Theo:
I swallowed the headache pills, reaching for the glass Josef was holding out. "God, take me now..." I moaned.
He tilted his head to one side, his aggrieved look admonishing me for my phrasing.
"Sorry." I drank all of the water and gave it back to him. "This is just all a bit... overwhelming."
He stopped by my side, hands behind his back. "You did really well during the meetings. Your father would approve."
"Thank you." My gaze went to the grandfather clock nearby, the solid oak cabinet older than both of us combined. "s**t. Is that the time?"
"Yes. Not surprising you're hungry." He smiled. "I told the Chef to put together a hearty dinner. Lily and Kathleen will be joining you, of course."
"Only them?"
Pleasepleaseplease...
"Only them." Josef nodded. "I told everyone else you
