Lucille✔️ (Kindle version)

To close for comfort

Lucille

Grayson informed me that the big boss scheduled me to do inventory with him when I returned to work. Great. So much for that guy who spent the past week with me.

Although, he had lightened up with me on my tasks, which was better. I sat down in the break room at lunch, joining the others.

"How are you feeling, Lucille?" Martha asked me.

"I'm doing much better. Being sick sucks," I said.

They laughed.

"Something is going around," Vic said.

"Why?"

"Grayson was off sick too," he said.

He popped a chip into his mouth. I knew Grayson was lying.

"A bug is going around."

I shrugged as I ate my sandwich. Talk to Grayson about his fib.

I finished my lunch and got back to work. I still wasn't a hundred percent, so I moved like a slug. I picked up an item to put on the shelf when someone helped me.

I turned to realize Grayson was helping me. He gave me a soft smile as he placed the item on the shelf.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm okay. I'm a little tired."

"Why don't you go home and get rest?"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'll finish this up."

I nodded. I'll worry about Grayson's shadiness later. I wanted my bed, so I punched out and traveled home.

Mom watched me when I walked through the door. She didn't need to ask as I continued to bed. I opened my door to look at blue roses lying on my bed. I walked over and picked them up.

She stood at the door as I turned to her.

"Who delivered the flowers?"

"Someone left the flowers at the door."

She walked toward me.

"Someone likes you if they brought your favorite flower to you."

I noticed the flowers. Few people learned about my absolute favorite flowers. I brought the roses to my nose, inhaling the scent as a smile curled upon my lips.

Mom took the roses and put them in a vase with water. I changed into my pajamas and crawled into bed. Oh, sleep. I missed you. With that, I drifted off to sleep.

*****

I had the next day off. Thank God. I have inventory tomorrow night with Grayson. That gave me time to rest. Even though my check would be horrible, I needed the rest.

As I lounged around, someone knocked on my door. Mom opened the door, poking her head into my bedroom.

"Lucille, a visitor is at the door."

I walked to the front door to find Grayson standing there.

"I realize you're off today, and I'm not here to annoy you. Do you want donuts and a coffee?" Grayson asked.

"Don't you have to work?"

"Not until later."

"Okay, let me get my coat and purse."

I grabbed both. I came out of the house and walked to his car. I got inside, and he pulled out of the driveway.

He drove us to a donut shop, and we got out, making our way inside. We sat down in a booth. He then ordered donuts and coffee for us.

"How are you doing?"

"I'm doing better."

I added creamer to the coffee that the server brought us.

"Ready for inventory tomorrow?" He asked.

"Unfortunately, but I should be fine. It's been rough getting back to myself. I didn't realize how pneumonia affects you."

I sipped my coffee.

"I felt terrible when I found out you were sick."

"Then why did you send me out in the freezing rain, knowing I was sick?"

He glanced at me.

"Grayson, I would never kick a dog when they're down. It's cruel. But you seem to enjoy it. Why?"

I knitted my brows, wanting to identify why.

"Because I was stupid. I figured if I gave you these lousy jobs, you would quit. But you didn't."

"What? Why?"

"Because I like you, Lucille."

His confession shocked me.

"You drive me crazy, but you make me laugh. Then I remember I'm your boss and realize that I can't pursue anything with you."

I didn't realize what to say.

"I don't want you to quit. I would miss seeing you too much," Grayson said.

"If you don't want me to quit, could you try not to kill me? One day, I want a family," I said.

*****

Grayson

So she wants a family one day. Fascinating. What else does she want?

"Okay. I promise not to kill you."

I chuckled as a smile curled upon her lips.

"So, why did you lie to me about the store giving you time off?" She asked me.

Shit.

"Grayson, I prefer honesty over lies. The truth hurts, but it's better than a whopper of a lie. When everything is said and done, the person gets hurt."

Okay, this girl has spunk. I like that quality. She's not afraid to call someone on their bullshit.

"I felt guilty."

"As you should, you tool."

And she's not afraid to call me a tool. I also found that interesting. Lucille called it as she saw it. I like that quality.

"Okay, I promise not to be a tool anymore."

Lucille laughed. Okay, she has a sense of humor.

"Yeah, okay."

Damn, she's sarcastic. This girl has a lot of impressive traits.

"I promise."

I placed my hand over my chest.

"Don't make any promises you can't keep."

She winked. She's flirty. Ugh. What is this girl doing to me? She exhibits all the traits I like.

"You're a trip," I said.

I chuckled.

"Nope, I'm bat shit crazy," she said.

What did Lucille mean by bat shit crazy?

We finished our donuts and coffee, and I took her home. I dropped her off and headed home to get ready for work. As her boss, a relationship is risky, but I like her after spending time with her.

I haven't felt this good since Marnie. At one point, I would have to tell Lucille about Marnie, but I'm testing the waters with Lucille.