Chapter 11 - Greyson #2
My outfit consists of a black fitted dress shirt and pants. Simple, but formal enough to wear for dinner. My beard is a little thick but nicely trimmed, and my hair is pretty much finger combed with a bit of gel. It’s the best I’m giving them.
Little Gracie is wearing a dark red long-sleeve dress with a snowflake pattern and a big bow to the side of the waist. The bottom puffs out, making it look like a ball gown, with thick white nylons beneath given the cold December weather.
Let’s just say we had a hard time fitting her in her car seat with the puffy dress.
But she looks like a princess, so it was worth every second.
Emma, on the other hand, looks absolutely stunning. A picture of sophistication and elegance. Her hair is in a tight, knotted low bun with a loose strand of hair on either side of her face framing it. It’s so exquisitely done that if I didn’t know myself, I’d think a hairstylist did it.
Her makeup is light, with a darker shade of pink lipstick, making her lips look even juicier.
On her feet she has a pair of black high heels with a white T-strap and a bow over the section where her toes are.
From the looks of it, I’m guessing they're retro too, but they fit perfectly with her dress.
The dress I bought and convinced her to wear.
At first when I saw the shoes, I told her I didn’t think they were a good idea with the snow falling outside, but she assured me there would be no snow at her parents. She wasn’t wrong.
I don’t know how they do it, but the driveway is completely bare of any white flakes, yet the lawn has some. I bet they have a person hired specifically for this who comes out every five minutes and removes the snow. Typical rich snobs…
The outside of the house is nicely decorated for Christmas, but you can tell there was no love put into it. It’s not like Morgan and Clay’s home during winter. You can feel the joy when you see their place. But here? It’s just staged to impress people.
We haven’t done my place yet even though Christmas is next week. With Gracie coming into my life, hockey, and just trying to figure everything out, I completely forgot about the holiday until my mother called last week to ask if we were coming home for Christmas.
I think Em was in the same state as me, because when I brought it up earlier, she freaked out that she had forgotten about Christmas.
Bunny and I decided we’d get a tree tomorrow and decorate a bit inside for Gracie to see, and all gifts will be bought online if possible.
There’s no way I’m going shopping this close to Christmas.
Parking the car in the circular driveway, I kill the engine and look over to Bunny. She’s gazing out at the house and looks fully composed. But I see the way she’s playing with her nails; it’s her tell. She’ll pass underneath each nail over and over as if she’s cleaning them.
Little Bunny is nervous.
I put my hand on her thigh and give it a squeeze. When she turns to me, I give her a reassuring side smile. “Everything will be fine. I’m right here with you. And if it isn’t, then we’ll just leave. Okay?”
She bites her lip, then nods. “Okay.”
I let go and get out, walking over to the back door on her side to collect Gracie. Emma steps out and joins us with the diaper bag in hand. I take it from her, slip it over my shoulder, then offer her my arm.
She smiles warmly with a little giggle and places her hand around it. “Who knew the mighty Greyson Ford could be such a gentleman?”
“Shut up, Em.” I chuckle while smiling.
We walk up to the house, and before we can even knock, the front door opens. A short woman dressed in gray greets us, calling Emma by her last name. Must be staff. She takes our coats and sets the diaper bag on a little table by the entrance.
Another woman shows up in the entrance hall, clearly her mother if I take in the resemblance. But she looks like an older, fake version of Bunny. Fake tits, fake nose, redone cheekbones, and lips. Everything looks fake, and it’s really not appealing.
“Emma, darling, it’s about time you came home. This nonsense needs to stop.” She takes Emma by the shoulders and air kisses her cheeks. Can’t even give her own daughter a real embrace.
Her mother turns to me, looking me up and down, then offers a tight smile. “Hello,” is all she says before turning back to Em. “You didn’t tell me you were bringing a guest.”
“Yes, I did when I spoke to Daddy on the phone,” Emma informs her with a frown.
“Oh well, I must have forgotten. You know how I am when news isn’t important. In and out.” Oh, this woman. We literally just walked through the front door, and she’s already getting on my nerves.
“Anyway, I have a surprise for you waiting in the parlor room. Come.” She turns and marches away. Parlor room? Really?
Bunny rolls her eyes but follows behind, looking over her shoulder to make sure I’m right there. We enter the said ‘parlor room’, and my hate for this woman instantly grows. Because there, sitting in one of the armchairs, is a man I despise. Tommy.
What the fuck is he doing here?!
He stands from his seat, buttoning his suit jacket and fixing his cuff links like an arrogant ass before walking in Emma’s direction.
“Sweetheart, there you are. You can’t hide from me forever.
It’s time you come home and we talk this through like adults, not children running away from our problems.”
She visibly stiffens in front of me as he comes to wrap his arms around her. In a split second, I grab Bunny by the waist with one hand and pull her into my chest, stopping his embrace before it can begin. He looks up at me, clearly noticing me for the first time.
God, do I hate snobs.
“Who are you?” he asks, raising his chin as if it might make up our height difference.
“I’m the guy who told you to leave her alone. Clearly you didn’t get the message,” I say, making my voice harsher and squaring my shoulders.
He scoffs. “And why would I listen to you? Last time I checked, she was my girlfriend.”
“Last time I checked, you were banging your assistant behind her back, for which she left you. I’m pretty sure that makes her your ex-girlfriend.”
“Please, stop. Both of you. This isn’t the place or time.” Emma looks from him to me with pleading eyes.
“Emma, if you can’t get your guest to settle down, I’m going to have to ask him to leave,” her mother says, looking unimpressed. Of course, she’s only focusing on me. Not dear Tommy.
“I’m sorry, Elaine. That was immature of me. Apologies.” Perfect Tommy offers a fake guilty smile to Emma’s mom.
He looks back at Emma, scanning her from head to toe with clear disgust on his face. My jaw clenches as I grit my teeth together. Don’t you fucking dare, asshole.
“I really don’t know what’s happening with you, Emma. But I don’t like it. I don’t even recognize you anymore. First, you start hanging out with vulgar men, now you dress like the help. This isn’t you,” he says, rebuking her.
“He’s right, darling. You look like a maid. It really isn’t flattering,” her mother adds, looking at the dress.
I feel Bunny begin to shake in my grasp. I tighten my hold on her and adjust Gracie, who’s quietly playing with my beard, on my hip. “Well, I think she looks absolutely beautiful.” Em looks up at me with a sad smile. She thinks I’m just saying it to be nice, but I truly think she does.
“As do I.” Her father, I presume, finally joins the room, heading straight for his daughter. “Sunflower, I’ve missed you.” He takes her into his arms as I remove mine from around her waist and kisses the top of her head. Now that’s the right way to greet your child.
Her dad looks like a decent guy and doesn’t give off that snob-like vibe.
He’s tall like me, dark-haired and clean-shaven with a smile on his face.
The only hint of wealth he has on him is his watch.
A gold Finissimo from BVLGARI’s Octo collection.
Fucking lucky bastard! It's my dream watch, but paying almost $60,000 for a watch is just ridiculous.
“Hi, Daddy.” She softens in his hold, affection shining through.
“Don’t listen to your mother. You look breathtaking, Sunflower,” he whispers in her ear before letting go and looking at her with adoration.
He then looks directly at me and steps aside, holding a hand out. “Hello. Lance Mackenzie. I believe we’ve met before. You were a groomsman in our little Cecilia’s wedding, if I’m not mistaken?”
I shake his hand firmly. “Yes, that’s right. Greyson Ford.”
“Ah, right winger for the New York Griffins,” he says with a smile. I guess I have his approval to be around his daughter.
“Yes, sir.”
“Please, just call me Lance.” He lets my hand go and looks at Gracie.
“And you must be the famous Gracie I’ve heard so much about.
I heard you were given a flower name as well, just like my daughter.
” He chuckles as he pretends to shake her hand, and she grabs onto his finger.
He motions to my daughter, wanting to take her. “May I?”
I look at Emma, who smiles warmly and nods, then back to Lance. “Of course.” I pass her over, and Gracie goes without complaint. He walks her around the room and shows her the artwork on the walls, pointing out things and talking to her.
“Really, Emma? You’d rather spend time with this douchebag who’s beneath you than come home to me, where you belong?” Tommy spits out viciously in a hushed voice, wanting to keep his angelic image in front of her parents.
Jesus, this guy won’t quit.
I take a step closer, but Emma puts her back to my chest, grabbing my wrist to stop me from doing what I really want to do. Knock his lights out. But I’ll do better. I’ll shut him up for good.
“Yeah, she would. You wanna know why? Because this douchebag can make her come all over his face within minutes. Something you never achieved in what? Over two years? So yeah. I think she’s much better staying with me than going back to a pathetic excuse of a man like you.
” I deliver my blow with a smirk and a wink.
Bunny’s hold on my wrist tightens, and I can see her eyes about to pop out of her head while Tommy looks like he wants to kill me. Good, it means I hit him where it hurts. His tiny little ego.
“You piece of shit!” he says before reaching for me. But somehow Lance shows up right behind him, clasping his shoulder to stop him from coming for me.
“All right, I think that’s enough. Tommy, I think it’s time for you to go,” he tells him sternly.
“Lance, don’t be ridiculous. Tommy isn’t the one causing problems,” Elaine retorts from her spot on the sofa.
“Actually, he is. I don’t want him here. We’re done, Tommy. Get that in your head and leave me alone,” Emma tells him heatedly.
“Whatever. We’ll talk when you decide to grow up.” He gives her a nasty look that makes me want to rip his esophagus out and finally walks out of the room with his head held high. Good riddance.
“I’m sorry, Sunflower. Your mother didn’t tell me he would be here.
If I had known, I would have kicked him out before you got here or at least warned you,” Lance whispers quietly and offers his daughter a sympathetic smile.
“Now. How about we eat? I think this beautiful Little Tulip is getting hungry.” He chuckles and tickles my girl’s belly, to which she squeals with joy as they walk away.
I take Bunny’s hand in mine and follow after her father.
Let’s get this shit show over with.