Surfside Sisters(77)
Keely nodded.
“You said that Mr. Maxwell had a stroke?”
“Yes,” Keely said.
“This will change the family dynamics. Some will show their mettle. Some will be unable to deal with it. A health crisis is always unsettling.”
“I understand. I won’t expect Sebastian to make any kind of significant decision in the next few months.” Good Lord, Keely thought. I’m beginning to talk like Gray.
They had arrived at Keely’s house. Gray turned into her driveway, parked, and faced Keely.
“I won’t push you, Keely. I’m willing to step back. I can wait. I’m willing to give you all the time you need. No conditions added.”
“You seem so cool about this, Gray.”
He smiled. “I have learned to be cool when necessary. Would you like me to walk you to the door?”
Keely blinked. So he was not going to try to kiss her? It felt very intimate inside the car, the two of them turned to face each other, the night outside dark, offering privacy.
“No, no, you don’t need to walk me to the door, Gray. But I would like it if you and I and my mother could have dinner together tomorrow night. I’ve told her all about you. She’d love to meet you.”
“I’d love to meet her. I’ll make a reservation at Topper’s. I’ll text you the time and I’ll be glad to drive us there.”
“Lovely. Thank you.” Keely tilted her head, gazing at the handsome, formal man seated so near. “You’ve surprised me tonight, Gray.”
“I hope it’s been a good surprise.”
“I think it has.” In one quick move, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek, then opened her car door and hurried to her house.
* * *
—
From her chair in the living room, Eloise asked, “Did you have a nice time?”
“It was great,” Keely answered, her mind on other things. Keely picked up her phone, collapsed on the sofa, and scrolled through the messages.
From Sebastian: Dad’s doing well. They’re keeping him here one more night. Home tomorrow, we hope. Maybe to rehab clinic on Cape for him. Isabelle’s here. I’m taking care of Mom. We’ll be at the nearest Marriott tonight. I’ll call tomorrow.
From Sally: Hello, ma cherie, how’s it coming with the new book? Want to send me and Juan a few chapters?
From Janine: I loved meeting your Gray at the gala tonight. Your dress was smashing and he is hot! We were totally buzzing about him. Do tell all!
* * *
—
In her bedroom, as she slid out of her high heels and silk dress, her mind spun like a roulette wheel, binary, black or red, two different worlds. New York, Sally and Juan, her new book, Gray. Nantucket, Sebastian and Isabelle, Mr. Maxwell, her mother. She was unsettled and confused. What Gray had said about the Maxwell family and her obsession with them was perceptive and true. Wasn’t it? But her love for Sebastian was separate from her infatuation with the Maxwell family. Wasn’t it?
She had admired Gray tonight. He was unexpectedly cool, not at all unsettled to hear her say she loved Sebastian. Why didn’t he say goodbye and fly back to the city?
Why was she thinking about Gray at all?
She needed to drink lots of water and take a good long sleep.
“So,” Keely said, returning to the living room and plopping down on the sofa with her legs stretched out on a pillow. “Tonight was fabulous. An open bar, scallops wrapped in bacon, caviar, boned chicken drumsticks in honey and—”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Keely. I don’t want to hear about the menu. At least not yet. Who else was there and what were they wearing? How did you get on with Gray? Did you have a good time?”
Eloise had actually clicked off the television, giving Keely her full attention.
“I had a nice time with Gray. He is a true old-fashioned gentleman. And he’s going to take you and me to dinner tomorrow night at Topper’s.”
“Really? That’s extravagant.” For a moment, Eloise seemed to shrivel up again, back into her depression. “Are you sure you want me to go? I don’t know what I’ll wear and I certainly don’t know what I’ll have to contribute to the conversation.”
“Oh, get over yourself, Mom! We’re hardly going to discuss the latest UN resolution. Gray is a very nice person. He’s a doctor. He’ll have a lot in common with you. I promise, you’ll like him and he’ll like you.” Keely stood up. “I’m going to bed now. I’ve got to write tomorrow.”
* * *
—
All that day, Keely stayed in her bedroom, in her T-shirt and boxer shorts, writing and tossing back cup after cup of coffee. She was wound tight, and once she got started, her focus was entirely on her new book. She reread and rewrote the first three chapters, wanting them to be perfect, knowing they couldn’t be perfect until the entire book was finished.
It was a relief when evening came and she could shower and dress and coax her mother into preparing for their dinner out. Sebastian phoned once, to say that the hospital was keeping their father for another night, but not to worry, and that he was staying with his mother while Isabelle flew home to her own family.