Page 2 of Thicker than Blood

I read and write about things that are so far out of my reach I can’t even pretend to understand what I am talking about. If I wrote fucking science fiction it would come off more real - and people would believe it more than what I am writing.

Romance. What the hell do I know about romance? I’m not even sure my parents loved one another. I can’t ever remember them being like the couples I read about. They never hugged or held hands or kissed one another. Maybe… I’ve never known what love was supposed to look like, what it’s supposed to be.

But then I look at the man sitting in front of me, and I think about the stories he tells me about his wife and the love that was between his son and daughter-in-law. They seem like they were in love, like real love. The kind I want to write about. The kind I have no fucking right to write about since I don’t know anything about it.

“You’re awfully quiet today. Is everything okay, dear?”

No!

“Yes. It’s nothing to worry about.” Just the fact I’m about to be kicked out of my shitty apartment because it’s scheduled to be condemned the next time the city council meets and my car is falling apart – it’s falling the fuck apart! Oh, and the career I sacrificed everything for is being called into question by an over-zealous, jealous shit of a professor and her class pet who thinks ‘romance isn’t real literature’.

I fight to keep from rolling my eyes, so the old man won’t worry about me, giving him a forced smile and holding my breath in hopes he won’t see through my bullshit. He’s already been on me to move into the guest house by the pool. And it’s hard as fuck to tell Edmond no in a good situation. Having to lie to him is not something I want to do so I just change the topic.

“Have you thought about what you want to do for the winter gala this year? I realize it’s a little early, but I think starting now will help with your stress level. Remember you have to…,”

A commotion at the door has my words halting. Maria, the housekeeper, comes bustling in, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling.

“Sir! Sir, it’s your grandson! He’s coming up the driveway now!”

Wonderful! Now I have to put up with a spoiled playboy who cares more about his precious business than he does his grandfather. Just fucking wonderful!

Chapter Three

Caspian

“Maria!” I pick the middle-aged woman up and spin her around making her giggle like a twenty-year-old. Maria has been with my grandfather longer than I’ve been with him. She and my grandmother, Ruth, were best friends.

“Cas! You came home!”

“I got Grandfather’s note.” I wink at her, knowing she understands how me and my grandfather play around with one another. She gives me a lopsided smile and ushers me inside noticing my bag.

“Oh, you’re staying! That will make him so happy. He’s finishing dinner with Mae.”

“Mae?” The only reason I ask is to see if Maria will tell me anything about the woman before I meet her officially. Does Maria like her? Has she been good to everyone or just my grandfather? All things I want and need to know.

“His new companion. She’s a doll, just a doll. And your grandfather loves her. She’s so sweet and gentle and kind…”

She just keeps going on and on about this woman giving me the answers I was seeking. Now, I’m very ready to meet her, especially after she’s gotten Maria’s approval. I put my arm around her shoulders and let her lead me into the dining room. When we get into the room, I immediately spot my grandfather who stands as I come in the room but as for the middle-aged companion, she’s nowhere to be seen.

Instead in her place is… her daughter?

“Caspian, my boy, come! Come eat with us!”

“I ate before I left, Gramps. But there’s always room for dessert and I would love to share that with you and… whoever this beautiful woman is?”

No use beating around the bush. If she’s eighteen, I would like to get to know her better. Maybe find out what kind of companion my grandfather has hired through the daughter.

My grandfather chuckles and holds his hand out like he is presenting me with the jewels of the kingdom. The hair on the back of my neck goes up and old instincts take over as I scent trouble.

“Caspian, meet Mae. My new companion.”

The girl stands and comes forward with her hand outstretched. There is a moment of stunned silence before I start laughing. “Good one, Gramps. Now, where is the real companion.”

“I’m Mae, well, Maple but everyone calls me Mae.”

I laugh again but this time there is an edge to it. “Where’s your real companion, Gramps?”

No way is this the woman old enough to be anyone’s companion.