Page 50 of The Dis-Graced

“I’ve been programmed with various forms of entertainment and the ability to read people reasonably well. I would say Stephanie is most certainly not looking out for Miss Anders’ best interest.”

“Well, that’s really none of our business. It’s hard to say without knowing the full context.”

“Would you like to play the recording of it so we can further discuss the situation.”

“No! Heaven’s no! Just because I can, doesn’t mean I will. I don’t feel good about any of that, it’s just something I need access to in case I’ve made a mistake in this collaboration.”

“Understood.”

Guilt needles me. I had meant to clarify with Grace last night, telling her that I have accessed some of her time with ALAN, but things went sideways, and there was never a good moment to bring it up. At some point, I’m going to have to tell her, though, and chances are, she won’t be too happy. Not at all.

God, Grace, what am I going to do with you?

The woman is driving me crazy. It’s damn near impossible to focus with her in my thoughts. Last night, in what can only be described as a fit of insanity, I came close to making her mine. And I’m not talking a one night stand kind of thing. I mean all-out, dinners, events, a bonafide plus-one.

My phone rings with a call from Luke, and I pick it up, relieved to be taken from my thoughts.

Drake:Hello?

Luke:Hey, I wanted to see if you got that report I gave you. I checked over the numbers, and you were right. There are some things that just don’t add up.

I exhale, exhausted by what this probably means. I pay my employees well and hope that in return, they stay loyal, but some people can’t resist the temptation of taking what’s not theirs. Over the years, I’ve found fake invoices, parts that were supposed to be broken sold on the black market, and just plain old number fudges. It’s always a betrayal.

Drake:Hand it over to HR, they’ll have it investigated.

Luke:Do you mind if I look into it a little more first?

Drake:You are the CFO, so go ahead.

Luke:And another thing, we have some men coming over tonight to work on the apartment. Do you think we could come over for dinner? Grace hasn’t seen Annabelle since she came.

Drake:Sure, that’d be great! I can’t believe Grace has been in town a week and hasn’t had the chance to meet up with you guys.

Luke:Well, she’s going through a lot, and I wanted to give her some space.

Drake:Can I ask you a question?

Luke:Sure, what’s up?

Drake:Did you like Frank?

Luke:Frank? Her fiancé? Or ex…Yeah, well, he was a good man. I feel bad about what happened.

Drake:Don’t you think it was out of character?

Luke:So far out of character. Gracey was always working or studying, doing anything she could to get ahead. I…I had no idea.

Drake:Yeah, it’s not like she had someone paying for her college and offering her executive jobs. She never even got a chance to go on vacation.

Luke:I’m sorry, did I say something to anger you? Did she say something?

Drake:No, I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at myself. I can’t help but think how different her life would have been if I had never come into yours. I mean, she was always stuck at home while you vacationed with us. She helped care for your parents. She worked a ton of jobs to get herself through school.

Luke:Was she complaining to you about this?

Drake:No, and please don’t tell her I was talking to you about it. I was just looking at her work history.

Luke:I guess I was just so excited to get to go and have fun with my friend, that I never thought about what it was like for her.