Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

28 - Walk away

Growing up, the house was full of life. Lately, it felt like living in a museum. It was hard to pinpoint why. Kasper had been away before, and even when Baxter lived at home, he often worked through dinner. Maybe Doyle had changed. She had stopped stirring up fun, by finding shocking things to say. I'm in love with a chauffeur. That would liven things up. Maybe her mother would be relieved when she revealed it wasn't Macintyre. She could blame the cross. No one would know the truth, but she kept waiting for Gray to stop saying he loved things about her. She wanted him to say the three words. Maybe she should be brave and say them.

With the arts gala approaching, Amelia spent most of her time at meetings or in her sitting room on the phone.

If it weren't for Percy, Doyle could take Gray to her room. Their time together was still limited, but during the busy autumn season anytime the Kanes and Whitbys were at the same event she went outside for a few kisses. She smiled thinking of the arts gala. Hopefully she wouldn't have trouble getting away from Kasper.

Her twin was still in LA on his cooking show, but he couldn't miss their mother's prized gala. Kasper would be home for the weekend, before heading back for the semi-final.

Doyle rubbed her hip. Her new tattoo had healed nicely. Unfortunately, Gray hadn't seen it yet. She chose color ink with red for the outline and gray filling. The heart reflected what she felt, but hadn't said.

Dressed for the gala, Doyle studied her face. Her right eye looked a little puffy. She was lucky it was her only lasting effect. Her father's hugs and sails had helped, but the credit went to Gray for helping her move on. It was the old, it happened for a reason, logic. If the asshole Gio hadn't gone psycho on her, she never would have met Gray. She hadn't forgotten, and the trial loomed in front of her. The court scheduled it for after the holidays.

Kasper called to her from his bedroom. She had shut the door to their adjoining bathroom, but he thought nothing of entering. Note to self, never sneak Gray up. Obviously, she would lock her door.

"Doy, are you ready?"

She opened the door between the bathroom and his bedroom. "As best as I can be."

Kasper shook his head. "You look great. I know my opinion is not the same given hanging out with you in the womb and all, but every guy will drool over you."

"Like you have ever drooled over a woman?"

He shrugged. "I keep my lips sealed to keep my drool in."

She pushed on his shoulder and laughed. "Let's get this over with."

Because their mother had to be early, Jimmy's car was stopping by to pick them up. Percy waited for them by the door. "Your car will be here shortly."

"Do you have bat powers?" Doyle laughed.

"I don't reveal my secrets." The butler smiled.

Doyle was still smiling when they walked into the frosty autumn air. Tate smiled back. "You look happy."

"Just having fun with Percy. Mother's art gala is never fun."

Jimmy laughed. "There are worse events. It's typically well done."

"Buttering up the future mother-in-law." Kasper laughed.

Doyle joked. "His name isn't Ivy." Or Gray.

"Stop. This is Mother's big night." Tate frowned at each of them including Jimmy who pouted.

"Stop being so cute!" Doyle hazel's eyes should be green.

The evening was déjà vu to umpteen others before and infinite more to come. She and Kasper sat at her parents' table. Anyone who was anyone in Boston bought a table, so Amelia was lucky to have single children to fill two seats.