Read Online Grounded by R. K. Lilley - Free Book Online

was related to me by blood that would actually want to meet me was just so…foreign.   I couldn’t say I loved the idea, but how could I refuse?  
    “Okay,” I agreed finally.   “I’m not sure when I’ll be able to, though.”
    “That’s fine.   You can just get back to me on that.   Whenever and wherever you’re comfortable with.”
    He seemed so…nice.   When I’d thought of my father’s son, I’d just automatically thought of my father, but this man did not sound like that .  
    “Okay,” I said with more certainty.   I wanted this, wanted to see this man who was a strange missing piece of my broken family.   “I’ll do that.   Perhaps in a week or two, on a Friday around lunchtime?”
    “Sounds great.   Just let me know.   I can take a few hours whenever I need to, so last minute plans are fine with me, as well.”  
    We said our awkward goodbyes, and I finally sprawled out on the studio’s white divan, trying to wrap my numb mind around the strange turn of events.  
    I was just starting to sit up, trying to do something other than just sit and think, when my phone rang in my hand.  
    It was another strange New York number, and I just answered, really hoping it was Lana this time.    
    “Ha!   I found you,” Lana said without preamble.   “Come meet me at the Cavendish property, at the Light Café .   James said he’d loan you to me for lunch, but only if we ate at his hotel.   Have you noticed that your boyfriend’s kind of bossy?”  
    I laughed.   “I have noticed that,” I said, my mood instantly lifting.   Lunch with a fun girlfriend was just what I needed.  
    We decided to meet at noon, ending the conversation quickly.  
    I showered quickly and dressed in a smart little gray pleated skirt paired with a high-necked light blue sleeveless silk blouse.   Orange patent leather wedge sandals completed the ensemble.   I used Jackie’s suggestion for the shoes, and again wasn’t sorry, though I never would have paired them together on my own.  
    I had noticed that the vanity now sported an entire section just for my jewelry.   I’d been wary to even look at it, but knowing that I would probably be seeing James, since we were going to his hotel, and that not much would please him more, I peeked at what were obviously new additions to my jewelry collection.  
    I wore my collar, so I only looked at the earring selection.   I noticed a small white box immediately, since it looked different from the rest.   It was older, with more dated packaging, and a note on the top.   I plucked that note up, feeling brave.  

    Bianca, my love,
    These were my mother’s.   Please take them.   It will break my heart if you reject them.
    James  

    My hand shook and my eyes filled with tears.   With love and with guilt, because I would have rejected them, especially knowing that they were his mother’s, if it weren’t for that terribly romantic note.   I opened the box with trembling hands.  
    Inside sat large, princess cut, diamond studs surrounded by small sapphire baguettes.   Or rather, that’s what I guessed the gemstones were.  
    I didn’t let myself think about it — didn’t let myself doubt.   I just put the lovely things on, knowing that they were so much more than ungodly expensive earrings.  
    I brushed my drying hair behind my shoulders.   They sparkled even through my hair, but I decided to clip one side back to showcase them more clearly.  
    I took more time than usual with my makeup, knowing that Lana would look model perfect, and that I’d be seeing James.  
    I knocked on Stephan and Javier’s door when I was ready to go.  
    Stephan answered the door, wearing only his boxers and looking gorgeous.   We smiled at each other.   He pulled me into his chest in a warm hug, kissing the top of my head.   I hugged him tightly back, burrowing into his chest.   He smelled like family…and Javier, but I took that as a good sign.  
    “I’m going to