Chapter 16

Grace’s body froze. Seeing Sean and Lily, reliving those hours in prison—the pain, the terror, the uncertainty of life or death—sent a shudder through her. And that stupid ring… Sean had taken her to a jeweler; she’d tried it on. He’d been ready to buy it, but she’d laughed, saying it was too extravagant and told him to save his money. Her love, she’d said, didn’t cost anything.

“Grace… are you going home?” a man’s quiet voice asked.

Grace lifted her head and saw a man, about thirty, smiling shyly. He had short hair and wore a Fleet uniform. She recognized him as Chase, from the Sanitation Service Center’s Fleet.

“Yes,” Grace replied.

“I’m free. Let me take you home,” Chase offered.

His light eyes crinkled at the corners. He seemed kind, even a little bashful. Grace remembered Claire saying Chase was interested in her. It was sweet, but she had no intention of starting a relationship.

“You don’t have to,” Grace declined.

“It’s all right. I have a car. It’s no trouble,” Chase insisted.

“Huh! Your car is too cheap. This is Grace Cummins—she only wants to sit in a luxury car. If you could buy her a six-carat diamond ring, maybe then she’d let you drive her around,” Farah sneered.

Grace sighed. She hadn’t wanted to hurt Chase’s feelings, but Farah had ruined it. Chase’s face flushed; he was speechless.

Grace glanced at Farah and said, “I think perhaps that’s your dream, because you only care about material things. Or maybe I have it wrong, and you’ll go home with anyone who asks you?”

Farah gasped. “You—you…” She glared at Grace, speechless.

Grace turned back to Chase. “Thank you for the offer. You’re very kind. However, I live nearby, and I’m used to walking.”

She left quickly to avoid a further scene.

On the way home, Grace bought some lean meat and vegetables. She’d never enjoyed cooking, viewing it as a necessity, but having someone to cook for had given mealtimes more significance, and she took more care with her recipes.

After returning to the apartment and starting to cook, she settled into a comfortable routine. When Jay arrived as she was finishing, she smiled. “Perfect timing.”

He grunted, removed his shoes and coat, and then joined her to wash his hands. His nearness had an odd effect on Grace—both settling and exciting. But she knew not to dwell on such thoughts. He was her friend, her brother, and she needed to remember that.

“How are you feeling?” Grace asked.

“Better.”

“That’s good. But please continue the medicine for a few more days. I’d hate to see that pain flare up again.”

He nodded.

“Maybe you can look for another job. Something more stable, so you can eat on time,” Grace suggested. “Shall I help you check online for suitable jobs?”

“It’s all right. I will look around,” Jay said. “If you want me to get a stable job, I’ll do that.”

“Wonderful!” Grace touched his head, smiling happily. She was taking this sisterly role seriously.

Jay wanted to laugh, but knowing it would hurt her feelings, he turned his head to hide his smile. What would Grace say if she knew he was the president of one of the city’s wealthiest corporations? His job generated revenues rivaling some countries’ GDPs. He had money, power, and privilege. As head of Reed Group, nothing was denied him. He had everything he’d ever wished for, yet he wasn’t content. He desired… his gaze fixed on Grace.

Grace’s phone rang. She moved away to answer it.

A stammering voice said, “Is this Grace? This is Chase. Claire gave me your number. I just, uh, wanted to… tell you not to take Farah’s words to heart. I know you’re not materialistic. Although I drive a domestic car, I’ll work hard and get a better one in the future!”

Before Grace could reply, Chase hung up. Grace looked troubled.

“Who called?” Jay asked, his tone sharper than intended.

“A colleague from the Sanitation Service Center,” Grace replied, resuming plating their dinner.

Jay glanced at the phone. “A male colleague?” He’d heard the voice clearly.

“Yes.”

“Does he like you?” Jay frowned.

“Maybe,” she replied.

“What about you? Do you like him?”

Grace shrugged. “If he finds out I’ve been to prison, he’ll stay away. So it’s not important whether I like him or not.”

“Is there something wrong with being in prison? If he truly likes you, he won’t mind,” Jay said.

Grace smiled bitterly. “Oh, I’m not so sure. Love isn't as ‘true’ as the movies make it out to be.”

Jay tilted his head. “What if he accepts your past? Would you like him then?”

Grace was stunned. Was she open to a new relationship? She wasn’t sure. “If someone accepted me, knowing I’m an ex-convict… I suppose, maybe.”

Jay looked unhappy. “Would you like him?” He was determined to get an answer.

“No,” Grace replied. “I’d treat him like any other colleague.” She had no desire for a relationship.

Jay smiled. “In that case, continue to treat him like any other colleague.” His smile deepened. “Do you like me, Sister?”

“I like you,” Grace replied without hesitation.

“I like you too. I like you very much,” Jay said. It had been ages since he’d found someone who interested him.