Page 110 of Fish out of Water
Whatever it took, I needed to make sure Helen stayed. I might be lost without her.
I spent the morning discussing budget strategies and workforce reduction plans. It was difficult work that frequently didn’t make me anyone’s favorite person, but I loved it. Loved the challenge it presented.
By lunch I was in need of a breather and more than ready to see Julia. Maybe take her some lunch. Sneak in a little visit.
I stood to stretch as the main door to the office dinged open.
I glanced at my schedule.
I didn’t have any meetings down and if it wasn’t down, Helen didn’t schedule it.
I peeked my head out of my door just as Helen turned my way, her eyes wide.
Valentina stood on the other side of Helen’s desk. “Can you go check and see? I’ve been trying to get in touch with him for da—” Her brown eyes came to fix on my face. “Grant.” My name came out with a whoosh of air. “I’ve been so worried about you.” She rushed my way. “How’s your uncle? Is he okay?”
Holy shit.
I fucking forgot to call her back.
Five times.
“He’s still missing.”
Helen’s eyes went even wider. “Your uncle is missing?”
I worked hard to keep my business life and my personal life separate. It wasn’t easy to be considered trustworthy when people found out what your extended family partook in. “He does this sometimes.”
Valentina gripped my arms. “You must be so worried. I tried not to bother you but I just needed to be sure you were okay.”
“I’m okay.” I raked one hand through my loose hair. “Do you have time to talk?”
Valentina’s mouth dropped open. “Oh my God.” The concern in her eyes evaporated in an instant, replaced by understanding. “Oh my God.”
“Why don’t you come into my office.” I backed toward the door.
Right as the bell on the door dinged again.
“Granty.” My grandmother shuffled in wearing a pair of black wrap-around shades. She waved at Helen. “Hey there pretty girl. How’s school?”
Helen glanced from me to my grandmother to Valentina. “Almost done.”
“Good for you. Make your own money, honey.” My Nonna leaned against the high counter in front of Helen’s desk. “Don’t let something with a dick distract you from your dreams.” Her brows lifted above the line of her sunglasses and her mouth pressed into a downward slope. “Or anything with a vagina for that matter.”
I leaned toward my grandmother. “What are you doing here?”
She shifted to rest one side against the counter. “I came to—” Her head tipped forward and the heavy shades slipped down her nose. “Hello there.”
Valentina gave her a tight smile. “Hello.”
“Who is this tall drink of water?” My grandmother straightened off the counter and headed for Valentina.
Valentina’s expression softened the slightest bit and she leaned down to take my grandmother’s hand. “I’m Valentina.”
“You are simply breathtaking, my dear.” My grandmother held one of Valentina’s hands in both of hers. “I’m Sylvia, this asshole’s grandmother.”
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’m not an asshole.”
My grandmother shoved her glasses back into place. “Well you sure could have fooled me.”
