Chapter 32
THIRTY-TWO
‘Come into the meeting room and take a letter, Miss Davies.’ Rob Warhurst laughed as he minced by Gracie’s desk and beckoned her into an empty office. He shut the door behind her.
‘How are you?’
‘Great, thanks. Been doing lots of exercising and thinking.’
‘I was going to say you are looking trimmer. In fact, you look great. Probably not supposed to say that in this day and age, but I just did. And how are you feeling about everything now?’
‘Confused. Lewis realises he’s made a dreadful mistake, but I think it’s my time now. I feel that I need a fresh start on life.’
‘Please don’t say what I fear you are going to?’
Gracie made a face. ‘Oh, Rob, this is so hard. You’ve been so bloody brilliant about everything, but I have got the chance to do something where I can make more of myself, for myself.’
‘Go on.’
‘There’s a function room behind the Windmill Café on Wimbledon Common and the woman who part owns it says I can make it my own. Just give her a commission of whatever I earn on events.’
Rob frowned. ‘Will you make enough money doing it, though, Gracie?’
‘I don’t know: it’s a completely new venture. We need to start marketing it pretty sharpish. I realise I’ll have to work out my notice.’
‘Let me think… How about this as a proposition?’ Rob Warhurst scratched his beard. ‘You stay on the payroll and work as on-site event support instead of being an events manager. I’ll probably need you around eight days a month, but at least then you’ll have a steady base income coming in. Julia in production has expressed an interest in events, so can take on your full-time position.’ He banged his hand down on the table. ‘Sorted!’
Gracie couldn’t believe it. ‘I could kiss you, Rob Warhurst, that’s perfect!’
‘Could you? Could you really?’ Rob looked serious, then lunged towards her and placed a scratchy, coffee-breathed kiss on her lips.
Gracie jumped up. ‘Whoa, where did that come from?’
‘Shit! I’m sorry, Gracie.’ Rob looked mortified and put his head in his hands. ‘Mrs Warhurst isn’t only gadget-worn, she appears to be me -worn, too. We haven’t had sex for weeks.’
‘Oh, Rob. I think you’re great, but one, you are married and two, you are my boss. Not forgetting, of course, that I have just split from my boyfriend and don’t know where my head is at the moment.’ Gracie blew out a noisy breath and ran her hands through her hair. ‘Maybe it’s not a good idea that I stay here?’
‘Don’t say that. I love having you around. You are a breath of fresh air.’
Gracie thought for a moment but she knew what she had to do. ‘No. I’ve made my decision. I’ll work the week out and then I move on. My sister has cleared my debts and I’m living at hers rent free until I sort myself out, so I’ll be fine financially for a bit.’
Rob exhaled loudly as Gracie went on. ‘I’m sorry, Rob. I really do appreciate all you’ve done for me, but the time is right, especially since this has happened. I would feel awkward now.’
‘What a prat. I need to sort myself out. Look, don’t even worry about your notice. I’ll pay you to the end of the month. Go and be happy, Gracie Davies. I know you will be successful in whatever you put your mind to.’
Feeling slightly grossed-out at what had just happened, Gracie faked a smile and got up to leave. ‘Let’s have a catch-up in a few weeks, eh? And thanks again for being such a great boss. Maybe take Mrs Warhurst away on holiday somewhere nice? But be sure not to take one single gadget with you.’
Rob laughed. ‘We’ll sort it out, I’m sure.’
‘You will.’ Gracie got up and walked towards the door.
‘And Gracie? Don’t ever lose sight of what an amazing person you are.’
Tears pricked her eyes.
‘It’s been a blast, eh, Rob? And when life gives you lemons, what do we do?’
‘Grab tequila and salt!’ they shouted in unison and laughed.