Chapter 53
fifty-three
“Why are you here?”
Grayson’s pointed question would probably be insulting to anyone else. I return his glower, gesturing to our less-than-optimal surroundings.
“You said you needed to come down here and cancel your wedding registry,” I return. “So, technically, this is your fault.”
He huffs a quiet scoff, turning a salad bowl over in his hands. “I actually think it’s my mother’s fault for making the damn registry in the first place.”
Given the Strykers’ wealth, Ella refuses to receive wedding gifts from anyone. Looking around here, I have to agree with her; they don’t need any of this stuff.
But I do.
Grayson is on to me, it seems. He slants another sideways glance. “Still. I assumed you’d have Brad or Pierce drive me here. You hate shopping nearly as much as Ellie.”
His special nickname for his fiancée no longer fills me with wistful envy. Now, I smile, the warmth in my chest a heartening reminder of why I’m here.
“I need new book shelves,” I admit, sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck. “I figured two birds, one stone.”
My boss smirks. “You finally decorating?”
Actually, I’m going to designate one of my spare bedrooms as the library Alice deserves. My lips curve up, but I keep most of my excitement to myself. “Something like that.”
Grayson chuckles as I examine the options in this department store’s furniture section. A sales person finally walks by, and he stalks after them, intent on his original purpose for our trip.
I use the spare moment to check my messages. A bolt of alarm strikes me when I don’t see a reply from Alice.
My last text hovers there unanswered. I fire off another, asking if she and Ella have finished up at the dress store yet. Pierce is supposed to take her straight home afterward.
I suppose I could track his company car, although that feels extreme. I’m sure I’m just being overprotective. She’s probably still busy with work. After all, there’s no logical reason for Alice to avoid me.
Except for the fact that you asked her to move in with you and she hasn’t given you an answer yet.
With a grimace, I send Pierce a text instead. He answers within seconds.
Marco
Is the fitting over?
Do you have Alice?
Pierce
Yes, sir.
Strange unease spreads through my gut. The same one I woke up with this morning. My instincts are on edge—and I know better than to ignore that feeling.
I grit my teeth, shoving down the anxiety to type out a warning.
Marco
She goes straight home, got it?
Something feels off today. She needs to wait for me there.
Pierce
You got it, boss.
I’ll take good care of her.
The last message settles my stomach as much as anything could. I nod, slipping my phone back into my jacket pocket.
I’m being paranoid, I think, shaking my head. Alice is going to be fine.