Funny how I never realized how much I missed this, being a part of Finn's family until now.

"I know my mom would love to come visit you sometimes, too."

Claire reaches out for my hand. "Oh that would be wonderful. Gloria was always a lot of fun. You kids don't even know some of the fun we got into when you weren't around. Two hot mamas on the prowl!"

Finn groans and I can't contain my laughter. "Gloria is still on the prowl. I'm sure she'll tell you all about her newest boyfriend."

We chat for a little bit longer and I give her mom's cell phone number since I know my mom won't mind.

After about half an hour, Finn glances at his watch. "Well, I guess we'd better get going."

He leans down and kisses Claire's cheek. I do the same.

"We'll let you get some sleep now, Mom."

"Thank you for coming by. Now take this beautiful girl out and show her a good time." Claire's eyes are already drooping so I know it's definitely time for us to leave.

As we walk back down the driveway to the car, Finn suddenly pulls me into his arms. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Making her smile. For making me laugh. For being you."

The tears I made myself tamp down in front of Claire spring to my eyes again. The reality that Claire might not recover scares me. Because Finn has already had to deal with so much tragedy in his life. "I really hope she gets better."

"Me too. Now come on. I have something else I want to show you."

CHAPTER NINE

FINN

A week later, Jonah drops me off in front of the StarCrest hotel. It's time for another one of my scheduled visits with my father. After spending the past week with Rissa, it's hard to get back to the real world. Time seems to suspend when we're together. After visiting my mom, I'd taken her to the most expensive, most exclusive restaurant in the area. We'd spent about ten minutes admiring the beautiful atmosphere and sipping champagne.

Then she'd leaned across the table and told me proper dates were boring and she'd really rather I took her home and fucked her in the Jacuzzi again. I left five hundred dollars on the table and didn't bother waiting for the check.

Ever since then she's been delegating more of her work and spending more time at home. We've been encapsulated in a glorious little bubble, isolated away from everything except the way we feel about each other.

But there are certain obligations that can't be neglected. My father definitely falls into that category.

When I first learned of my newfound inheritance, I was surprised to find out that my father owns a large amount of local real estate. Not just hotels but restaurants and businesses. Considering that he left us alone to fend for ourselves for the better part of two decades, it was a shock to learn that he’d never really left the area. He’s been investing heavily in Virginia for the majority of his life.

I walk slowly through the lobby to the elevators, cursing the need to use my cane. Some days I can leave it behind but when walking on these slick polished floors, I need the stability. As I step into the elevator, I ignore the blatant stares and pitying glances from the other people on board. A young man with a cane is always a sight, no matter how hard people try not to notice.

Finally I’m the last one and the elevator dings as I reach Max’s floor. The petite redhead who answers his door smiles brightly at me. “Finn, come in. He’s waiting for you.”

“Thank you, darling.”

Rissa’s words about my flirting come back to me. Flirting comes naturally to me and I never think about it as anything serious. But hearing from Rissa that my behavior played a part in the way things worked out made an impression on me.

I follow her into the living room of the suite. My father is already there, his wheelchair positioned next to the window. I know he hates being in it just as I hate using my cane. But since he’s fresh out of the hospital after a heart attack, he should be happy just to be home.

“Finn. Come in.”

I move to the couch facing him and lower myself carefully, stretching my leg out. These weekly meetings are basically bullshit but they make my bank account happy so I show up every week. I got a reprieve for the last few weeks since Max was fresh out of the hospital and still recovering. We all visited him while he was there multiple times and that seemed to make him happy.

“They won’t bring me a burger. I should fire them all. Start over.” Max grumbles.

I stifle a smile. He looks so disgruntled, like a child who’s been denied his favorite toy. Then I imagine the juicy burger his chef prepared for me the last time I was here. Maybe he’s not entirely unjustified in his desire. I could easily get spoiled eating like that.

“You won’t be firing anyone today, Max. Just relax.” The redhead smiles down at him affectionately which seems to settle him down a little. That’s one thing I’ve noticed about my father, he seems to inspire a great deal of loyalty in most of his staff members. I’m assuming he’s probably paying them pretty well.

“I saw Luke.” I don’t mention that I’ve been visiting him every other day.

Max immediately perks up. “You did? What did he say?”

“I don’t think you want me to repeat some of what he said.”

He wheels himself to the sideboard and pours himself a drink. He holds up the bottle to me and I shake my head.

“Luke thinks you’re hiding something.”