My Professor(49)

“Right. Yeah, Miranda can be a lot. Most everyone here can be a lot, in fact…”

“They’re your friends,” I say, trying to convey to him that he’s the company he keeps.

He shakes his head. “Right. They are. I’ve known most of them since I was a child. Every relationship in there is complicated and messy, and though I would meet some of them today and absolutely despise them, we’ve all been through a lot together. Boarding school, breakups, divorces, rehab…the loyalty is what keeps us together. You see?”

I nod, starting to understand. I can’t begin to imagine what Alexander and Emmett’s privileged upbringing entailed, the complicated world they inhabited as adolescents.

“Should we go back in?” I ask.

“No, let’s hang out here for a second. It’s nice. Tell me, how was your week?”

He comes to stand near me.

“Good. We’re underway with the Belle Haven project, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy on most everything.” I mime locking my lips with a key.

He chuckles. “That’s fine. Most of that stuff goes over my head anyway. I won’t bore you with details of my work either.”

“You like it though? Working with your dad and Emmett?”

He leans on the balcony railing and stares down at the street. “Do I like it…now that’s an interesting question.”

“It’s simple, really. A yes or a no,” I tease.

“Running a global conglomerate like GHV is quite a challenge for our family. You probably know…or maybe you don’t. I’m not sure how closely you’ve kept up with everything, but GHV controls nearly 50 subsidiaries that each manage a small number of prestigious brands. Think of every top French and Italian fashion house, most every luxury wine and spirit company, watches and jewelry…” He sighs like even having to talk about it is exhausting. “Sometime next year, I’ll take over as head of the subsidiaries housed under the watches and jewelry umbrella, but Emmett is poised to take over everything.”

“You aren’t bitter about that?”

He grunts. “Absolutely not. Look at him, the stress he carries. Even tonight, he had a late meeting with staff in Tokyo. He won’t be here for a while, if at all.” He shakes his head. “No. I want a different life.”

“I’ve kept up with GHV,” I admit. “I’m familiar with the company.”

He peers over at me with a look of kindness. “I suppose I would have done the same in your shoes.”

I nod. “In another life, maybe I would be a part of the business too.”

He smiles. “Yeah, maybe. But for your sake, I’m glad you’re not. Come on, let’s go join everyone. They’re going to serve dinner soon.”





Chapter Eighteen





Emelia



* * *



Professor Barclay is going to be in the sitting room.

I try to acclimate myself to the idea as Alexander leads the way back inside. If Miranda is here, so is he, and sure enough, the moment I step past the threshold, I find him. He’s standing in a group near the fire, Miranda at his side. A good deal taller than everyone around him, it’s not easy for him to go unnoticed, and his attire doesn’t help matters either. I love him in blue the way I love him in black. Him in a suit…well, it’s enough to break my heart.

The fact that he doesn’t look over and see me is a relief, or so I try to believe.

Fortunately, Alexander doesn’t abandon me once we re-enter the sitting room, though his friends do try to peel him away. He keeps me near, includes me in his conversations, introduces me proudly. Everyone’s reaction is the same. Sister? I didn’t know you had a sister!

There is the difficult caveat to all of this that I’m not sharing: the fact that I’m not actually his sister. But does it matter now? After everything?

Around the room we go, chatting with everyone, until we eventually make it to the group that contains Professor Barclay and Miranda.

I’ve worked myself up to this moment. There’s no avoiding it.

“Has everyone here met Emelia?” Alexander asks.

Miranda speaks up first. “Yes. She’s a sweet girl. We had a good chat on the balcony, didn’t we?”

I merely nod.

“And Jonathan, I understand Emelia is your employee, but go easy on her,” Alexander starts with a teasing tone. “You guys aren’t at the office right now. Surely you can be polite.”

“You ask too much of him,” I say, before I think better of it.

Professor Barclay almost looks amused as he assesses me. “Emelia, lovely to see you.”

I arch my brow, knowing he means the exact opposite.

“Come,” Alexander says, touching my shoulder. “Let’s get you a refill on your drink before the chef calls us to sit for dinner.”

“I’ll take her, Alexander,” Professor Barclay says, stepping forward to offer me his arm.

I’m surprised, which is why I hesitate at first. Then, conscious of everyone’s eyes on us, I accept his offer, though I don’t take his arm. This annoys him, I know, but he keeps quiet until we’re out of the room and down the hall.

There’s no refill that’s going to happen. We turn a corner and find ourselves perfectly alone.