“I gave pretty much everything to her family to do what they wished with it. They were lovely people who worked hard but didn’t always have the resources to give their kids all the opportunities they would have liked.” I hadn’t heard from them in years. Which was fine. I understood if they blamed me.
Sometimes I blame myself.
But the investigation had been reopened, and perhaps we’d get justice for her.
Also, I had my sweet Grace. I kissed her.
“This is the yacht my cousin got. You’ll love her. She and I were close growing up–she loved terrorizing Evan when he’d come visit.” And was the reason he didn’t like pizza. This was not the cousin who wanted to build an artist colony in downtown Rockland, but she was part of the cousin band.
I showed Grace some pictures.
“That is a floating mansion.” She giggled at the ones of my cousin’s yacht.
Leaning in, I touched my forehead to hers. “It’s a floating eyesore. The yacht that came with your island is much better.” My phone beeped. “Oh, look, my aunt is trying to send you the ugly jewelry that no one wants. It keeps getting passed around.”
I’d probably be forced to wear the horrid cufflinks we all wore for our mating parties.
“They’re a lot,” I added. “But they’re good people. My grandfathers taught me as much about business as my father taught me about science. More even. I attended Rock Tech because they have one of the few science business programs in the world. You see, I wanted to combine what I loved with what I was good at–and I did. I know some people question why a biotech company has special projects like we do, but I never set off to actually do biotech or even pharmaceuticals. All I wanted to do was to find brilliant people who could change the world and help them carry out their work.”
“TheThanukos Incubator for Interesting Projects.We will change the world. If I ever actually work,” she laughed. “Margie is going to complain that I’m never there.”
“You and Blaise are forming your team for the simulator. It is fine. You’re doing a great job,” I reassured her.
I had a feeling that I might need to create an additional campus just for Special Projects so that they could do what they wanted without the zoning limitation we had in our current building.
Especially if they ever got into space travel.
My phone beeped, but it wasn’t from one of my relatives. It was a warning from Wes. However, Grace was dressed, and we weren’t in any compromising positions.
“Incoming. Someone is bringing you ice cream.” I nuzzled her, making her giggle.
“About time.” She laughed.
“Fuck of the morning, bitches. We have ice cream.” Riley came in holding a bag.
“We also have food,” Evan added. “And more things for you.”
“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Riley gave her a hug, her anise scent a little worried.
“I’ll be okay. The doctor says I might even be able to come home tomorrow.” Grace smiled. “Which is good. I have a lot of work to do.”
“Grace, Darling.” My voice went warning.
“I can work from home, Dearest. Thinking about all the stuff I need to do is making me anxious.”
That was something I understood.
“I’m so relieved that you’re okay.” Wes rushed over to her. “I was so worried.”
“I’m okay,” she reassured. “Really, I am.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, too.” Evan also gave her a hug.
“Give me some of that, Babydoll.” Jett joined them and kissed her.
Grace looked at Brennan and made grabby hands.
Silently, he rushed over and looked at her like she was everything. He leaned in and kissed her so deeply that Riley cleared her throat.
