Chapter 25 #2
"Maya, don't run off with my wife. I've heard you can attack people with little provocation." The whole room gasps. I stop on the stairs and turn.
"If you're referring to your asshole best man, whatever his name is, he deserved what he got. He's lucky I was unarmed."
"Oh yes, there's that. I've also heard you and Duncan have issues with public displays of affection."
"That's enough! What Maya and I do is our business and not yours or your fucktard friends!" Duncan yells. Someone saw us together. When?
"Language, son, please, there are ladies present. Jonathon, you need to watch what you're saying. Maya is a part of this family. If she and Duncan are in a relationship, I'm pleased for them. They're both grown adults and have shared interests." Ana looks at me.
"Maya, what's he talking about?" She looks lost.
"Ana, please come on, I'll explain." I direct her to continue upstairs.
"Alright." Her voice is quiet and sounds so childlike. What's this man done to my vibrant friend?
When we get to her room, I explain that Duncan and I have been talking for months.
How we met at her wedding and there was a spark.
I explain how we’ve met up twice since then.
I apologize and explain how I flew in yesterday.
I also tell her if she wants, if it makes her uncomfortable, I'll end my relationship with Duncan. But I tell her that I do care for him.
"Oh, no, Maya, no, I'm so happy for you both. Please don't end it. I think he can help you as much as you can help him."
"Thank you, Ana. Tomorrow Duncan is taking me Christmas shopping and to see my solicitor about some property Savta had here in London. Please come with us. We can shop and hang out. Please?"
"Oh, I don't know, Jonathon likes his dinner right at five and I have chores I need to do."
"Please, Ana. I was hoping you'd manage this property for me until I figure out what to do with it. Plus, I need your help finding dresses for the parties coming up."
"Okay, but let me ask Jonathon."
"No, I'll ask him," Duncan says from the doorway.
"What, no privacy?" I ask with a smirk.
"I missed you and I haven't got to hug my sister yet." He walks over and wraps her in his arms. He looks over her head at me, he feels and sees the signs I did too. I nod and sigh.
"Maya, would you have ended us if my sister had a problem?"
"I would. I wouldn't like it, but I'd do it if she wanted." I smile at him. "But she's happy for us and now we don't have to sneak around anymore."
He smiles and walks over to me, where he takes me in his arms. "I wouldn't like it and I'd have to change both of your minds.
You're my girl now, Maya." I lean up and kiss his cheek.
"Father wanted me to come and get you girls.
Someone is here to see you, Maya." I feel the tension in his body and worry.
Before we head downstairs where brunch is being served, I explain about the best man. Ana laughs and agrees he deserved what he got.
We head downstairs and I stop in my tracks as I see who's in the sitting room. I want to drop Duncan's hand but know that would hurt him again. I walk into the room with him beside me and see Greg stand. He looks at me and then to Duncan. His smile dies. Oh crap, here it comes.
"I decided to fly in today, and James invited me to brunch. How are you, sweetheart?" he says as I dislodge my hand from Duncan's and walk into Greg's arms. I felt Duncan stiffen when Greg called me sweetheart.
"Did Derek come with you?" I know the answer to the question.
"No. Will you introduce us?" His smile has still not returned and Duncan is still standing there like a statue. Okay, I can do this. James accepts us, maybe Greg will too.
"Duncan Preston, my boyfriend, this is Greg Williams, a man who's as close to a father as yours is to me." Duncan steps up and wraps me tight in his left arm and shakes Greg’s hand with his right.
"Sir, nice to meet you. Maya has told me very little about you." The dig hurts.
"That's my girl. She keeps her cards close to the vest. Don't worry, she never told me she's seeing someone.
I guessed, like your father, but I wasn't sure. It’s nice to finally meet you.
I saw you at the Israeli Gala in August. Your father has told me a lot about you, as has Joshua Donovan.
" At the drop of Joshua's name, I gasp and Duncan looks at him warily.
"How do you know Joshua?"
"He and I have known each other for a while.
I believe you helped on a job I sent his way with the diplomat's daughter from France.
Sorry to hear things didn't end so well.
" Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. What does Greg know?
Does he know about New York? Does he know about DC? When he is quiet like this I worry.
I watch him warily as he sizes up Duncan. What is he thinking?
"Brunch is being served," James says, releasing us from the tension.
We're all sitting at the table eating our brunch.
Duncan is sitting next to me with his hand brushing my thigh under the table.
I look across the table at my family, well, almost. Uncle Marcus still seems like he's upset about something.
I hope I can talk to him, but I'm not too concerned.
I feel the rift between us getting bigger.
Greg is sitting on my other side and is watching me carefully.
I know he's interested in my relationship with Duncan.
"So I guess Lawrence has competition," Jonathon states while we're eating.
"Excuse me," I say. "We never dated. It was dinner amongst friends. How'd you know we even had dinner?"
"That's not how he talks about it." He ignores my question. I see him look at Uncle Marcus. What’s that all about? I thought these two just met.
"I'll let him know she's off the market," Duncan states.
"How'd you know about Lawrence anyhow?" I ask again. This is getting to be annoying.
"Lawrence is a part of our US division. Plus, I heard Marcus talking about it," he quickly adds. When did he and Marcus talk? I'm beginning to feel like there's something more going on here.
"Again, Duncan and I have been seeing each other for six months.
As far as my dinner with Lawrence, I met him at his hotel's restaurant and we had a quick dinner before I went on shift.
Nothing more. If he said there was more, he's wrong.
My partner, Derek, even showed up." Jonathon looks at me thoughtfully. I look to Greg for confirmation.
"It's true. Derek was talking to me on the phone when he showed up to pick up Maya from the dinner. She only had dinner and left for a call with Derek. I believe that was one of the nights you made the news after the November shooting. Right, sweetheart?"
"Yes, a suicidal on the roof of the Watergate. I was called in just in case. We got him off without getting hurt," I say with little emotion. Greg reaches over and takes my hand, Duncan squeezes my thigh tightly.
"Maya, don't you practice Judaism? Isn't it against your religion to celebrate Christmas?" The whole table gasps and everyone turns to Jonathon as if his head is on fire. Maybe my look is causing his head to burst into flames. Duncan and Greg both stand up immediately.
"Well, Jonathon, what I do or don't practice is my business." Ever since Duncan told him we were picking up Ana tomorrow he has decided to make me public enemy number one. I have strong shoulders, let’s go, asshole.
"Oi, Father, I think Maya and I are done eating.
Ana, we will see you in the morning at eight to pick you up.
Marcus, it was a pleasure seeing you again.
Greg, pleased to meet you. Jonathon, do not ever try to insult Maya again.
" He reaches for my hand to help me up. I apologize as we walk to the door.
I turn to see James and Greg following us.
"Kids, I'm very sorry. Please come over for dinner tomorrow, or call me and I'll meet you somewhere. As for your relationship, I couldn't be happier," James says as he kisses my cheek and then hugs Duncan.
"I agree. Duncan, thank you for giving her a smile I've never seen. As for the bastard in there, I'll take care of him. How about lunch tomorrow? Do you still want me to come to the solicitor's office with you, sweetheart?" Greg adds as he shakes Duncan's hand and then pulls me close.
"I should be okay. I'll text. Please let me tell Derek. Love you, Greg." He kisses me on the cheek and nods.
"Thank you, Dad, we'll be in touch." Duncan leads me to his car, where we leave and head to his place in Southbank.