Two unbreakable souls-Book 3

CHAPTER 13

　　Gracie

　　“Ryland, would you relax” I snickered as we made our way through the building of my father’s law firm. He had been freaking out since we left the house. I had no idea what that was about, but it wasn’t worth Ryland worrying over because he hadn’t done anything wrong.

　　“ I can’t help it,” he chuckled. I squeezed his hand for encouragement as we finally found the front desk.

　　I went to speak, but before I could, “Gracie, you must be Gracie and Ryland.” The pretty blonde gushed from the front desk. Ryland and I looked at one another, confused, “Sorry, Peter has been gushing about you since he met you, telling everyone about his beautiful daughter, showing off photos and telling us all how you have a good man to take care of you!” she giggled.

　　“Really” I asked, shocked, not used to a father acting that way about me.

　　“Indeed. He is very proud of you, of both of you. I am Sarah, the receptionist here,” she answered with a smile.

　　“It is nice to meet you, Sarah,” I smiled, and Ryland greeted her politely too,

　　“Come on, I will take you to him,” she added.

　　We chatted with her as we continued through the building. It was beautiful.

　　“Maddison, Peter has guests. Is he free” Sarah asked.

　　“He is on a call at the moment but shouldn’t be long.” At that, Sarah left us with Maddison.

　　“Gracie and Ryland, aren’t you” Maddison smiled, and we nodded, “It is great to meet you both. I am Peter’s secretary, soon-to-be the ex-one, sadly.” She seemed generally sad about it.

　　“It is nice to meet you too. You are leaving” I asked, “Yes, I worked here while putting myself through law school, but it is time for me to move on and up. Your dad has been an amazing boss and has helped me out, so I am sad I am leaving, but it is time,” she replied.

　　I smiled when she spoke about him because it showed me, even more, how much of a good man he is, “I wish you all the best for the next chapter in your life. Ryland and I start college after the summer. Ryland wants to study to become a lawyer.” I said proudly.

　　“I am sure you will both do amazingly! Ryland, you couldn’t have a better person than Peter to help you out. He is one of the state’s top lawyers, and he cares about people, unlike many others.” Maddison replied confidently.

　　“No, I couldn’t ask for anyone better,” he agreed.

　　“Talking about me” I heard a familiar laugh come from behind us. I smiled and turned to my dad, “Yes. Hey, Dad.” I watched his face light up again.

　　“Hello, angel and hello, Ryland.” He came over, hugged me and shook Ryland’s hand, “Come on into my office.” He motioned us to follow him.

　　I sensed Ryland becoming anxious, so I reached over, squeezing his hand and smiled at him, “Please, both of you take a seat,” my dad encouraged, “And Ryland, there is no need to be nervous, I promise!” he laughed, clearly sensing it too.

　　“I’m sorry but, usually, when the father of the girl you are with wants to talk to you, it isn’t a good thing,” Ryland chuckled.

　　“I swear it is nothing bad; quite the opposite of bad.”

　　My dad made us all a coffee before sitting behind his desk. Ryland’s leg was bouncing up and down under the table, so I rested my hand on his knee until he stopped.

　　“How is the job hunting going” my dad asked.

　　“As of now, we still haven’t found anything.” Ryland sighed, shaking his head.

　　“Perfect!” Ryland and I looked at each, confused by his reaction. How was us not finding jobs perfect

　　“Perfect” I questioned.

　　“Yes. I have a job for Ryland if he wants it…”

　　“For me Doing what”

　　“Working for me. I heard Maddison telling you she is leaving. I need someone to replace her, and I think you would be perfect, Ryland. It would help you understand what goes on in a law firm. It would be a great experience for you.”

　　“Me I have no idea what I am doing. I don’t have any experience in this area of work.” I knew Ryland’s protests weren’t because he didn’t want it, but because he was worried he would let my dad down and mess up.

　　“Yes, I know that. But you have nothing to worry about. Maddison will still be here for another few weeks, and she is willing to train you up. I know classes start soon, but we can hire someone else part-time to cover when you are in classes; you can work on your free days, weekends, holidays and maybe a couple of nights a week. You could do this job, no bother, Ryland. You are smarter than you give yourself credit for. You just need to have a little faith in yourself, son.” I liked my father’s confidence in Ryland. He sees in him the same qualitiesthat I do.

　　“Oh wow, I sure wasn’t expecting this,” Ryland said, resting back in the chair and running his fingers through his hair.

　　“It would be a great opportunity, and the pay is excellent too, plus health benefits. You would have more than enough to help with school supplies and take care of yourself and Gracie until she finds something.”

　　“Are you sure I am the right choice, Peter I don’t want to mess up,” the worry in Ryland’s voice was evident.

　　“Yes. Take some time to think on it but try not to wait too long so we can get you trained up by the best,” he answered without hesitation.

　　I thought that chance was perfect for Ryland, but it was something we needed to discuss, and the final decision needed to be Ryland’s.

　　“I promise, Peter, I will have you answer by tomorrow,” Ryland smiled.

　　“Okay. Now, we have that out of the way, let me introduce you both to everyone and show you how everything works, and then I will treat you two to some food.”

　　We nodded, and the three of us left his office.