“Why did you stop?” Gracie stood and stared at him. “You were great.”
“It wasn't fun anymore.” Jackson answered when Annie walked into the room. “I tried a different partner.”
“But?” Gracie was looking at him seriously.
“I wasn't you.” Annie looked at both them. “I hope you can keep up with her now, Jackson. She had Steven begging for mercy.”
“Seriously?” Jackson looked at the both of them. “Maybe I should call the instructor and have her whip me back into shape.” He looked over at Annie. “So what is going on with you?”
“I almost got myself fired and Christian is a jerk.” Annie walked off to the kitchen as Jackson looked at Gracie, who was smiling.
“She has wanted to talk to you all week.” She told him quietly. “Maybe you should offer to take her on a walk.”
“Have you ruined my cousin?” Jackson stood and started to walk towards the kitchen.
“No, but she likes her privacy and that is impossible around here when the kids are running around.” Gracie was smiling as she watched Bea and Garrison chasing the puppies throughout the house. She pushed Jackson the rest of the way to the kitchen.
Annie looked over at her cousin as he walked towards the table. “What are you doing?”
“Gracie seems to think that we need to go on a walk.” Jackson smiled as he sat down across from her.
“I already vented. I got tired of waiting for you to come off of call duty.” Annie was serious as she looked at him. “Gracie is a great person.”
“So who did you vent to?” Jackson looked puzzled.
“I went and had lunch with Gracie and Addison today.” Annie stood and crushed her can.
“Addison?” Jackson asked as he watched her. “Dylan’s Addison?”
“I guess so. Why?” Annie turned towards him.
“Oh, only if she talks to Dylan, Christian might hear a thing or two.” Jackson started laughing. “I want to be a fly on that wall.”
“Funny. I don’t remember saying anything bad about your friend.” Annie marched into the living room and stopped short as she spotted Gracie sleeping on the couch with the television set blaring in front of her. Annie put a finger to her lips as Jackson followed her out.
“It’s not that late, is it?” Jackson whispered as he watched her.
“I don’t think she's been getting a lot of sleep lately.” Annie continued to whisper. “Bea has slept in her bed ever since she brought her home.”
“Nightmares?” He asked as he tried to quiet the children down when they ran past him.
“Gracie hasn't said anything.” Annie took Bea and Garrison into the kitchen and Jackson followed them in.
“Should I go or should I stay?” He was staring at Bea wanting to ask if she was having bad dreams.
“I can't answer that question. It would be a shame to wake her though.” Annie looked over at Bea. “Can you sleep in your own bed tonight?”
Jackson watched as Bea started to tear up. “I guess not. We're going to have to wake Gracie.”
“Or you could just carry her to her bed.” Annie looked over at him. “It's past their bed time anyway.” She watched as Jackson went into the living room and easily lifted Gracie. Annie walked in front of them, so she could pull the covers down.
“She is really out of it.” Jackson was frowning. “Ask her tomorrow if Bea is still having nightmares.” He hugged his cousin and left.
Gracie woke and looked over at her daughter who was sleeping peacefully beside her. She went into her bathroom and splashed some water on her face. She couldn’t figure why she was having dreams. Stripping out of the clothes she had worn to church, she threw on her gown and tried to go back to sleep. Turning over she looked at the clock and moaned. It was only three thirty in the morning.
She got out of the bed and walked into the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle of water, she turned around and saw Annie staring at her.
“It isn't Bea having the nightmares, is it?” She watched as Gracie shook her head. “Do you want to talk about them?”
“There's nothing to talk about. I wake up, and I can't remember anything. I'm always drenched with sweat, and I shake.” She sat down at the table. “Bea is fine. The only nightmare she has had was on the night she came home.”
“Maybe you're trying to remember something.” Annie was still watching her. “Are you able to go back to sleep afterwards.”
“I wish.” Gracie put the bottle in the plastic bin. “I usually just lie down and stare into the darkness.” She stood and walked into the living room. “We both have to work tomorrow so we should go back to our beds.”
“Try to go back to sleep, Gracie.” Annie walked back to her room and shut the door as Gracie watched.
Chapter 19
Gracie was up when Annie walked in rubbing her eyes. Annie sat down at the table after she poured her a cup of coffee. “So how long have been having dreams?”
“How long?” Gracie looked over the cup that she had just lifted to her mouth. “I guess since Mark visited the office.”
“You should talk to somebody.” Annie looked at her seriously.
Gracie stood and looked out the window as the sun started to rise. “Maybe the problem is that I've been talking too much.” She turned around. “Maybe these dreams will go away after the trial.” She looked at her roommate with a smile. “Are you going to be a good girl at work today?”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Annie laughed as Gracie had walked around the table.
“Gee, I don’t know.” She teased her. “Maybe Christian will call and offer to buy you lunch again, or you’ll tell your boss what you aren't going to do.”
“And I guess your employees don’t do that.” Annie looked at her as Gracie was still smiling at her.
“I have a very relaxed crew, and we don’t deal with the same things that you do.” Gracie threw an apple core away and washed her hands. “I honestly don't know how you do that and remain so relaxed with Garrison.”
“It’s not easy.” She stood and walked towards Garrison’s room to wake him up. “But what about what you've been through?”
“So not going there today, Annie.” Gracie answered before she walked down the hall to wake Bea.
“I hope you don't have to. Have you told Bea about the Camerons?” Annie went to the freezer and grabbed a piece of ice as Gracie had come back into the room and watched her.
“I have and what are you fixing to do?” Gracie was still watching as Annie walked back to Garrison’s room.
“This is a wakeup call. That young boy is a little hard to get out of the bed in the mornings.” Annie walked into the room and dropped the ice into his t-shirt. Gracie heard him screaming as Bea had walked out of her own bedroom from changing.
“You are so mean.” Gracie was smiling as Bea walked over to her.
“But it works.” Annie looked down at Bea. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes,” Bea went over to grab the juice that Gracie had poured her.
“I really should tell Jackson.” Annie looked over at Gracie and talked to her in a hushed voice.
“Did I not swear you to secrecy?’ Gracie asked as she bit her lips.
“He asked me to see if Bea was still having nightmares after he carried you to your bed.” Annie told her after Gracie had locked the door.
“She is not.” Gracie answered her. “I think that you can answer his question.”
Annie smiled as she shook her head. “Later,” she kissed Garrison on the cheek before he got in the back of Gracie’s car.
~
Gracie was still reading when Addison knocked on the door with Jackson standing behind her. “Gracie, Dr. Carter is here.”
“Funny. I don't remember ordering a doctor.” Gracie looked up and smiled. “But since you're here, I have a couple of complaints.”
Addison left the office smiling and shut the doors behind her.
“And what would those complaints be?” Ja
ckson grinned as he sat down across from her.
“You didn't wake me to tell me you were leaving.” Gracie stood and walked over to him. “And you still have my check.”
“Which is why I came over. That and to try out your cafeteria.” He stood to take the check from of his wallet. “I did carry you to the bed, and I told you good night.”
“Sure,” Gracie walked back to her chair and sat down. She took out two different deposit slips and filled them in as Jackson watched her.
“So what are you going to do with all of that money?” Jackson was curious.
“My account, Bea’s college account, and then I'm replacing my mother’s piano.” Gracie smiled. “It seems that Bea wants to take lessons.”
“Good for her,” Jackson grinned as he knew how much Gracie had hated taking the lessons when she was younger. “May I take you to lunch?”
“You may. I need another favor, also.” Gracie stood handing him the check and deposit slips. “I can never make it to the bank on time.”
“Sure thing.” Jackson held out the crook of his arm for her take.
“You have to take Addison, too.” Gracie stopped him at Addison’s desk, and he held out his other arm for her.
“No wonder you ladies are so little.” Jackson looked down at his tray. “Where are the carbs?"
“We sit at a desk all day. We don’t need carbs." Addison laughed at him.
Jackson smiled as he took a chocolate bar from his pocket. “I need carbs."
“Hey, you, share.” Addison looked at him as Gracie was smiling.
“Better share with the chocoholic so I can send her to the gym.” Gracie looked over at Addison seriously.
“Do you really do that?” Jackson looked over at Gracie while Addison was nodding her head.
“Yes, she does.” Addison appreciated Gracie for stopping her. “Poor Simone is still getting used to it.”
Gracie looked over to where her newest employee was sitting. “She's looking a lot healthier.” She glanced over at Jackson. “Put the chocolate away, please.”
“No problem. I knew about your rules at the house, but I had no idea about here.” He smiled as he put the chocolate bar back in his pocket. “Are you this strict about everything?”
“I have no clue. Am I, Addison?” Gracie picked the carrots out of her salad as Jackson laughed at her.
“You won’t find a better boss.” Addison was serious as she talked to Jackson. “Now lunch is over.” Gracie stood and took their trays as Addison grabbed the water bottles.
Jackson stood. “I'll swing by your house and drop off your receipts.”
“Like Tarzan?” Gracie was laughing at him. “You could just drive by the house.”
“Corny,” Jackson smiled down at her before he left.
“I bet he doesn’t come for lunch anymore.” Addison was smiling as they walked back towards Gracie’s office.
“If I ate like Jackson, I would never calm down.” Gracie admitted as they walked into the office to go over that afternoon’s schedule. Gracie looked up to see Christian looking nervously at the office. “Now what?” Gracie waved for him to come into the office.
“Detective?” Gracie sat down as Addison walked out.
“I need some advice.” Christian looked at her strangely before he sat down.
“You need advice from me?” Gracie was puzzled. “May I ask why?”
“Annie won’t take my phone calls.” He looked serious when Gracie started laughing, “What?”
“I told her to behave today.” Gracie stood and studied him. “I'm sorry, Christian. I told her to accept your invitation if you extended it again.”
“You know about that?” Christian looked relieved because he didn't have to explain that to her. “I think that she hates me.”
“Tsk, Tsk.” Gracie grew serious. “Do you like Annie?”
“I didn’t want to.” Christian was wiggling around in his chair.
“That isn't what I asked.” She was amused. “Answer the question, Detective.”
“Yes, I like Annie.” He stood. “Happy?”
“Sit.” Gracie pointed to the chair. “Having someone ask you personal questions is uncomfortable- isn’t it?” She was having fun now. “You wanted my advice, right?” He nodded his head as she back down. “You get on her nerves, but I get the feeling that she likes you, too. And yes, Red Lobster was a set up, but I'm not going into that.” She paused as she watched him squirm. “My advice would be to wean her off the case you're working on and then get to know her.”
“I am weaning her off. She reminded me yesterday that she was just a social worker.” Christian was still uncomfortable, but he started to relax. “Does Jackson know just how tough you can be?”
“I doubt it.” Gracie stood up. “That was fun. Did I help you out any?”
“I think so. Thanks.” He shook her hand and she walked out of the office with him, stopping at Addison’s desk. “I believe I was right, and Jackson was wrong.”
“What are you talking about?” Addison asked as Gracie started to walk away.
“They both like each other and don’t go home telling Dylan about it yet.” Gracie answered as she paused before entering into her office.
Addison stood and followed her, walking into Gracie’s office behind her shutting the doors. “I have a question.” She waited until Gracie sat down.
“Please, don't keep me in suspense.” Gracie looked serious as she studied her friend.
“How in the world did you see this coming but not know how Jackson felt about you?” Addison sat down as she waited for Gracie to answer.
“That is simple.” She picked up the manuscript lying in front of her. “I didn't wish to see how Jackson felt.”
“Why not?” Addison watched as Gracie looked up at her.
“I think I told you before that I had no wish to involve myself in a relationship.” She looked back down at the papers. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“Sure,” Addison stood. “Mr. Foster called. He wants an answer to his letter.”
Gracie looked at her sharply then. “A big fat no.” She mumbled softly.
“I'm not even going to ask, but if you don't return his phone call, he’s going to bug you to death.” Addison left the office as Gracie stared after her.
Gracie stood and started pacing in her office. She had a lot to think about and was startled out of her thoughts as Addison started buzzing her on the intercom. She looked out the door, and Addison pointed to the receiver. “Don’t worry about calling Mr. Foster.” Addison spoke quietly while she watched the now-familiar figure walking down the row of cubbies.
Gracie looked in the direction where Addison was staring. “Great. Send him in, Addison. I’m on a roll, so I can deal with him today, also.”
Gracie was sitting at her desk watching as Salem Foster walked into her office.
“Amanda McBride isn't being very cooperative, is she, Gracie?” He sat down and looked straight into her eyes.
“And Mr. Foster is being a little pushy, isn’t he?” Gracie took the check from the drawer and pushed it over to him. “I can't think about this right now. There’s too much going on.”
He looked amused as he noticed what she had done. “What is so important that you can't think about your future?”
“A lot has happened, sir.” Gracie was studying her hands, so she wouldn't have to look at her boss. “At least wait until after the trail to start bugging me about another book.”
“I haven’t thought about that. When is that supposed to happen?” Salem apologetically answered as he started to think about what Gracie was going through the last time he was in North Carolina.
“Week after next,” Gracie finally looked up. “That story is finished, but I have no idea where it is or when I wrote it.” She stood and frowned as she looked down. “By the way, I really miss the ducks.”
“They’ll be back.” Salem stood. “Hold on to the check, and I would love to see something within
the next couple of months.”
“I'm not promising anything.” Gracie shook his hand. “I'm sorry you wasted your time flying down here.”
“It wasn't wasted, Gracie. By the way, I love the hair cut.” Salem smiled as he walked out the door. He stopped at Addison’s desk, “The duck pond?”
“They’re going to fill it today, sir.” Addison looked up as he talked.
“Good. I'll be back down when Gracie has to go to court. I expect you to call when that happens. Otherwise I'll see you both tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir,” Addison looked at Gracie’s office and saw her standing at the window frowning.
Salem turned around and watched her before turning back to Addison. “And if there’s anything she needs, make sure she gets it.” He handed her a blank check before he walked away.
Gracie looked up as Addison walked back into her office. “So what was all that about?”
She walked over to her desk and sat down. “He decided that he wants another book. There was a check and a letter in my desk when I came back in on Monday, and I chose to ignore it.”
Addison glanced down at the check and back at Gracie in surprise. “So what happened?”
“I tried to give him his check back.” Gracie stared at the manuscript that was still in front of her. “I'm trying to finish what I started on Monday. I guess I'll just have to take it home and finish it this weekend.”
“This weekend? That will be impossible.” Addison sat down and smiled.
“And why is that?” Gracie asked puzzled as she took the check from Addison’s hand.
“I was invited to your birthday celebration at your mother’s house. I was just assuming that you would be there.” She was laughing at her friend’s expression.
“Since I wasn't invited, I think I'll skip it.” Gracie stood and grabbed her briefcase. “I'm betting you weren't supposed to tell me about it.”
“Maybe not but I didn’t want you making plans to work.” Addison looked up at the clock. “Time does fly when you're having fun.”
“Who is having fun?” Gracie asked shoving the manuscript inside the briefcase before turning off her equipment. “I think this has to be ‘pick on Gracie year’.”
Finding Gracie's Rainbow Page 28