Saving Grace #Wattys2016

Chapter Eleven

BRANDON ROUTH AS ROBERT HALE

"You'll have to find a way to sneak out the house again to go." Hardy was talking about the night he had planned; the Hales were going to a fancy family dinner then getting even more dressed up for an play, both I were invited to by Susan.

"I got something, what I don't have is a dress worthy of a play."

"You can borrow one of mine." Emma piped up. "I have the perfect one."

"And I'll give you jewelry and shoes to go." Olivia added.

"Thank you guys." I had to find a way to repay them one day; this family has done so much for me in the short time I've known them. "So much. I have to get on the road now before Mama calls the National Guard out for me."

"Take the 45 up instead of the local; you'll get there faster and avoid the checkpoint." Jack advised. I gave them all a hug before Hardy walked me to the truck.

"Call me when you get home?" He slammed the truck door.

"I'll try; Ella's coming home today so...."

"Call me whenever you get the chance." Hardy leaned into the cab to give me a swift kiss. His brothers, save James, started hollering. "Shut up!" We yelled back. "Stay safe."

"Always." I replied, starting the truck and pulling out of the driveway. Jack was right about this 51 East; I got home in half an hour. Just before sunset, I arrived safely at home. "Hey, guys. I'm-Ella!" My best friend and her husband sat at out dining table. She got up and crushed me into a hug.

"Where the heck were you this whole time?"

"I went out for a drive." She gave me a look that said "I don't believe you."

"I see you returned my car." Danny peered out the window.

"What did you expect? I'd drive it into the river?"

"I did." Carlos got up to hug me. "Nice to see you can drive."

"You're lucky I love your wife." I glared back jokingly.

"How was it?" Mama asked. "Any troubles?"

"Nothing. It was easy." Ella was still looking at me. "I'm gonna go upstairs and talk to Ella." Ella pulled my hand up the stairs and closed the door.

"So how's Hardy?" She smiled smugly and had her hands glued on her hips.

"Damn you for knowing so much." She sat on the bed next to me. "His family wants to take me out tomorrow to dinner and a play in Houston but I got no cover." Ella looked down then shot up.

"You got me. We got the house to fix up. If anyone asks, I could just say you're with me."

"What if they come over to see?" I questioned.

"You're out getting something." Ella answered smugly.

"And Carlos?"

"I'll think of something. When are you planning to tell them?"

"I don't know." I answered sincerely. "When the times right. I got have to figure out when that is." After Ella left, I relayed the final draft of the plan Hardy called the "Bond Girl Switch". The name due to switching me from a normal girl to a 'Bond Girl' and back.

"So it's set; I'm with Ella all day."

"Grace, you're an angel." I could hear Hardy's smile through the phone. "Emma and Mom have your dress and stuff ready so all you have to do is bring your dress and make sure Ella drops you off in front of Maybelle's at three."