Chapter 14 - THE SECRET LUNCHGrace had lunch with Daniel on Thursday.
She forgot to mention it to James.
That was mistake number one.
Mistake number two was Daniel posting a photograph.
It showed Grace laughing while Daniel held two enormous sandwiches.
Caption:
THE ONLY WOMAN WHO STILL STEALS MY FRIES.
James saw it during a board meeting.
Evelyn saw James see it.
She immediately became interested.
“James?”
“Yes?”
“You stopped blinking.”
“I blink.”
“Not currently.”
James locked his phone.
Grace arrived at his office that afternoon.
He was unusually calm.
Too calm.
She sat opposite him.
“How was your meeting?”
“Excellent.”
“You look irritated.”
“I don't.”
“You alphabetized the pens.”
James looked at his desk.
He had.
Grace's eyes narrowed.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.”
She noticed his phone.
Then understood.
“Oh.”
James looked at her.
“Oh?”
“You saw Daniel's post.”
“I don't care about Daniel's post.”
Grace smiled.
“You're jealous.”
“No.”
Again.
She leaned across his desk.
“You know Daniel and I are finished.”
“I know.”
“He's Chloe's father.”
“I know.”
“And my friend.”
“I know.”
Grace's expression softened.
“Then what is it?”
James looked away.
When he finally spoke, the humor was gone.
“He has memories with you that I don't.”
Grace stopped teasing.
James continued.
“He remembers Chloe being born.”
Her eyes softened.
“He remembers your wedding day. Your first apartment. You at twenty-three.”
“James.”
“I know it's irrational.”
Grace walked around the desk.
She sat on its edge beside him.
“Daniel has my past.”
James looked at her.
Grace touched his face.
“You have my choice.”
His expression changed.
“I chose you.”
She kissed him.
“And for the record?”
“What?”
“I didn't steal Daniel's fries.”
James raised an eyebrow.
“He stole mine.”
James smiled.
“That's worse.”
“Should we destroy him financially?”
Grace stared.
James held the expression for two seconds.
Then she realized he was joking.
Grace laughed.
“My God.”
“What?”
“I've corrupted you.”
James pulled her onto his lap.
“Completely.”
The office door opened.
Evelyn walked in.
Stopped.
Slowly backed out.
“Continue.”
Grace jumped up.
“EVELYN!”
The door closed.
From outside came:
“I SAW NOTHING.”
James looked at Grace.
May you like
Grace looked at James.
Then both started laughing.
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