As Damien guided Maya back toward their seats, James entered the dining hall carrying several shopping bags from the electronics store.
The driver followed close behind with nearly as many.
The room fell silent.
Nick stared.
Then stared some more.
“What the f**k, D?” His eyes widened. “Did you buy the entire store?”
“Nicholas! Your language!”
Eleanor’s voice cracked through the room like a whip.
Nick immediately straightened.
“Right.” He cleared his throat. “My apologies, Grandma Eleanor.”
After a brief pause, his attention shifted back to Damien.
“Did you purchase the entire store?”
Damien looked at him as though the question itself was ridiculous.
“Why would I buy the entire store?” he asked flatly. “I only bought a few things for Maya.”
“Few?!”
Ashcroft stared at the grow
