Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

42 - Back up

Gray stood in front of Monty who reached up to tie his tie. "Can I stay home?"

"No. If you want to be Mr. Doyle Kane, you need to get used to the monkey suit."

"I'm not changing my name and Doyle's an independent woman, she won't either."

"That wasn't my point. As a couple, you'll have to go to these events. Talk to Oliver. He negotiated with his wife, because she didn't like black tie events either."

"Your mother doesn't mind that I'm attending her gala?"

"No. I bought the table and invited the people I wanted to invite." Monty laughed. "Your future brother-in-law."

"Only if my book is any good." Gray had been working nonstop on editing with his editor.

Monty sighed. "What's your job?"

"Chauffeur, babysitter, sparring partner."

"I was serious."

"Fine. I travel with Trista Montgomery. Occasionally, I travel for Whitby Enterprise."

"Focus on Trista. You have helped with all the restaurant reviews. You have supported Trista on her trips around the world and helped with her books. I'm awful at taking notes, but you have an excellent memory."

"So what does it matter? None of it will impress Mr. Kane."

"No, but you can support his daughter."

"Are you giving me a raise?"

Monty shook his head. "Do you have any idea how much money Trista has made over the years?"

"No. A lot."

"Yes, a lot. When she became successful, I recognized your role. Trista isn't all me. You are Trista too."

"Me? I don't..."

"You do, but back then you were recovering and our arrangement worked. It continued to work until you rescued Doyle and a magic cross changed your life."

"Crazy, right?"

"No crazier than the wishes in the magic fountain that changed my life. Bea will be there tonight. Be sure to introduce Doyle to her. If you were in Bea's garden, what would you wish for?"

"For the Kanes to like me. Maybe for my book to be a bestseller."

"Not money?"

"I guess, but it won't fall out of the sky."

"Gray, I put a percentage of Trista's income in a trust for you."

"You what?"

"I never told you before because you wouldn't care. I figured you would donate most of it to a veteran's organization."

Gray looked at his friend with a slack jaw. "Is it enough to buy a nice place for me and Doyle to live?"

Monty nodded. "It's enough."

"And if my writing flops, you'll give me a job?"

"Yes. I said I would."

He nodded. "Good. I have nothing to worry about. After the year is over, I will face Mr. Kane with a real job title."

"I hope it will be author." Gray did too. "Come on. We'll be late."

"You didn't have to hire a car."

"I did, because you aren't driving and my mother would kill me if I did. Sofia should be ready. Camilla is here."

Gray felt strange sitting in the backseat. When they stopped on Walnut Street, Doyle appeared frowning, but still beautiful as she climbed in the backseat.