A Home For My Heart

Chapter Seven

STEPHON

After I gave Grace her new phone, she left my office, and I assumed it was to continue with her cart duties. I flooded myself with work only only to pass the time, so I won't think of her that much and to help my boner situation.

I waited a bit after lunch when I know the cafeteria wouldn't be crowded with workers and made my way down. I decided to take a detour at the front desk when I saw Grace with her stuff leaving.

Grace! I called out.

She stopped and turned to face me, and her features looked troubled. Why are you leaving so early? I asked. I've got an emergency, she said.

She was about to leave when I saw her bruised wrist, I grabbed her shoulder and turn her to face me again. What happened to your wrist, I asked. It's nothing, she said.

What happen to your wrist, I asked more sternly.

When she didn't answer, I took by the arm and lead her into an empty office. Why are you lying to me Grace, who did this to you. Anger had already taking over, seeing that someone hurt my precious beauty.

Tears started streaming down her face as she speaks, unable to control them any longer, my blood boiled, that two face son of a bitch. I pulled out my phone and shot a text to my head of security sending him some details I'd like for him to carry out.

Pushing my phone back into my pocket I look to her and said that you're staying with me for the rest of the day. She didn't argue, only comply and I was grateful for that. The sunlight from the setting sun streams through my office window casting a warm glow in the room.

What's your address, Grace? I'll drop you home. She looked at me with fearful eyes, her mouth moving but nothing came out. Hey, I touched her cheeks, they felt soft, you can trust me ok, I'm not letting you go home by yourself. I waited and waited not backing down when she finally gave up, she gave me her address and I gathered my things for us to leave.

I drove a short distance through the busy streets of NYC, then unto a road that leads to the lower-class part of the city. We drove almost to the outskirts where we came up on a wooden structure. You can stop here; I'll walk the rest. Are you crazy, I said I'm dropping you home so let's go, there's no need to be afraid, I'm here for you, you know that right.

She took some hesitant steps out of the car and walk a short distance to open the doors of a wooden frame. I couldn't help the thoughts in my mind now.

Unsafe.

The only word that keeps hitting the forefront of my brain. How long have you been living here? Since I started to work for you, I needed a place, and this was the cheapest I got. Her voice soft and a bit shaky, I walk around the small house, no electricity, no running water, how does she manage things.

Grace, how do you survive out here? As you can see Mr. Henry, this place is on the outskirts there's a spring behind the house in the woods not far from here, so I used the water to bathe and do other things.

Why didn't you tell me about your living conditions? I could have helped you; I turned and watched her. She looked away with embarrassment avoiding any eye contact, I cupped her face gently stroking it with my thumb. I care for you Grace, more than you know.

Without giving it much thought, I pulled my phone out and send a text to the solar panel company requesting the installation of three solar panels. After, I called the water company to install running water. I can't believe this; she's working for me all this time and I'm now knowing about her living situations.

After the necessary arrangements were made for Monday, I offered to buy her dinner at a close by diner.

She accepted; dinner was great. I felt happy, yet angry and sad at the same time. Happy that I'm spending some time with her, angry that she's living like this and sad that I'm now knowing about it.

You would not come in work on Monday ok. I'll come by the house I've hired the utility companies to install water and solar panels for you. You wouldn't be in darkness anymore and you would not have to go in the woods to fetch water, it will be there at your hand reach.

Mr. Henry, she started. I cannot accept this, it is to much, I'll be fine. I'm not taking no for an answer Grace, how could I not know this about you, why keep something so important from me. "I guess I didn't want to burden anyone with my problems ".

You listen to me woman, I don't care what your problems are I'll help you with it as much as I can, do you hear me. She was silent for a moment then nod her head. I know I sounded a bit harsh, but I cared for her, I just haven't told her yet.

What are you wearing to the office party?

My voice came out a bit curious than intended.

A simple yellow dress, she replied. I must say she made a damn good choice; the color would match perfectly with her dark skin. After dinner, I drove her back home her house was dark, so she lit the lamp to brighten the once dark room.

Thank you so much for your help, sir, I'll repay you someday I promise. You would do no such thing, I'm doing this for you because I want to, so, please accept my help, I don't want any pay backs.

Anyway, as you know the party date moved closer, so we have just one week. How are the preparations coming? It's going pretty well everything will be ready. Thank you, I'll call tomorrow have a good night, Grace. Thank you again Mr. Henry.

I didn't want to leave but I had to before I packed all her belongings and get her out of there. Monday is just a few days away, I'll survive.... I think.