As we make our way from the elevator the manager comes to greet us. He looks me up and down.

'I'm sorry Sir but you are not dressed appropriately for dinner.' He says to me trying to block my way. I'd forgotten that Christian's club has a strict dress code but it never usually bothers us as we are normally in the private dining room overlooking Puget Sound. Christian looks at him as if he's from another planet.

'It shouldn't matter that he's wearing jeans and converse we will be in the private room.' Christian says.

'Mr Grey, sorry I didn't realise this gentleman was with you and I didn't recognise he was your brother. There was a problem with the booking system and I'm afraid the private room had already been taken when your family arrived.' The manager says.

'So where are my family now?' Christian asks him.

'In the main dining room sir.' The manager says and Christian sucks in his breath, he's obviously angry.

'And the party in the private room, who are they?' Christian hisses at him.

'Sir, that information is confidential.' The manager stutters. Christian strides over to the reception desk and looks at the bookings.

'Who took this booking and let them in?' Christian demands.

'Sir, it was the new maitre'd. He'd already finished his shift when I arrived.'

'He's fired.' Christian says quite calmly. He can be so ruthless at times. I just stand staring at him. 'Now, are you going to let my brother in so that we can eat with the rest of our family?'

'Sir… the dress code…. the other diners…' the manager stammers.

'If you want to keep your job I suggest you turn a blind eye. The guests in the private room have not been members since last Monday. Please inform them as soon as they have finished the main course and have security escort them from the building.' Christian says before looking at me and smiling. 'Let's go and find mom.'

As we enter the main dining room I see a grand piano. Christian looks at me and shakes his head. I press a few of the keys to make a quick melody as we pass with my right hand.

'Matt, I said no.' Christian says.

'Too late, I've done it now.' I say smirking at him. I can see heads turning towards us.

'Jeez, will you always do it?' he asks.

'Probably.' I say as we reach the table.

'Was that you Matt?' Elliot asks.

'How did you know?' I say smiling.

'Because as soon as we heard the piano mom and dad looked at each other and raised their eyebrows.' Elliot says. Mom stands and comes to hug both me and Christian.

'It's like you're announcing your arrival in the room darling.' Mom says as she kisses my cheek.

'Oh, I never saw it like that before. I don't even know why I do it but I can never resist just playing a few notes.' I say.

'Have you two sorted yourselves out now?' mom asks looking at both me and Christian.

'Yes mom.' I say and Christian follows with his 'Yes mom' as she kisses his cheek.

'Good, I don't want any more of this silly behaviour. Next time I will bang your heads together.' She says and I look at Christian and smile. 'What's so funny?' mom asks.

'Mom, we're in the middle of a restaurant and you're telling us off. You wouldn't think that Christian is Seattle's richest man, you're treating us like we're ten.' I say.

'Well you've been behaving like it. I don't care how much money either of you have, you're both my boys and if you need a telling off I will give you one. Now sit down and let us enjoy a family meal.' She says. 'Matt, there's room for you next to me, Christian you are next to your father.' Before I sit down Mia stands and gives me a hug.

'I missed you last night at dinner baby bro.' she whispers. 'I was the one they teased all evening.'

'So I'm in for it tonight then.' I whisper back.

'Probably.' She says quietly.

'What are you two whispering about?' Elliot asks 'It certainly is like old times. First the piano and now you two whispering to each other. That's a bad sign; it always meant you were up to something.'

'Not tonight Elliot. We're just catching up.' Mia says to him. I make my way round the table to my seat between mom and Hannah.

'Hi baby.' I say into her ear and giving her a quick kiss at the same time. 'Miss me.'

'Yes, I always do when I'm not with you.' She whispers back into my ear.

'Has Elliot been keeping you entertained?' I ask, he's sitting on her other side.

'Yes I can't do anything but giggle.' Hannah says. Elliot says something quietly to her that I can't hear and sets her off giggling again.

'Matt, I'm in court all day tomorrow but I still need to speak to you about security.' Dad says.

'Sure dad, can we talk about it when we get home?' I ask him.

'Yes, that's fine.' I say and look over at Christian. He's whispering something into Ana's ear and she blushes. I turn back to mom.

'Will you miss me when I'm gone mom?' I ask.

'You know I will.' She says sadly.

'Hey mom don't be sad, I'll be back to annoy you before you know it. Besides you'll be busy helping to organise the wedding.' I say.

'I think it's because I don't know how long you're going for; you haven't said when you'll be back.' Mom says.

'We'll be back in time for the wedding.' I say.

'Oh Matt, thank you. I'm delighted that you'll be there.'

'I think it's Elliot you need to thank mom, apparently he had a right go at Christian and told him it needed sorting out today.' I say and mom looks lovingly at Elliot and smiles. He grins back at her.

'What have I done to deserve that loving look mom?' Elliot asks her.

'I'll tell you later but right now I could hug and kiss you.' Mom says.

'Not in the restaurant mom.' Elliot replies.

'Sorry about that mom, apparently there was a mix up with the booking.' Christian says.

'Who's in the private room?' I ask.

'You don't want to know.' Christian replies and then changes the subject. 'Ana is happy with what you agreed.' I look at Ana and blush. 'Elliot would you do me the honour of being my best man?' Elliot looks at Christian and then at me. I nod at him and smile and he turns back to Christian.

'I'd be delighted to, wow I'm shocked. I didn't expect this.' Elliot says totally surprised. I grin at him.

'You'll have to wear a suit and make a speech.' I say. Mom takes my hand.

'Is that why you wouldn't do it, because of the speech.' She whispers. I nod. 'Oh Matt…'

'Mom, it's OK' I say interrupting her. 'I'm going to do something else at the wedding but it will be a surprise.'

'You don't like surprises.' Mom says.

'I know I don't but this is for everyone else.' I say and smile.

'I'd better start working on my speech.' Elliot says loudly. 'Oh the fun I'm going to have.'

'What have I done?' Christian says but he is smiling. 'Ana you do realise most of it will be made up.'

'No it won't. At least there won't be as much to say about you as there will be when Matt gets married, that speech could last for days with everything he has done.'

'Was I really that bad?' I ask.

'Yes.' Everyone replies. Mom adds 'You certainly kept the whole family amused.'

'And the whole class.' Hannah adds. 'Do you remember that school trip we went on and the teacher thought she had lost you….'

'Hannah.' I say in a warning for her to stop.

'Please enlighten us Hannah.' Elliot says smirking at me 'I'm not sure we've heard this story before.'

'It was the trip to the Museum of Flight.' Hannah says.

'No' I say and put my head in my hands.

'Matthew. I haven't heard this one.' Mom says 'You must have been about six.'

'Yes I think we were.' Hannah says. 'Matt absolutely loved looking at the planes. Everyone kept moving around the displays but he was so engrossed with one of them that he didn't carry on with the rest of us. When the teachers realised he wasn't there they panicked and went back to look for him but he'd disappeared. They were asking everyone if they'd seen him and then I saw him waving at me from the cockpit of a plane. He was pretending to be the pilot.' Elliot bursts out laughing.

'It wasn't funny' I say 'I had to hold the teachers hand for the rest of the trip. She wouldn't let me out of her sight.'

'And you had to sit next to her on the bus back to school.' Hannah adds. Everyone launches into other funny school stories.

'I didn't hear about this.' Mom says quietly to me. I look at her warily. 'What's the matter darling?'

'Mom, it happened about two days after you'd adopted me. I was so worried that you would be cross with me and wouldn't want me anymore that on the bus journey back I'd worked myself into such a state that I threw up. I think the teacher felt sorry for me and just told you that I wasn't well.' I say quietly.

'Oh darling.' She says sympathetically just as the waiter brings our food.

'What did you order?' I ask Hannah.

'The beef.' She replies as my plate is placed in front of me. She looks at mine. 'That wasn't on the menu.'

'I know. I don't like anything on the menu. I always have this.' I say and then look round to see what everyone else has ordered.

'Ah, that would explain why when everyone ordered the waiter just said to your mom 'Is Matthew joining you this evening ma'am.' and she nodded. I thought it was strange that she didn't need to say what you wanted.'

'I told you yesterday what I was like.' I mutter to her as I take my first mouthful of lasagne.

'I know. I just didn't expect for the restaurant to cook you something that wasn't on the menu.' She says. I shrug at her.

'I only employ the chef because he knows what Matt likes.' Christian says to Hannah. She looks at him in awe.

'You own this place?' she asks. He nods and smirks.

'He owns most of Seattle.' Elliot says. 'Wherever you work in this city Christian will probably be your boss.' I look at Christian and dad and smile at them. They both smile back at me knowing that I own the rest. I continue to eat listening to the conversation.

'Matt, you never told me you were going away on Tuesday.' Mia says. 'Hannah has just said you are going to Hawaii. I am so jealous.'

'Why, we won't be doing anything apart from sitting in the sun, swimming and surfing.' I say with a smirk.

'Surfing?' mom asks raising her eyebrows at me.

'We'll see mom.' I say

'I'd love to go there though. Last time I was only small but I remember parts of the holiday.' Mia says.

'It was amazing.' Elliot says 'Do you remember that big house we stayed in Mia? The pool was fantastic and it was next to the beach.'

'Is that the house we're staying in Matt?' Hannah asks innocently. Shit, I freeze. I didn't expect it to come up in conversation. I look at dad and Christian. Elliot looks at me puzzled.

'Yes it's the same house.' I say.

'Oh wow, Mia isn't the only one who is jealous. I'd love to go back there.' Elliot says. 'How come you're going there, does mom know the owner?'

'Sort of.' I say. Hannah looks at me as if she's realised what she's just said. I rock back so my chair is on its two back legs. Elliot does the same; it's something we've done often over the years when we've wanted to speak to each other behind Mia's back. 'Have you finished?' I mouth, he nods. 'Bathroom.' I mouth again and he nods again. I put my chair back to its usual four legs and stand up. 'Excuse me; I just need to use the bathroom.' I mutter.

'I'll come with you.' says Elliot. Mom looks at us both questionably; she knows we're up to something. So does Christian, he looks at us through narrow eyes.

'Don't touch the piano on the way past.' Elliot says. I look at him. 'Matt, please, just this once.'

'OK, can I touch it on the way back?' I say smiling at him.

'It depends on what you're going to tell me.' He says as we walk past the piano, I keep my hands in my jeans pockets so that I'm not tempted. 'I can't believe you actually listened to me, that's a first.' He says smiling at me as we enter the bathroom. I have a quick look to make sure no-one else is in here. 'So what did you want to tell me? Is it something to do with the Hawaii house?'

'Yes, I own it.' I say.

'Fuck Matt.' Elliot says, totally shocked.

'I couldn't tell you at the table, I don't want everyone to know and I didn't want to make an issue of it.' I say 'You can go there anytime you like.'

'Thanks, that's really generous of you.' Elliot says.

'Does that offer extend to me?' Christian asks as he comes in to join us.

Of course, I wondered how long it would take you to join us.' I say.

'Thanks little bro. How much have you told him?' he asks nodding at Elliot.

'Only about the Hawaii house.' I say, Elliot stares at me and then at Christian.

'There's more?' Elliot asks.

'The house next door to mom and dad.' I say with a shrug.

'I can't believe it. I loved spending time there. I wondered why no-one moved in.' Elliot says. 'Is there anything else you're not telling me?' I look at Christian and he nods.

'Elliot, the next bit goes no further than here until I'm ready to tell people. Hannah doesn't know any more than what I've just told you.' I say.

'OK.' He says cautiously.

'Do you remember any other houses that you stayed in on holiday with my mommy and daddy?' I ask.

'Yes. There was a really nice one in London and then there was a big penthouse in Sydney and an apartment that had lots of bedrooms in Paris I think.' Elliot says

'Yes, I own all those, and a villa in Spain.' I say.

'Oh yes we went there as well.' Elliot says.

'Apartment in New York.' I say.

'No, we didn't stay there. I think we stayed in a hotel when we went there.' Elliot says.

'We did, the apartment only has a couple of bedrooms and I think your daddy just used it when he went on business.' Christian says.

'That's it Elliot, I only found out a couple of weeks ago and it hasn't really sunk in that I have them. I don't remember any of the holidays though.'

'I'm shocked.' Elliot says 'I knew that your daddy was rich but I didn't realise he owned all those houses and that they would be yours. Thanks for telling me, I won't say anything.'

'Thanks, especially to Mia, she will tell everyone and I'm not ready for that at the moment.' I say.

'If you need any work doing at any of them, I'm your man.' Elliot says smirking at me. I grin back at him.

'Come on you two, we'd better get back to the table. I think they will have ordered dessert.' Christian says. We leave the bathroom and as we pass the piano I press a few keys in a simple melody.

'I've done it now.' I say as Christian and Elliot both look at me.

'You always say that.' Elliot says. 'Even the first time you did it you said it.'

'I don't remember.' I say.

'I'll tell you one day.' Elliot says as we approach the table and he goes to sit down. Christian pulls me to one side.

'You didn't tell him the rest.' He says quietly in my ear.

'I can use the houses now; the rest isn't mine for three years so no-one needs to know anything else. That information needs to stay between me, you, mom and dad.' I whisper. He nods at me and I sit down in the empty seat between Ana and Elliot. Mia has moved to my seat between mom and Hannah.

'Where's Kate tonight?' I ask Elliot.

'Family dinner she couldn't get out of.' Elliot mutters. 'I'm seeing her later.' He then turns to talk to Hannah and Mia and they are giggling at him. Mom looks at me and raises her eyebrows as if to ask me if I'm OK. I nod at her and smile.

'Thank you for agreeing to sing at our wedding Matt.' Ana says quietly to me.

'That's OK, can we keep it quiet though. I want it to be a surprise for everyone, especially mom.' I say back quietly to her. She nods at me and smiles. 'I'm really sorry about yesterday, I must have ruined everyone's evening.'

'Don't worry about it. It was a bit of a shock to see Christian's eye like that but I'm used to it now. I told him I'd give him one to match it if he didn't sort out everything with you today.' Ana giggles. I burst out laughing.

'He didn't tell me that' I say.

'What are you two whispering about?' Christian asks us 'You're making me jealous.' He adds as he kisses Ana's ear. He must say something because she is blushing again.

'We're just talking about the wedding.' I say.

'When do you think you might want the jet to come back? Elliot is arranging a boys night sometime the week before the wedding and of course we want you there.' Christian says.

'How about a week on Friday, that gives us ten days away and we'll have a week here before you're married?' I say.

'OK, I'll sort that out with Stefan.' Christian says.

'Are you OK with that Hannah?' I ask her. 'We're going to leave about two on Tuesday.'

'That's fine, what time do we need to leave to check-in?' Hannah asks. I smirk at her and Christian smiles.

'Hannah, whoever drives you to the airport will just pull up at the side of the jet. You don't even go into the terminal.' Christian says.

'Oh, we're going on your jet?' Hannah asks.

'Yes Hannah we're going on Christian's jet. It means you can take as many bags as you like which in Mia's case is good because she takes her whole wardrobe. Are you going to take all your art things?'

'I hadn't really thought but yes I suppose I can do.' Hannah says.

'Matt Grey you are so cheeky. Though as there's plenty of spare seats on the jet and spare bedrooms I could come along and keep Hannah company whilst you sleep all the time and recover. After all I could do with a holiday before I start university.' Mia says. I look at Hannah who shrugs at me. Elliot looks at me and then Hannah.

'Do you want to swap seats Hannah so that you can have a private conversation?' Elliot asks her. I nod at her and she giggles.

'Yes please Elliot.' She says as she stands. Dessert arrives whilst they're swapping.

'Something else that isn't on the menu.' Hannah says looking at my ice cream.

'I know what I like.' I say with a shrug. 'What have you got?'

'Crème Brulee. Do you want to try some?' Hannah asks. I nod shyly and she picks up my spoon and puts a small amount on it for me before feeding it to me. 'You like?'

'Yes' I whisper and nod. 'I've not had that before.' I feel like I'm being watched and look up to see the rest of the family looking at me in amazement.

'What's wrong?' I ask.

'Darling boy nothing's wrong.' Mom says. 'You've just never tried anything before. You're always so interested in what everyone else eats but you will never try what we have. It was lovely to see you have something different.'

'Oh' I say looking at her shyly and putting my head down to start on my ice cream.

'Do you want some more?' Hannah asks me quietly. I look up and see everyone is eating their own desserts and not watching us anymore. I nod and smile at her and help myself to another spoonful. I move my bowl towards her and she has some ice cream and then we share both desserts.

'So what do you think about Mia coming away with us?' I ask her.

'I don't mind, it's up to you.' Hannah says. 'She's your sister.'

'I know, but I wanted some alone time with you.' I whisper in her ear.

'We'll still get that and if you're resting it will give me someone to talk to.' She says back quietly.

'OK, we'll take her. Are you sure you're happy?' I ask and she nods. 'So Mia, do you think you can manage to pack your bags in time for a two o'clock departure on Tuesday. That's what time the plane is leaving.' I say grinning at her.

Mia looks at us shocked and then stands to come and hug us both. 'Really, you guys are going to let me crash your holiday. Are you sure?'

'Yes Mia, but if we say we want some alone time then you will have to find something to do on your own.' I say.

'I'm good with that. Oh wow, I can't believe that I'm going away with you two. Oh it's going to be amazing.' Mia says.

'Mia, come and sit back down and calm yourself.' Mom says smiling at me. Christian smirks at me and Elliot looks at me in wonder.

'You're seriously taking Mia with you.' Elliot says.

'Yes, I would invite you as well but you've only been back a week after your last holiday.' I say.

'I'm gutted; I would have waited had I known.' He says.

'What, you'd have given up a holiday with Kate to come with us.' I say.

'It would be a close call.' He mutters 'Hawaii was amazing.'

'So you keep saying, maybe we could all go when me and Hannah have autumn break at school.' I say to him.

'Really, oh wow that would be great.' Elliot says grinning at me.

'Mom, can you get the holiday dates and let everyone know so that if they want to come they can. Will you and dad come as well?' I ask her.

'Oh Matt, we'd love to. Christian, what about you and Ana?' Mom asks. They look at each other and Ana nods.

'Sure mom, we'd love to come as well. Let us know the dates.' Christian says and smiles at me. I look at Hannah and taking her hand give it a small squeeze.

'Are you OK with all this baby?' I whisper to her.

'Yes. I love being with you and your family.' She says and gives me a look that says she loves me.

'Mom, me and Ana are going to make a move now. We've got work tomorrow and I've got an early breakfast meeting.' Christian says.

'OK darling, I think we're all probably ready to leave.' Mom says.

'Elliot, Mia you can come in our car. Taylor will drop you home.' Christian says. 'Sawyer will drive you four back to Bellevue.'

'Thanks Christian and thank you for dinner.' Mom says as we all stand.

'You're welcome mom.' Christian says and we all move towards the elevator.

'Don't we pay?' Hannah asks me quietly.

'No, Christian will sort it out. I think he gets billed for it at some point.' I say.

In the foyer Mia hugs me and Elliot hugs Hannah and then I kiss Ana's cheek and hug Christian. Saying goodbye to each other we climb into the waiting SUV's. Dad sits in the front of mine, next to Sawyer. Hannah is in between me and mom.

'Sir, I think we're being followed.' Sawyer says to dad. I whip my head round and can see a dark car behind us. It is the one that tried to run us over yesterday. I pull my phone out of my pocket and hit the speed dial automatically.

'Where are you?' I ask Christian as soon as he answers.

'We're just passing SIP on our way to drop Elliot off.' Christian answers.

'OK, you're not far behind us. We're being followed by that car that tried to run us over yesterday.'

'Taylor go faster, catch up Sawyer. Matt are you still there.' Christian says.

'Yes.'

'OK, Sawyer is speaking to Taylor now. Did you get a look at the driver?' he asks.

'No, it was too dark. Hannah don't look. Keep your head down.' I say.

'Matt, don't panic. We're behind the car now. Sawyer is going to U turn and take you back over the floating bridge.' Christian says.

'Christian. No.'

'Matt, please.' Christian pleads. I don't say anything. 'Matt, give the phone to dad.' I hand the phone to dad in the front of the car and close my eyes. I don't want to know where we are. Hannah takes hold of my hand.

'He's got his eyes closed.' I hear dad say. I feel the car turn and I know we're heading back the other way. Suddenly the car stops. I open my eyes and Sawyer is out. 'Stay where you are.' Dad says to us all in the back. He gets out but only to climb in the driver's seat and then he sets off. 'We're only going as far as Escala.' He says. It's not long before we're pulling into the underground car park. I didn't realise Christian's SUV was following us. As we climb out of my SUV Elliot gets out of the driver's seat of the other and Mia and Ana out of the back.

'Go in the elevator and then stay in the penthouse. I'm going back to get the others.' He says and then he's back in the car and gone. I'm still holding Hannah's hand as we enter the elevator. I look at mom.

'Darling, it's ok.' She said.

'What happened? I had my eyes closed.' I say.

'As we did the U turn Taylor managed to cut in front of the other car blocking the other driver. He was straight out as was Sawyer and they were dealing with whoever it was following us. We'll have to wait for more details when Christian gets back.' Dad says. He pulls mom into his arms. As we enter the penthouse Ana heads straight to the kitchen and starts organising drinks for everyone. I climb onto one of the barstools and rest my head in my hands. I'm willing my brothers to get back quickly. Mom comes up behind me and envelopes me in a hug.

'Darling are you OK?' mom asks.

'I don't know mom. I was scared but I don't know whether it was from whoever was following us or the thought of the floating bridge.' I say quietly to her so no-one can hear.

'Oh Matt darling. Even after all these years you still panic about it.' Mom says gently.

'I know mom, maybe I'll talk to Dr Flynn about it tomorrow.' I say as I hug her back.