Chapter Forty-Nine
Sierra
Griffin’s brothers are nice and interesting. Grant is laid-back, but his eyes are sharp and just a tad sardonic. Grandma told me everything about a man can lie except the eyes and penis.
Noah seemingly blurts out whatever comes to his mind, but I doubt that’s all there is. He manages to avoid any inappropriate or uncomfortable topics. He might give his brothers a hard time, but not me. Also, he can’t seem to stay away from social media. I counted at least three times he pulled out his phone to check the feed.
Nicholas is calmer, but there’s a competitive streak in him that comes out from time to time, particularly when they talk about sports. Sebastian seems polite and friendly, and very knowledgeable about gemstones. Griffin tells me that Sebastian is the heir to the Sebastian Jewelry fortune.
Huxley assesses everything like an auditor looking for discrepancies. He reminds me a little of Ellie’s disapproving grandma.
Throughout dinner, I get to hear about how they grew up in Europe. They regale me with stories that make their childhoods seem exotic and fun. I wonder if our triplets will have that sort of life or if they’re going to be closer to home. I don’t think living in Europe is going to be an option while I’m the CEO of Silicone Dream, even though I think it would be really cool.
Noah interrupts my thoughts by mentioning that Griffin is an excellent rider and kickboxer. That explains the incredible kick he gave Todd in New Orleans.
“Do you still do both?” I ask.
“Sometimes,” Griffin says nonchalantly.
“He’s good at polo, too,” Nicholas says. “Although I’m better.” He winks. “Actually the best out of all of us.”
“Who’s the guy who fell off his horse in the middle of our last game?” Huxley says. “Oh yeah… You!” He jerks his thumb in Nicholas’s direction.
“The horse got spooked,” Nicholas says.
“Were you hurt?” I ask.
“Just his pride,” Griffin remarks dryly. “He’s got a thick hide and an even thicker skull.”
I laugh.
But one thing seems strange: throughout the conversation, they never bring up their father, even when they mention their mothers. Wonder why.
“Did your father ever come to visit you in Europe?” I ask conversationally after our dessert arrives.
A noticeable pall comes over the table. It’s almost comical. Everyone freezes. Unblinking, Griffin peers at me over his ice cream sundae. Sebastian holds a margarita to his lips without drinking it. Grant’s fork stops midair, a chunk of cheesecake suspended at the tip, and Noah almost drops his phone.
“You guys okay?” I ask, slightly amused.
“We didn’t expect you would want to know about our father,” Griffin says slowly.
“He’s a boring old geezer.” Noah waves his free hand, like he’s swatting at an annoying fly.
“We don’t know him that well.” Sebastian’s tone is oddly wistful. “He’s busy.” Huxley nods in agreement.
“I see.” Obviously, they don’t have a good relationship with their father either. Now that I think about it, Griffin hasn’t ever brought up his dad. Weirdly enough, it makes me feel closer to all these men.
“How about you? Grant asks.
Griffin cuts his eyes sharply at Grant, but I place a calming hand on his forearm. “I don’t get along with my father. He’s moved on. He doesn’t want me.” I thought saying that out loud would always burn. But it doesn’t. Not now. All I feel is a dull ache, like an old wound that’s almost healed. I don’t know when that started—maybe when I started to spend more time with Griffin. It’s difficult to hang on to old pain when you have somebody who makes sure you know you’re important.
Huxley winces. “I’m sorry.”
“At least we have that in common,” Sebastian says.
“Yeah. But you have each other.” I leaven it with a smile to let them know I’m fine.
“Thank God,” Nicholas says earnestly.
Griffin takes my hand and squeezes. He leans over and whispers into my ear, his warm breath tickling my sensitive skin, “And you have me.”