I forced a smile.
“That was supposed to be a joke,” Redmond said, grabbing a strand of my long hair and tugging on it. “What are you doing if you’re not hanging around with us?”
“She’s doing Griffin,” Aidan answered for me, causing my cheeks to burn. “They lock themselves in her bedroom for hours every night. I think he might be a sex fiend.”
Dad pulled up short as he entered the study, his gaze bouncing from face to face. Of course he would pick that statement to enter on. Cormack Grimlock is many things – dedicated businessman, loving and strict father, heavy reader, rampant complainer – but he is not someone who finds talk about his daughter’s sex life funny. He’s fine hearing about my brothers’ dalliances, though. It’s something of a double standard.
“Why are you all talking about that?” Dad asked.
“We think Aisling is depressed about what happened and we wanted to know what she’s been up to,” Redmond replied. “That was Aidan’s answer.”
“I see.” Dad’s face was an immovable mask when he turned to me. “Are you depressed?”
“I am right now,” I muttered.
“Are you upset about what happened at the mausoleum?” Dad pressed.
“I’m not upset, Dad,” I said. “I’m just … thinking about things. I didn’t realize that was a crime.”
“No one said it’s a crime, Aisling,” Dad said, moving to his desk so he could settle in his chair and study me from his favorite spot. “No one would blame you if you were … struggling … to deal with what happened.”
This was getting out of control. “I’m not struggling with it,” I said. “I just don’t want to talk about it. When did family time turn into an episode of Dr. Phil?”
“Someone is cranky,” Braden said.
I really wanted to kick him. “Listen, I know you guys are worried about my emotional well-being, but I’m really fine. I just want a week or so to myself. Is that too much to ask?”
“Of course not,” Dad said, steepling his fingers.
“You’re not spending time alone, though,” Aidan pointed out. “You’re spending all of your time with Griffin.”
“So what?”
“Your complaints that you want to spend time alone might make more sense if you weren’t rattling headboards every night with everyone’s favorite police officer.”
“That will be enough of that,” Dad warned, scorching Aidan with a pointed glare.
“Hey, I have to live with it,” Aidan complained.
“That’s my house,” I reminded him, referring to the townhouse I co-owned with Jerry. “That’s not your house. If you want your own house you should buy one.”
“I’ve been considering it,” Aidan shot back. “Jerry won’t move away from you, though.”
“Oh.” Realization dawned. “You want to move in with Jerry. I … I didn’t even consider that.”
“No one needs to move anywhere right now,” Dad said. “I want Jerry and Aisling to stay right where they are.”
“Since when?” Cillian asked. “You’ve been trying to get Aisling to move back into this house with the rest of us for years.”
“She’s not going to do that,” Dad replied, choosing his words carefully. “I would prefer that she stay with Jerry rather than … strike out on her own.”
Redmond snorted. “You mean you’d prefer she stay with her gay best friend than risk moving in with Griffin,” he said. “Admit it.”
“I … fine,” Dad grumbled. “They haven’t been dating long enough to move in together.”
“We’re not considering moving in together,” I reassured him. “And no matter what Aidan says, we are not rattling headboards every night.”
Dad held up his hands. “That will be enough on that topic. Thank you.”
“I don’t even have a wooden headboard,” I said, refusing to give up the argument. “My headboard is covered with fabric. It doesn’t rattle.”
“Okay,” Dad said, rolling his eyes. “Let’s talk about business, shall we?”
“I would love to talk about business,” I replied, crossing one leg over the other and leaning forward to feign rapt attention.
“I’m not sure what just happened here, but I think we’ve been snowed,” Braden said.
“Sit down, Braden,” Dad ordered. “You’re officially my least favorite child today.”
“What did I do?”
“You didn’t let the conversation go when I told you to.”
“Does that mean I’m your favorite?” I asked, pasting my best “I’m your only daughter and you have to love me” smile on my face.
Dad contemplated the question. “No. Redmond is my favorite today.”
Redmond enthusiastically pumped his fist. “Does that mean I get my favorite dinner tonight?”
This was another little game my family liked to play. Here’s a tip: It’s only fun if you’re the favorite child.
“I believe we’re having rack of lamb and rice for dinner tonight,” Dad replied. “The new cook is … foreign.”
“It sounds like she’s Greek,” Aidan suggested.
“That would make her foreign, wouldn’t it?” Dad asked, nonplussed. “Okay, back to business … .”
“What business?” Braden pressed. “We all deposited our souls. It’s a normal week. Aisling hasn’t been threatened or thrown into a car. What could we possibly have to talk about?”
“Well, believe it or not, we are here to talk about Aisling,” Dad replied.
Oh, son of a … .
“As you all know, since joining the family business several months ago, Aisling has been on probation,” Dad said, my heart rate speeding up. “That probation ends today. As of Monday, Aisling Grimlock, you are officially a full-time reaper.”
Aidan broke into applause. “Does this mean I don’t have to babysit her anymore?”
“You’re off the hook,” Dad said, turning his attention to me. “Aren’t you happy?”
He had no idea. “Thank you,” I said. “I … thank you.”
“That’s all you have to say?” Dad furrowed his brow. “I thought I was in for a bunch of ‘suck it’ and ‘I told you I was just as good as you’ sound bites.”
“I’m celebrating on the inside,” I said, my mind busy.
“Well, you’re going to be celebrating on the outside, too,” Dad said. “We’re throwing a party.”
I groaned and it took a moment to realize my brothers made similar sounds at the same time. Dad likes to celebrate everything. It gets tedious.
“I don’t need a party.”
“Well, you’re getting one,” Dad replied. “It’s going to be a nice family dinner party, nothing too fancy or overblown, so there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll send out invitations to everyone and, Aisling, I will make sure all of your favorites are on the menu.”
“I really don’t … .”
Dad silenced me with a harsh look. “You’re my last child to join the family business. This is cause for celebration. You’re going to celebrate whether you like it or not.”
I knew he was offering the party out of the goodness of his heart, but the last thing I needed was a pressure cooker family gathering with alcohol thrown into the mix. I was likely to crack in that scenario. I couldn’t disappoint him, though. I was already keeping a huge secret from him.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Three
I was weary when I let myself into the townhouse Jerry and I shared an hour later. It was quiet, and I was just about to let loose with a relieved sigh because I was alone when Jerry swooped into view and pulled me in for a tight hug.
“I heard you’re off probation, Bug. Congratulations!”
If someone could bottle exuberance, Jerry would have enough to fuel the whole world. He’s a hundred and eighty pounds of well-sculpted happiness. He’s been a tireless cheerleader in my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve confided every dream in him. I’ve told him every awful secret in the wo
rld – well, except for one.
I disengaged from Jerry and pasted what I hoped was a friendly smile on my face. “I see Aidan beat me here.”
“No, he called to make sure I was ready on time and told me the big news,” Jerry said, following me into the living room, where I dumped my purse and shoes under the coffee table. I could put them away, but if I did Jerry would have nothing to complain about when he woke up tomorrow morning.
“So, tell me how you feel,” Jerry prodded.
“Tired.” The single word sounded desolate. I tried to think of something to add to it, but it was already too late.
“You’re really starting to worry me, Bug,” Jerry said, grabbing my chin and turning my face so he could study my profile. “I think you’ve lost some weight. Go put your skinny jeans on. I can always tell how much you weigh when you put those on. Your butt looks perfect in them.”
Jerry always provides the best ego boosts, too. “I’ll consider wearing them for you Monday,” I offered, throwing myself on the couch. “Monday will be a big day. I’ll be doing everything on my own for the first time. I’ll need to look good to do it.”
Jerry pursed his lips, considering the offer. “Or … how about you put them on now and we go out and celebrate? How does that sound?”
That sounded like the last thing I wanted to do. “Jerry … .”
“Oh, come on, Bug,” he prodded. “We haven’t been out in forever.”
“It’s only been two weeks, but I know how you thrive on drama.”
Jerry frowned. “You know, I’ve about had it with your mopey attitude.” He put his hands on his hips, which meant he was about to do his impression of an angry chicken. “What is wrong with you?”
“Nothing is wrong with me, Jerry. I’m just tired.” And worried, I added silently. I was so worried my stomach was constantly tied into knots. He was right about me losing weight. I couldn’t seem to focus on eating.
“Come on.” Jerry made his sad puppy dog face. “I’ll buy you as many drinks as you want.”
The sound of the front door opening drew our attention to the foyer. Griffin looked as tired as I felt when he rounded the corner, a pizza box in one hand and a six-pack of hard root beer in the other. “Hey.”
“What’s up?” Jerry asked, miming the macho chin jerk he’s convinced straight guys use when greeting each other.
“Not much,” Griffin said, dropping the pizza and six-pack on the table before moving to my side. He dropped a kiss on my forehead and sat next to me. “How are you?”
“Awesome.”
Griffin smirked, his chocolate eyes lighting up. “You’re awesome?”
“Aren’t I always awesome?”
“You have your moments,” Griffin said, grabbing my hand and rubbing it between his. He was as leery of talking in front of Jerry as I was. Aidan was right about us holing up in my room every night. Griffin was the only one who knew the big secret, and we were both at a loss about what to do. “Did anything happen at work today?”
In addition to putting our heads together about Fontaine’s admission regarding my mother, Griffin was also living under a cloud of worry because he was convinced another attack on my family – and by extension me – was imminent. That was the least of my worries right now.
“Not really,” I replied. “Oh, well, we collected the soul of a really old woman who spent all her time spying on her neighbors. One of them has sex like a porn star and she was convinced another was sending body parts through the mail.”
Griffin chuckled. “Well, that sounds fun.”
We lapsed into silence, comfortable with each other but uncomfortable with Jerry’s pointed stare.
“Um … isn’t there something else you want to tell him, Bug?” Jerry prodded.
“Not that I can think of.”
“How about the fact that you’re off probation and now you get to go out on cases on your own?” Jerry reminded me. “That’s a pretty big deal. Your dad is even throwing you a party.”
“Wow, Aidan has an especially big mouth today,” I grumbled. “Where is he?”
“He’s on his way to pick me up,” Jerry replied. “That means you have to hurry and get dressed if you want to go out and celebrate your promotion.”
“It’s not technically a promotion,” I corrected. “And I’m not going out, Jerry. I’m sorry if that upsets you. I just … I really don’t feel up to it.”
“Are you sick?” Jerry’s face twisted. “Is your stomach upset? Is that why you haven’t been eating?” Jerry’s hand flew to his mouth as something obviously occurred to him. “Omigod! Are you pregnant?”
Griffin’s eyebrows shot up. “What?” His voice sounded unnaturally squeaky.
“I am not pregnant,” I said, tugging on my limited patience. I patted Griffin’s arm to reassure him. “Trust me.”
“Well, that’s good to know,” Griffin said. “I’m not sure I’m ready to protect a little grim reaper just yet – especially if it has your mouth.”
Yet? Did he just say what I think he said?
“Did you hear that, Bug?” Jerry enthused. “Griffin is already imagining your future. If you want to know what Aisling was like as a child, I have photos. She was adorable – although her clothing choices were beyond annoying.”
“He doesn’t want to see photos of me as a kid,” I snapped.
“Actually, I do want to see the photos,” Griffin corrected.
Jerry looked excited at the prospect.
“Not tonight, though,” Griffin added. “It’s nice you want to go out and celebrate Aisling’s … big news, Jerry. We’re both tired, though. We have to be up early tomorrow for a work thing of mine. We can’t be out late tonight. How about we make a plan to do it next weekend, though. How does that sound?”
Jerry narrowed his eyes. “What kind of work thing do you two have tomorrow?”
That was a pretty good question. This was the first I heard about it. I figured Griffin was lying so we wouldn’t have to put on happy faces and go to a crowded bar.
“I have a department softball league that my boss tricked me into joining,” Griffin replied, not missing a beat. “It’s for department representatives and their significant others. That means Aisling has to play, too.”
I stilled. “Yeah. I’m … playing softball tomorrow.”
Jerry’s gaze hopped between us. He can smell a lie like a knockoff perfume in an elevator. I worried he smelled something rotten about Griffin’s alibi.
“Do you really think that forcing Aisling to play softball is a good idea?”
“Why not?” Griffin asked. “She doesn’t have to be good. She just has to try.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about that,” Jerry said. “She grew up with four brothers. She’s a tremendous athlete. She’ll kick the crap out of most of those muscle-bound meatheads you work with.”
“Am I included in that statement?” Griffin asked.
Jerry ignored him. “You’ve seen the way we play board games, right?”
Griffin grimaced. Board games were a touchy subject right now. We couldn’t play anything without offending someone and causing a game board to be thrown in the air. Griffin declared a moratorium on board games because he was sick of stepping on little game pieces. He claimed the pie sections from Trivial Pursuit and the dog from Monopoly were especially painful.
“I’m sure it can’t be that bad,” Griffin said.
“All of the Grimlock children had special permission slips in school when they wanted to play sports,” Jerry said. “Cormack had to provide separate insurance for them in case they got out of hand.”
Griffin clearly thought he was joking. “Oh, my Aisling would never get out of hand.” He tickled my ribs and despite myself, I grinned. God, it felt good to crack a smile for a change.
“You think I’m making it up or exaggerating, but I’m not,” Jerry said.
“Well, she’s an adult now,” Griffin replied. “I’m guessing once she’s away from her brothers things
will be fine. I would never play a physical sport with all of them because it would turn into a bloodbath.”
“It’s your funeral,” Jerry said, glancing down as his cell phone dinged. “That’s Aidan out in the parking lot. Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
“I’m sure,” I said. “Have fun. We’ll be in bed by the time you guys get back. Try to be quiet.”
Jerry leaned over and kissed my cheek. “No promises.” He paused as he moved toward the door. “Try to eat some of that pizza, Bug. I’m not joking about you being too thin. If you really are pregnant, the baby needs nourishment.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ll get right on it, Jerry.”
Once Jerry left, Griffin opened the pizza box and handed me a slice without bothering to get a plate. You’re not allowed to eat in our townhouse unless you have something to catch crumbs between the food and the furniture. That’s one of Jerry’s rules. That’s also why we wait until he’s gone to break it.
“Tell me how your day really went,” Griffin said after he finished his first slice.
“Actually, I wasn’t lying about the old lady spying on her neighbors.”
“Well, that doesn’t sound dangerous, so I’m willing to listen to the story in detail once we’re in bed,” Griffin said. “How about being off probation? How do you feel about that?”
“Relieved,” I admitted. “Being around my brothers and constantly lying to them is torture. Cillian started grilling me today about why I haven’t been around.”
“How did that go over?”
“I told them I was processing stuff and I just needed time to myself.”
“I’m sure they understood that.”
“Then Aidan told them I was processing by banging the headboard against the bedroom wall nightly with you,” I added.
Griffin made an exasperated sound in the back of his throat. “I’ll bet your father loved that. He already hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you.”
Griffin arched a challenging eyebrow.
“What? He doesn’t hate you. He just doesn’t like you.”
Griffin snorted. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but I agree with Jerry. You need to try to eat something. I like your body the way it is, but I’m not keen on seeing your ribs stick out and we’re approaching dangerous territory where that’s concerned.”
aisling grimlock 03 - grim discovery Page 3
