Page 83 of Devil's Riches

Alexis looked dumbfounded. “Oh,” was all she managed to say in response.

“So…” Edward said slowly. “The reason I called was to ask you if you’d be willing to give a grumpy old man a second chance.”

I nodded at Alexis, and she smiled in return. “Sure,” she said. “I’d love that. I actually called you for a similar reason.”

“You did?”

“Yes. I wanted to apologize for my attitude the other night and tell you that I wanted another chance to get to know you. So I’m really glad we’re on the same page.”

Edward let out a light chuckle. “Great minds think alike, eh?” he said. “Anyway, which nights do you and Sascha have free in the coming week?”

“I’m free anytime,” Alexis said. “I’m not sure about Sascha’s schedule, but she’s been dying to see you and Deborah again, so I’m sure she’d be able to make time whenever you’re available.”

“Oh, good. It’s actually my 77th birthday on Saturday, so I’m having a small celebratory soiree at the house,” Edward replied. “Also, I believe it’s your birthday on Sunday?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, I was thinking that you and Sascha could come over for dinner a couple of hours before my party starts. Just the four of us—you, her, me, and Deborah. We could use that time to talk things through and try to sort out some of our issues, and if all goes well, you could stay for the party and meet some of our friends. I suppose we could even say it’s a joint party for you and me, seeing as our birthdays are so close.”

“That sounds great,” Alexis replied. “I’m guessing you don’t want us to admit that we’re your granddaughters, though. When we meet your friends, I mean.”

Edward went quiet for a moment. “I’m sure we can figure out a way to tell them the truth without telling the whole truth,” he finally said. “For example, if anyone happens to ask who your father is, we could just give them a vague answer.”

Alexis tightened her lips. “I guess that would be okay.”

“We can discuss it further at our dinner,” Edward said. “For now, let’s focus on the menu. Do you or Sascha have any allergies or food preferences?”

“I’ll eat anything and everything,” Alexis replied. “Sascha isn’t allergic to anything, but she’s steering clear of dairy at the moment.”

“All right. I’ll let my house manager know,” Edward said. “Does Sascha still have the same phone number?”

“Yes.”

“All right. I’ll give her a call soon, and then I’ll text you the details for our dinner.”

“Sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.”

“So am I,” Edward said. His tone turned awkward again. “And, er… once again, I’m sorry about the way I treated you before. I’m very glad that you’re giving me a second chance.”

“I’m sorry too.”

Alexis ended the call with her grandfather. Then she put her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “Holy shit,” she said breathlessly. “I was not expecting that to go so well.”

“Me neither.” I slowly rubbed my jaw and frowned. “It was almost too easy.”

Her brows knitted. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t you think it’s strange?” I said. “He acts like he hates you for months, and then suddenly he’s on the phone inviting you to parties and begging you to be part of the family?”

“He wasn’t exactly begging,” Alexis said. “You heard him—Deborah’s sickness made him think about things, and now he wants a bigger family so he’ll never be alone.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just such a strange coincidence.”

“It’s an amazing coincidence,” she said, arching one brow. “I thought it would take weeks or months to worm my way into that house. Now I have an invitation for this Saturday!”

I twisted my fingers on the table, forehead creasing. “I really don’t know about this,” I said, shaking my head. “I still think there was something weird about that call.”

Alexis frowned. “You don’t think Edward knows we’re onto him, do you?”

---