I asked.

“Sure. If you’re ready.”

I looked down at myself. I was wearing nice jeans and a shirt. It wasn’t exactly business, but it wasn’t too casual either. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

I thought about that email all the way to the Dorchester neighborhood. Part of me figured that maybe I’d misread it. I was very tempted to take out my phone just to double-check, but I didn’t want to read it with Leo next to me. I wasn’t sure what to make of his reaction.

We stopped in front of a green house with white shutters. It looked like something out of a fairy tale. I looked around in wonder. “This is so pretty!”

“You’ve never been to my grandparents’ house, huh?”

“No. She did invite me once, but it felt a bit weird.”

Leo nodded. “I wasn’t coming to their place all that often back then.”

As we slowly walked to the front porch, he said, “A word of warning. Gran might be pissed at everyone.”

“Why?” Jeannie Whitley always seemed like such a positive person.

“My brothers’ better halves talked her into catering again.”

“Which is a bad thing?” I was thoroughly confused.

“She insists on cooking, but honestly, considering how big the group is, it would be a feat even for someone who isn’t over ninety.”

Things started to fall into place. “You’ve used catering before?”

“Yes. She protested somewhat but seemed to come around in the end. Not sure how she’ll react this time. Just be prepared for anything.”

I nodded. “Got it.”

Before we even arrived at the front door, it opened. Nick stood on the other side. “Good, you’re here. Gran was on my case. Can you two pretend like you’re upset with each other or something?”

“What?” I said with a laugh.

“Why?” Leo asked in a voice so serious that I was starting to think he might do it if Nick had a good reason.

“Because she was just telling me what a fabulous job she’s done with everyone else in the family. Even though she’s not taking credit for you, she does set you as an example of what it’s like to be in a happy relationship. So”—he looked from me to Leo—“can you act unhappy?”

Jeannie Whitley knew about us. Wow!

“No!” Leo replied.

“Why not?” Nick asked, as if he couldn’t possibly comprehend why his brother wasn’t helping him out.

“First, because it’s a shit idea,” Leo said.

I giggled as I added, “I’m sorry, but I do agree.”

“And second, because it would only help you out temporarily.”

Nick nodded. “That’s what I’m going for. Eventually, Gran will forget about me.”

Now I was laughing in earnest. Leo chuckled.

“This is not funny,” Nick said, glancing back and forth between us.

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