Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

40 - Philip

Gray walked away from the marina, but eventually went underground and took the T to the Whitby office building. He mulled over what the man said. The first was he couldn't guarantee Mrs. Kane would ever like him. As much as he respected Philip Kane, Gray didn't have a kind opinion of the woman who gave birth to Doyle.

On the executive floor, he stopped at the secretary's desk. "Is he available?"

"I'll see." She picked up the phone. "Mr. Hoffman is here." She looked at him. "Go right in."

As he entered, Monty looked up from his computer. "Good. I need your help." He paused and looked at Gray. "Where were you?"

"Sailing with Mr. Kane."

"How did that go?" Monty smirked.

"I'll tell you all about it. What do you need?"

"The pasta dish. What did you say about it?"

"It was too oily. Lacked flavor. Don't forget the focaccia was incredible."

"And the hummus. I'd like to pick up a takeout order every night. So Kane. What's he like?"

Gray nodded. "Nicer than your old man."

Monty scoffed. "That's a low bar."

"He reminds me of Petersen, but his wife is nothing like Mrs. Petersen."

Monty laughed. "There is only one Bea." The colorful woman had cared about Monty when his old friends had given up on himself. She had helped bring him and Sofia together.

"He pulled me aside and told me I would have to support her. His money isn't hers. So if I can't make it as an author, I'll need an impressive job. Will you give me one?"

"You know I have your back. Was that all he said?"

"He asked me to wait a year to propose, but I should have an income by then. Then he said her mother likes to shop for gowns and she needs to attend certain events."

"Looks like you'll need a tuxedo." Gray frowned. "If you love her, you'll go with her."

"Her brothers haven't accepted me."

"We'll invite them to dinner at our house. I'll buy the hummus from the restaurant last week but make the rest."

Gray smiled, then immediately frowned. "She doesn't know. I didn't tell her about the year wait or the fact she'll be middle class."

Monty smiled. "I never thought you would want to settle down. Don't worry she's young. The time will be good for both of you."

"It'll take me that long to find a place to live. There's no way she can live in a basement."

"The girl you met liked the basement, but I understand. Sofia might not."

"I know. Love is hard."

"But it's worth it. If it isn't, then it's not love."

"Great advice. Remind me when I'm frustrated."

Monty winked. "That's what Doyle is for."

"Stop. I'm worried she'll discover the truth."

Monty frowned. "I've thought of that. We'll deal with it. Don't worry." He looked at his watch. "Let's get out of here. The girls missed you while you were gone."

"You need to finish your restaurant review."

"I will. Come on." Monty handed him the car keys. "You're still my driver."

Once home, Sofia wanted to know about the sailboat. He didn't tell her about his agreement with Mr. Kane. It didn't seem right since he hadn't told Doyle.