Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

21 - Not here

"She likes him now."

"The kitchen. They bonded over food and she saw how much he loves me."

"Gray will never love me. I don't expect him to marry me, but I can't look at another man until I get him out of my system."

Sofia laughed. "I'm glad those days are over for me."

Doyle opened her laptop. "Are you ready?"

Sofia rubbed her hands together. "I can't wait."

Doyle listened as Sofia oohed and aahed. In the end, she had chosen a lot of prints including a large one of the family to frame. She also ordered some for her sister including the two cousins together.

"My Mami and Papi will love this. I'll give it to them for Christmas."

It was only September. Doyle didn't think about Christmas until the day was almost upon her. She wondered what she could get for Gray.

"Your brother has invited us to dinner. We ran into him at an event last week."

"I never get as many invitations as Baxter."

"It was dull, so we made an appearance and left."

Doyle smiled. "You'll enjoy Ivy." She closed her laptop. "I should be going. Thank you."

Doyle walked to the waiting car and again wished Gray was driving her. As she walked into the house, she zeroed in on the mail. The magazine sat there like a piece of dynamite. She was afraid to reach for it.

Percy's hand picked it up and handed it to her. She took it from him and nodded before retreating to her room. A photograph she took was on the cover. It was a picture of the mosh pit with half naked fans.

The article was 'Heavy metal fans, an insider's report of Unhinged Rage'. She sat on her bed and began reading. The article talked about the backstage parties and the fans who threw themselves at the guys. She had taken plenty of photographs to back it up, but the article only mentioned drinking. The band must have cut a deal to keep drugs out of it.

The article ended with a statement about recent allegations. It was the basic, innocent until proven guilty, let the courts decide, etc... Other than photo credits they left her name off of the article. She liked the layout and photographs they chose. If only the experience hadn't ended so badly. Except she met Gray.

Living at home with Kasper away meant Amelia focused on her. A knock interrupted her planning. She hoped to show Gray the magazine while Sofia and Monty ate at Baxter's house.

She opened her door for Percy. "Your mother has asked you to join her for a drink."

Doyle couldn't shoot the messenger or ignore the invitation. She looked down at her skinny jeans. "I'll change."

She put on a pair of wide legged silk pants. They were the opposite of her tight jeans and as comfy as pajamas. With a matching sweater, she would pass her mother's inspection.

Amelia smiled at her. "I haven't seen you all day."

"I was home this morning, but I had a work meeting this afternoon."

"We need to plan Tate's birthday."

Doyle smiled. Tate was turning thirty. "I'll check with Jimmy. He might have plans already for her big day."

Amelia frowned. "I suppose you're right. We could have a party on Saturday night."

"Baxter's busy. Tate might be too."

"What are you hiding?"

"Nothing. It's just I know he invited the Whitby's to dinner."

"Hmm. I've heard rumors."

"Don't listen. People spend too much time gossiping when they could make the world a better place."

"By associating with rock stars."

"I'm done. Unless I have a paying job, I won't get involved with their lifestyle."

"Drugs." Amelia shook her head.

"Yes, but in case you haven't noticed, I haven't touched drugs since the night of my attack."

Amelia studied her as if looking for visual proof. Then she smiled. "Good for you. You are better than that. Call Jimmy, and you and Mrs. Moran can plan a cake for your sister."

She used her mother's request as an excuse to leave the parlor. When Jimmy's phone rang, she didn't expect him to answer.

"Doyle, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Jimmy."

He sighed. "I wish you called me that night."

"It happened. It's over." I met Gray. "Mother asked me to call about Tate's birthday. She wants to celebrate. I'm making a cake."

"I love cake. What kind?"

"What kind does she like?"

"Lemon, chocolate, raspberry."

Doyle laughed. "I'll figure it out. Do you have plans?"

"For the evening of her birthday, yes. Not the next night, but we're busy on Saturday."

"Baxter's? Sofia mentioned it. Have fun."

"Hey, are you alright? I'm going to suggest you and Tate spend some time together. Maybe shopping or brunch or whatever sisters do together."

She laughed. "Thanks, Jimmy. I tell my mother Friday night works."

Returning to her mother, she told her Tate was busy on her birthday. "We'll plan on Friday. I'll have to call Elena. Don't you think I should invite them? The Kane and Sinclairs related by marriage. Tate didn't disappoint me after all."

"Mother, what are you talking about?"

"It's just a matter of time."

All week Amelia had a new level of energy preparing for the family dinner. Doyle begged Kasper to fly home. She almost took the flight to LA and back just to get out of the house.

Perhaps Amelia had a psychic gift, because on Friday evening, Tate and Jimmy arrived first, and on her finger, she had a gorgeous diamond and platinum ring. Just like Ivy's, it was an antique, a Sinclair family heirloom.

Amelia floated on cloud nine. Philip slapped Jimmy's back. "Glad you didn't keep her waiting."

His wife turned to him. "You knew?"

He shrugged. "He asked my permission."

Amelia frowned, but the doorbell interrupted her disappointment. When Baxter arrived, she said, "Look at Tate's ring, it's gorgeous."

Doyle looked at Jimmy. "She'll tell Kasper."

Jimmy shrugged. "It's okay. What kind of cake did you make?"

"Lemon with raspberry filling."

He smiled. "You're going to be my favorite sister-in-law."

She laughed. "I'm your only one."

"Not true. There's Ivy."

Doyle laughed. "Are you sure I'm your favorite?"

He smiled. "You are tonight."

Doyle looked at the couples and wished Gray was at her side. She turned and ran to her second choice. "Kasper!"

He hugged her, and she felt better.

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