By Your Side

9

Gracelyn

It's Saturday morning when I spot Joel and Elise chatting together in the kitchen. Joel is saying something to her with a smirk on his face and Elise rolls her eyes in response. He says something again and she scowls, giving him a playful shove on the shoulder. As she walks off, Joel stares at her with a goofy smile on his face.

I walk up to Joel. "Okay, now it's just the two of us, what's up between you and Elise?"

Joel turns to me and sheepishly touches his neck. "I...I really like her but I don't know if she feels the same way."

I knew something was up between the two.

"Why don't you have the day off today and spend it with her?" I suggest. "Elise said she has a lot of work to do today so you could help her."

Joel frowns. "Are you sure that's okay?"

"Well, my bodyguard is going to be with me anyway so he can drive for the day," I say.

Joel opens his mouth to protest but I add with a smirk, "Come on, are you going to take up the offer before I change my mind?"

"You are the best boss ever," he grins. "I owe you one."

I place my hands inside my denim jacket pockets. "Since my own love life is currently non-existent, I figured the next best thing is playing Cupid for the Pearce family's amazing staff."

"Thank you Cupid," he chuckles. "Also, someone did send you sunflowers this morning."

"Oh?" I raise a brow. "Who?"

"Not sure," Joel informs me. "I passed it to Mr. Dimitriou since your bodyguard would usually clear your packages if they're unexpected, yes?" His gaze darts to someone behind me. "Ah, there he is!"

I turn around to see Ioannis walking toward us, a bouquet of sunflowers in his hands. However, the expression currently on his face is a complete contrast to the sunshine vibes associated with the flowers. There might as well be a dark cloud looming over his head.

Well, hello again, Mr. Grumpy, or should I say, Mr. Extra Grumpy this morning.

"I'll leave you to it, then," Joel winks.

"Update me on how it goes with Elise!" I call out as he begins to run off. He turns around to give me a grin and salute.

When Ioannis and I come face to face, I greet him with a "Good morning."

"Morning." His voice is as gruff as his facial expression.

"Joel mentioned those were for me?" I gesture to the bouquet. "I'll take those."

Ioannis hands the sunflowers to me. "That flower on the end looks like it's probably going to wither anytime soon. Your co-star could have chosen a nicer bouquet."

I give him a funny stare and place the flowers on the kitchen island. "It looks fine to me. Also, Roger sent those? Were you reading my card for me?"

"Had to make sure the delivery wasn't from a creepy stalker," he flatly says.

I pick up the accompanying card, which reads: Happy Saturday, Grace! I came across these and they reminded me of you. Thanks again for being the best Skylar —Your forever Henry (aka Roger) xx

"That's a lovely message," I say out loud.

Ioannis grunts. "He's clearly trying to get out of the friendzone."

I roll my eyes. "Can there not be platonic friendships between men and women?"

His green pierce into mine. "There can, yes. But I doubt Roger has intentions of just being friends."