Page 37 of Devlin

"Well, the last few years I've had a fantastic partner."

His father's expressionwent cold. "I didn't come here to talk about Frank."

"But we still need to talk about him. You're letting a personal issue get in the way of business, and that's not like you."

His father stiffened. "Frank had no right to talk to Claire and get in the middle of my marriage."

"Maybe Mom put him in the middle."

"He went there willingly, but, as I said, I didn't come totalk about Frank. I wanted to let you know that your mother is fine. She's in Paris."

"Paris?" he echoed. "She went to France?"

"That's where Paris is," Graham said tightly.

"Have you spoken to her? Is she coming home? Are you going after her?"

"I have not talked to her. But I've been informed that she's fine and she has a place to stay, so you don't need to worry abouther."

"I was more worried about your marriage than her safety. Why don't you talk to her? She's clearly upset."

"Your mother embarrassed me. She ranted in front of our friends and business associates about nonsense. I have never done anything but love and respect and provide for her. She needs to get over this birthday depression madness and come home and apologize."

"Youdon't have anything to apologize for?" he dared to ask.

"My relationship with your mother is not your business, Devlin."

"She made it everyone's business the other night."

"That was unfortunate. But this will be over soon. Your mother will be back."

He hoped his father's confidence was not misplaced.

"Anyway, I'll be going to Boston in the morning," Graham continued."I'd appreciate it if you'd check in on your grandmother while I'm gone. Pam and Joe will certainly do their part, but without Claire here, I worry about her."

"I'd be happy to check in on her. When are you coming back?"

"I'm not sure—a few days."

Which meant he'd have to wait a few more days to resolve the situation with Frank. That wasn't going to make Hannah happy.

"I should get going," his dad said.

"Wait." He gave in to an impulse he would probably regret. "Do you ever miss sailing, Dad?"

"I sail," his father said with a frown.

"You cruise on luxury yachts. You don’t work the sails. You don't ride the wind, not the way you used to. I need a partner for the race. No one else in the family is available. What about you?"

"Ihaven't raced in years."

"Not since Uncle Mark died," he acknowledged. "I know it wouldn't be the same, but it could be fun. And you might have the added bonus of beating Frank."

His father's gaze sharpened. "What are you talking about?"

"Frank is going to race another boat with his daughter, Hannah. He's determined to beat me, to show he's the reason we've won the race thelast several years."

"He won't be able to find another boat as good as ours."

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