“What’s wrong?” Grady put his hand on her knee, his expression full of concern. “You look upset.”
“I’m fine.” She forced a smile. Her concerns about her ex-husband’s release and his intent toward their daughter wasn’t Grady’s problem. Their fake engagement likely wouldn’t extend beyond the weekend. “Just glad to be heading home.”
He tipped his head to the side as if he wasn’t buying her explanation, but he didn’t press for more. Instead, he changed the subject. “What time is this charity deal?”
“The cocktail hour is at six; dinner is at seven.” She didn’t mention the open bar, simply because she didn’t drink. And somehow, she didn’t think Grady would indulge either. Not when he was there to watch over her and Lucy.
“So if we get there before seven, we’ll be fine.” He nodded. “Okay, I think we can make that happen. I take it Lucy is coming with us?”
“Yes—”
“I don’t wanna go to the charity ball,” Lucy interrupted with a wail. “I hate those things. Can’t I stay home and watch a movie with Clara?”
“Not tonight.” She and Grady spoke at the same time, which made her smile. She turned in her seat to look at Lucy. “Grady was nice enough to take you to see the magic show, right? And maybe you can have a friend over tomorrow. We’ll see how things go.”
“But I hate those charity things,” Lucy repeated, her lower lip stuck out in a pout. “They’re boring.”
“Hey, I’m going to be there too,” Grady said. “And you don’t hear me complaining.”
Lauren glanced at him, realizing he wasn’t necessarily thrilled to be attending the event either. She turned away to stare out the passenger-side window. There was no reason to be upset by his reaction. She and Grady weren’t dating. Their relationship wasn’t real.
And it never would be.
Their brief kiss seemed like eons ago. No doubt he’d kissed her out of some misguided attempt to make her feel better about the danger they were in.
Whatever. She might have grown to care about Grady, but that was her problem. Not his. She’d always known he would be heading off to another job once she and Lucy didn’t need him anymore.
They made good time until they got closer to the city. She knew it didn’t really matter if they were late for the ball, but as it turned out, Grady pulled up to the parking garage entrance of her building at 5:45.
That left them plenty of time to get dressed and catch a limo or a taxi to the Cultural Center for the ball.
“Good evening, Ms. Lauren.” The security guard peered into Grady’s open driver’s side window. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, Timothy, we’re fine, thanks for asking.” She knew the security guard was just being overly cautious. “This is my fiancé, Grady McFarland.”
“Nice to meet you, Grady,” Timothy said politely.
“Nice to meet you too,” Grady said with a grin. “I appreciate you looking out for Lauren and Lucy. They’re very important to me.”
“Of course. You have a wonderful evening.” Timothy Freeman leaned back and opened the gate. Grady drove into the parking garage to her usual parking spot.
“Thanks for treating Timothy with respect.” She realized that Nelson’s snide approach to the working class should have been another giant red flag.
Grady arched a brow. “Always.”
She pushed out of the car, then opened the back door for Lucy. Her daughter was still pouting about being forced to attend the ball, but Lauren ignored her. Someday, Lucy would understand that there were worse things in the world than being forced to attend a boring charity event.
They took the elevator to the penthouse apartment. As Lauren used the key to unlock the door, Clara was there to greet them. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks, Clara.” She gave the housekeeper a quick hug. “And thanks for getting everything ready for us.”
“I take it that’s my tux?” Grady asked, eyeing the suit that was draped over the sofa.
“Yes, Mr. Grady. If you need anything altered, let me know.” Clara beamed. “I’m handy with a needle and thread.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.” Grady crossed over to pick up the suit. “I’ll change in the guest room.”
“Ms. Lauren, I have your dress and Lucy’s laid out in your room,” Clara said. “I assumed you wanted the red dress.”
