I'd like to start by thanking all of you for reading this and reviewing it. I know the first few chapters have been super short, hopefully they will get longer in the future. Enjoy and please keep the feedback coming!
"That's right, I won't be in today." I had just gotten out of the shower and was taking care of clearing my schedule. None of my meetings were that pressing and all in all everything should be under control. I could afford to miss one day. "Reschedule my meetings and just let me know when my calendar's been updated."
"Will do Mr. Grey." My assistant, Ellesse, replied sweetly. She was probably excited at the change in events. I just made her day a lot easier. "And if anyone calls for you?" I sighed.
"Aside from any family members, just tell them I'm out for the day. I have some personal matters to attend to." I used my free hand to rub a towel over my head, sending water droplets flying. "Thank you. I should be back in the office first thing tomorrow." Unless my father kills me for keeping Phoebe's secret from him, I thought to myself. Not waiting for a response I ended the call.
I had to fight the urge not to call my father and let him in on the secret. I doubt Phoebe would be surprised if I did break down and tell. Even when we were kids I hardly ever kept anything from Dad. Whereas Phoebe constantly tried to push the boundaries, I was content to keep everyone happy and follow the path put right in front of me.
I stepped out of the bathroom and glanced at the clock, I still had two hours till I needed to be at the airport. I quickly dressed in khakis and a light blue long sleeved polo, already in late September the rainy season had descended on the northwest and the temperatures were dropping. Sitting on the edge of my bed I pulled on a pair of sneakers and sighed, thinking how I should have probably dressed a bit better. Knowing Phoebe we were going to go straight from the airport to see my parents, no matter where they were. And I was sure Dad wouldn't be at all pleased to see me bumming around in polos and khakis.
"TEDDY!" Phoebe's squeal filled the air as she exited the airport and sprinted towards me. I worried that she might trip in the heels she was wearing, so I closed the gap with a few long strides. "I missed you, T." She whispered as she wrapped me in a hug. I looked over at Matthew, my driver and security guard. He smiled at our exchange. He had been with me since I had left for college six years ago.
"Missed you too kiddo." She pulled back and I got to take a good look at her. It had been about a year since she was home last. Phoebe had spent the last summer in New York on her internship, so the last trip she had made home was for Christmas. She was thin and all legs. I couldn't believe that this was my little sister. Her brown hair was curled and the makeup she wore accented the grey eyes we both shared. I smiled at the full spectrum of colors she wore, her skinny jeans were a robin's egg blue, her sweater black with bright red stripes and her long coat a yellow that almost made my eyes hurt. Just looking at her I could picture the gangly ten year old with her hair in braids running around the house in clothing just as bright. She never failed at surprising me with her choices. I asked her about it once and she blamed it on a childhood of wearing school uniforms. After taking her in, I realize that Kyle is standing at a distance, shifting his weight awkwardly from foot to foot. I give him a genuine smile and extend my hand. "Congratulations!" He shook my hand and I take the opportunity to pull him in for a one armed hug. "If you think you're nervous seeing me, you have no idea." I speak low so Phoebe can't hear me. "My father is not going to be happy." I see his eyes grow big and allow the smile to return to my face as I let him go. "So…" I turn my attention back to Phoebe. "Are you ready to go see Dad?" I watch the smile on her face falter ever so slightly and her cheeks grow a little pink.
"I was thinking we could speak to Mommy first before Daddy…" She spoke slowly and didn't take her eyes off of me. "At least I can win her over before we talk to him." I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and started to lead her towards the SUV. Glancing back I shot Kyle an 'I told you so' look as he helped Matthew with the luggage.
"That's fine P, I'll give Mom a call and see where I can find her." Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I wait for both Phoebe and Kyle to get into the vehicle before dialing my mother's number.
"Teddy!" Mom's voice is bright and cheery. "How are you doing baby?" She continued to talk to us as if we were still small children.
"I'm doing just fine Mom, was wondering if you were in the office today. I'm taking it easy today and thought if you had a moment I'd stop by and maybe we could do a late breakfast, early lunch." I heard her laugh.
"Theodore Grey taking it easy? That I will have to see for myself." She continued to chuckle. "That would be like your father telling me he was taking a day off. But yes, I am in the office today and would love to spend some time with you. I hardly ever see or hear from you now. Phoebe calls me more than you do!" I have to laugh, that doesn't surprise me. Phoebe's always a talkative person. I, on the other hand have never been one for the idle chit chat.
"Alright Mom, I will be by in 30 minutes."
"I look forward to it. Love you Teddy."
"Love you too Mom." Ending the call I look at Matthew who is now standing beside me. "Grey Publishing." I say to him and he nods in return. I had briefly told him what was going on during our drive to SEATAC. The relief was clear on his face that we weren't starting at Grey Enterprises. But the knot in my stomach reminded me that we couldn't avoid my father much longer.
