Having Grace

16.

Roman's P.O.V

I don't know how many times I've stressed to her about her obedience, but she never listens.

I told her to stay home all weekend and she goes out Saturday. But after her ignoring my text message, I told the person keeping an eye on her to check out who she was with, their names, jobs, addresses, phone numbers and who they were to her.

Finding someone isn't that hard any more in today's world. With digital footprints a lot of people don't know they are leaving, social media as well, it's easy to find anyone.

I got my reports back shortly after being notified that she was back home, claiming to be her sister and husband.

I checked the photos. That looks about right from what I remembered from them at the wedding.

Then on Sunday I had photos sent through to me with a man entering her house. I knew who he was. Dean McKenzie. Grace's best friend. He, I was weary off.

Then a single notification from my Grace system had come through. Just one, in three days.

I checked that out and it was Grace and Dean, hanging out upside down on a couch. I read the blurb, Nothing better than a quiet day with your bestie, keeping in touch with our spiritual emotions #sorrysofie for stealing him for the day. #bestfriends

It actually made me smile, that Grace was home, her picture making her look softer, younger than nineteen and her playful self, but who is Sofie?

On Monday through to Wednesday, Grace had been coming in, and I couldn't believe how ecstatic I was when I checked in on her, without her knowledge, to see that bright orange skirt.

I handled my emotions and carried on but I had to fight every urge in my body to do so.

I wasn't ready to talk to her those days, I think I am now though. I can't avoid her for much longer. She will think something is up.

I have noticed that ever since she left my house, our interactions usually start on a Thursday to Friday basis. I had decided to stick to that.

"Katie." I called my receptionist.

"Yes sir?"

"Tell Miss Griffin to come up here."

"Yes, sir." Katie answered and the line went dead.

I sat back on my chair as I waited. I was furious with her on Thursday and that didn't subside till late Saturday.

I waited for Grace, but after twenty minutes, she still wasn't here.

"Katie." I called her.

"Yes sir?"

"Did you get a hold of Miss Griffin?"

"Yes, sir. She should be there any minute."

I let my hand move from the phone. Why am I calling her up here again? Oh yes. I want to personally tell her while she is sober and straight that her behaviour is unacceptable.

Then I heard the knock on the door as I opened.

Grace came in, her head down as she shuffled towards my desk. Her hair was swept up and I let my eyes roam over her. Her black shiny mini skirt slowly lifted up as she pulled it down again, her see through long sleeved green blouse was half tucked in and I noticed the green singlet underneath the blouse.

Her heels clicked on the wooden floor as I looked at her long legs. They were mainly covered by her boots.

But she was wearing green. Not a dull boring green, a vibrant paddock green. Grace eventually sat down in the seat and looked up at me.

She knows. She knows I'm going to berate her.

"Have you got anything to say for yourself?" I asked her as I sat back. "I said you would eventually find a way to put a stigma on my name and or company. Congratulations, princess. You succeeded."

I waited for her to fight back, but she sat there, just waiting for me to continue.

"You've ashamed yourself by the way you acted the other night." I know you want to have fun, but have you proven that to me you can do that without partying?

"I know." Came her soft voice, making me stop.

Usually she would be sitting there sulking or arguing back, but instead, her hands in her lap, she accepted it. Why is this Grace back? I want her to obey me, even if we are divorced, but I want her to fight for herself.

But it was a different sad aura to the one she had the other week.

"To say I'm highly disappointed in you, is understatement." I am disappointed in you, I thought to myself. Not angry, disappointed.

Grace nodded.

"Under no circumstances are you to find yourself in a club again. No more clubs, no more house parties. Am I clear?" Please fight for yourself. Why can't I say that to her?

"Yes."

"No more drugs either."

"I know. It won't happen again."

"I don't want to see you with any other males again, especially that wimp." I will do more than damage that nose next time. I don't care if I break my hand doing it.

Grace nodded again. She sat there as I stared at her. Why is she being this compliant?

Grace stood up and started to leave. "I am not done." I snapped as I stood up and went to her.

She turned to me, her shoulders sluggishly low. "I know I'm a disappointment. I'm a burden. I've had Hope scream down my throat twice in one day. I've had my parents as well. Dean's been on my back about it. I've had you do it and you're doing it again."

I could hear her voice falter.

"I fucked up. I get it. You were right all along. I am a party princess. This company doesn't need the likes of me, your words too."

I couldn't understand what just happened. I've never heard Grace talk about herself like this before.

"I'm difficult and stubborn and a handful. I get it. I've been nothing but a pain, especially in your ass. I'm sorry."

Did she just apologise to me?

"I know you are disappointed in me, I'm disappointed in myself. I'm a spoilt brat that's been nothing but difficult and a thorn in everyone's side."

I didn't know what to say after that. It took me several seconds to gather my wits.

"I will be leaving on Saturday for business. So when I'm gone, I don't want to see you out partying and what not. I'll have people watching your every move because if you get yourself in trouble, I won't be there to drag you out this time."

"I've already made a promise to Hope about all this. You won't hear a word about me partying."

I stared in to her gold eyes. They looked so sad and she looked so lonely. Have I actually gotten through to her? Not just me, but it sounds like lots of people have.

"I'm glad to hear it." What's wrong? Talk to me. I felt my gut squeezing together.

Grace walked to the door, but before she opened it, she turned her head over her shoulder.

"Roman." I heard her small squeak as I didn't answer her.

"I'm sorry about my behaviour at the club and afterwards." Grace slipped out off the room and closed the door before I could say anything else.