Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
His employees were already aware of their relationship. Nora had expected some gossip or at the very least some backlash, and much to her surprise, nothing. She figured most of his employees were afraid of him, or of losing their position. Either that, or they were happy that he was settling down.
Trudy finished with her call and smiled at her. “Sorry about that. It seems no matter what I do, there is always some kind of trouble.”
“Gabriel wanted to meet me for lunch,” Nora said.
“Yes, Gabriel said to tell you he would be here as soon as possible.” Trudy got to her feet. “Until then, we have lunch, so you can catch me up on all of the gossip.”
Nora laughed, taking the seat opposite Trudy, and thanking her for the food. She was starving.
“I don’t know what gossip you’re talking about,” she said.
“Work, or you know, the gossip attached to you and Gabriel.” Trudy chuckled. “I already know he took you to his home out in the country. You met Lawson and Esther. What did you think?”
“I was terrified. I didn’t think Esther liked me.”
Trudy chuckled. “They liked you. They have called me nonstop since they met you. They were not happy that I kept your relationship a secret.” She shrugged. “They clearly don’t know Gabriel like I do.”
“They were amazing,” Nora said. “Gabriel’s home is incredible. I wish I could have met his grandfather.”
Trudy nodded. “You’d have loved him and he would have loved you.”
“Gabriel keeps saying that but I don’t know why.” She glanced around at his office. “He’s a billionaire, and I’m nothing.”
“And that is what made his grandfather so different. Yes, he came from money, but he also knew the value of money. Unlike Gabriel’s father who was not interested in making money, Gabriel is different. His grandfather taught him everything he knows. He was a down-to-earth guy, and he didn’t judge people on their status or how much money they had, or how many businesses they owned. He judged them on their character and if they were lacking, he didn’t have much of any time for them.”
“And you think he would have had time for me?” Nora asked.
“Yes, I do. He didn’t take fools gladly. I think it hit him hard that he didn’t like his own son.”
Nora took a bite out of her sandwich and sat back to think. She could understand that. It must have been hard.
“Do you think Gabriel would like to rekindle a friendship with his parents?”
Trudy snorted. “No. There was never any friendship to begin with.”
She frowned.
“You find that hard to believe?” Trudy asked.
“It’s just that they’re his parents.”
“Yeah, and they wanted nothing to do with him. Trust me, I’ve met them, and all they care about is making money, and his dad is irritated that Gabriel has more money and more respect than he does. Even if Gabriel wanted to try and have a relationship, I would caution him. Unlike his grandfather, his father would stab him in the back to get what he wanted.”
“Really?” Nora asked.
Trudy nodded. “It’s not good.”
She took a deep breath.
“Have you thought about what you want to do with your folks’ house?” Trudy asked.
“I’ve been thinking about renting it to a charity. I’ve been speaking to Nancy, and she knows a couple of charities that could use properties to help kids get off the streets.”
“That sounds like the right place,” Trudy said. “You don’t want to move back in?”
Nora thought about it and shook her head. “No, I don’t. My aunt and uncle changed it to the point that it was unrecognizable, and now I’ve got what I wanted—the photograph albums, the few items they didn’t sell. Gabriel is helping me locate the jewelry they did sell, so I can get it back.”
Trudy reached out and put a hand on hers. “You’ll find it.”
“Do you think so?”
“Yeah, I do. I know Gabriel, and he is not the kind of man to let this go. He will find everything you’ve been looking for.” Trudy smiled at her. She was about to say something else, but her phone rang. “Hold on.” She picked up. “It’s taking a long time.” A brief pause. “Yes, she’s here.” Trudy chuckled. “Gabriel would like to talk to you.”
She took the phone and placed it against her ear. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I’m stuck in this fucking meeting. I should have had it at the office, that way I could have taken a break for lunch. Tell me you’re eating.”
“Trudy is feeding me.”
“That is good. I’ll make it up to you. Dinner?”
“How about I cook for you?” Gabriel’s idea of feeding her was always a restaurant or takeout. She loved home-cooked meals, and he enjoyed what she cooked for him.
“But it’s my treat.”
“Then let me treat you. I’ll cook you dinner, at my place?” she asked.