Hidden Devotion (Trinity Masters #5)(28)

Maybe that was because in a way, Devon was going to be part of his family, or maybe it was more appropriate to say Franco was becoming part of Devon’s family.

Now all he had to do was impress this Grand Master.

Who was ringing the doorbell at six in the morning?

Juliette looked up from the membership file she was reading. Her resolve to keep everything in the Grand Master’s office—in her office—had failed after the fourth day spent in the windowless room.

Grumbling, she got to her feet and trudged to the door, passing a large grandfather clock in the hall. According to the clock—and now that she was paying attention, the sunlight pouring through the curtains on either side of the door—it wasn’t six o’clock, it was nearly noon.

She checked the security screen, smiling when she saw Francisco.

“Francisco, hi. Come in.”

“I hope it’s okay that I just showed up.”

“Of course.” Juliette motioned to her leggings and battered sweatshirt. “Assuming you don’t mind my casual attire.”

“I wish I’d worn my PJs instead of getting all dressed up.” He frowned at his slacks, button-down shirt and jacket. He had a bag over one shoulder.

“For most people, pants and a shirt aren’t dressed up, but I saw what you were wearing back in Florida, so I respect your effort.”

“Ha, ha.” He hung up his coat, a strangely familiar gesture—as if he’d been here a million times before. “But you’re right.”

Juliette steered him towards the kitchen. The living room was off limits since all the files were spread out on the floor in there. “Sorry I didn’t call you. How was your meeting with Devon?”

“Great. I like him, he’s a cool guy.”

“Did you get your questions answered?”

“Most of them, but then I thought of more.”

“Oh. I’ve been kind of busy with work, so I might not be able to take time to answer them right now.”

“Not a problem. I didn’t come by because of the questions.”

“You didn’t?”

“No. I was worried. It’s been nearly a week and I was starting to think something had happened to you. Like maybe you’d been silenced for telling me too much.”

“A week? That can’t be…what day is it?”

“It’s Wednesday.”

“Wednesday?” Juliette patted her pockets. Where was her phone? “It can’t be Wednesday.”

Franco pulled out his phone, flipped to the calendar and then held it out. It was Wednesday. She’d buried herself in the files and records for days—more days than she’d realized.

“Crap.” She laid her arms on the counter then dropped her head onto them. “The gala is in three days.”

“What was that?”

She straightened and brushed her hair back from her face. “The gala—it’s on Saturday.”

“Right. The Winter Gala. One of four annual gatherings.”

“You sound like you’re reciting.”

“Just checking to make sure that I remembered everything Dev told me. I wanted to take notes, but figured that wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Smart.” Now that she wasn’t focused on work, exhaustion was dragging at her arms and legs. Refusing to give in, she started making tea, selecting a particularly strong breakfast blend. When the tea was steeping, she whirled to face Franco. “I just realized…you’ve been here this whole time. Your job…”

He shrugged, seemingly at ease. “The only person who could fire me is, well…me. But I’ve been working.”

“Francisco, I’m so sorry.”

“Call me Franco. That’s what my friends call me. Well, and my family.”

“Franco… I don’t know. I like Francisco. It sounds very dramatic.”

“Francisco is the name of someone who can dance and cook. I can’t do either.”

Juliette laughed as she poured tea, forgoing proper cups in favor of thick mugs.

“Should I be worried?” He blew on the surface of the hot liquid.

“About what?”

“I haven’t heard anything from the Grand Master. Devon said that he’d contact me because I need to be offered membership.”

“Oh. Of course. Right.” Juliette turned away, blindly opening a cupboard to cover her reaction. She’d left Franco hanging. There was too much to do, too much to figure out.

Where the hell was Sebastian? He should have been here days ago, and if he’d just show up, she could officially make him one of her councilors and force him to help her.

Devon. Devon could help you. He could be one of your councilors.

Ignoring that annoying inner voice, she closed the cupboard door, going instead to the pantry. “I’m sure you’ll be hearing from the Grand Master soon. You should attend the Winter Gala.”

“Attend a gala?”

“Yes. Otherwise you’d have to wait months for the next big event.”

“A gala…like with tuxedos?”

“I’m sure we can find someone to loan you a tux.”

“I’ll rent one, if I have to.”

“Rent one…” Juliette shook her head. “This isn’t a rented-tux type of event.”