Zain stood at the door, watching. He clapped. "Good job, princess. I'm not sure the boss would by happy with it, since he wants good relations with his family, but it's good to take him down a peg."
"He's the one who didn't want to move. What are you doing here? I told you I wasn't going to run."
"And you kept to that, but I saw him heading over here. Looks like I wasn't needed, though. Back to your prince charming? He's still a mobster, you know?"
"Of course I know that; you all are. You make it sound like I'm some teenager swooning over a celebrity crush, but I'm not. It's basically my job to get to know each of you and choose one of you as my husband and future leader. Don't go around thinking I take any of this lightly." She purposely bumped into his shoulder as she passed by him.
"Does that mean she's accepted it?" Zain grumbled to himself as he watched her head back to the balcony.
Grace pushed the balcony door open and sighed.
"Did something happen?" Vincent turned around and held up a fresh glass to her.
"Floyd," Grace sighed again and took the drink. "Thanks. He tried to ambush me right outside the bathroom."
"Are you okay?" As far as he could see, physically she was, but she seemed riled up.
"I had to take him down a peg. Seriously, how did my grandfather choose him as one of the candidates? He comes across as one of those pigs who think they're better than everyone else and thinks he can get his way through intimidation. Did he not look into you all as much as he claimed? Did Floyd trick him?"
Vincent almost spat out his drink. He cleared his throat. "We'd be hard-pressed to find someone who could pull one over on your grandfather. He's elite to us. He's the top of the top. If he chose Floyd for you, there might be a reason. He's on the green side, and to me he's come across as a bit of a moron, but I'd believe in your grandfather over whatever impressions he left on me."
"Are you sure it's not just his family he wants a connection to, regardless of the person?"
"No." Vincent shook his head. "He wouldn't do that to his blood. I've worked with your grandfather a number of times, and I can say with certainty that he wouldn't make a mistake like that. If anything, I think the kid is in over his head. He wants to impress you and show how strong he is, because that's what he's done with other women, but he doesn't know what to do with you. You're different from most women."
I can't deny that.
"It almost feels like you're standing up for him and telling me to give him a shot; shouldn't you be happy if I'm not into him? You are rivals, after all. Unless you're not serious about me and this family."
"Oh, trust me; I'm serious. It's just..." He thought about his next words carefully. "I don't want you to doubt your grandfather. He cares about you and is trying to figure out your future in his own way."
"I don't know how much you've been told, but he didn't exactly bring me here in the best way."
"We were all told about how he brought you here without you wanting to come, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care. He is a great man, but like many of us, his pride gets in the way, and we end up doing things the wrong way."
"We? Sounds like you have experience with it."
Vincent chuckled. "I've made my fair share of mistakes, and I've learned from them. And it seems no matter how wise one is, there are always more mistakes to be made. I think he went about it the wrong way, but I'm not sure you would've come here otherwise."
"Might be right. If he didn't start with 'I'm a mafia boss', I might've given him the time of day without kidnapping, though. Makes me wonder, if he's such a highly spoken of person, then why would he do that? Wouldn't it only be for a time crunch?" Her expression dropped.
"He hasn't said anything to anyone, but that's the conclusion I came to as well."
"Isn't that even more cruel? Pull me in and tell me I have a family member left, only to lose him soon after."
"But from his side, if he didn't, he could've missed any chance of ever having a relationship with you. Keep in mind, he probably also sees his son in you. They were close once upon a time, and he can't try to renew his relationship with him. You miss them too, don't you? Your parents."
"Of course I do." I could've done with someone else to help back then.
"This all feels a bit heavy for a first meeting." Vincent sighed. "I planned to get to know you and woo you, but it seems the night has gotten depressing."
"No." She shook her head. "I'm glad I came out here to talk to you. Not only do I hate big parties, but you gave me a lot to think about, so thank you. I guess we haven't learned too much about each other, though."
"Not exactly true. I've learned quite a bit about you."
Her eyes widened. "You have?" Didn't we mostly go over things he knew?
"Indeed; I've learned quite a bit." He smiled, finished his drink, and set the glass on the railing. His eyes narrowed as he took her free hand. "Based on what I've learned, I want to continue this another day." He kissed the back of her hand. "I'll call you. Goodbye until then." He left, and she stood there for a moment, befuddled.
"You alright?" Zain asked. "I know that man, and he can be a bit intense sometimes."
No kidding. Grace nodded. "I'm fine."
"Coming back to the party now?"
"I think I want some alone time."
Zain shrugged and stayed where he was with his arms crossed and attention on the night sky.
Whatever. Grace sighed and leant on the railing as she looked out. Why are things so complicated?
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