"Oh, I know you need me. Who else can tell you what Nick wanted?"
Georgia took a deep frustrated breath. "I shall say this but once, and then it shall never cross my lips again. I intend to live the rest of my life in my grandfather's house, running his companies just the way he wanted them to be run. I mean to spend the next few months learning all I can about them. You may choose to help me, or you may choose not to. That is up to you, but if you choose in my favor, I shall ask nothing more of you than is absolutely necessary."
"Georgia, I didn't mean…"
"Is this not where you wanted to be let off?"
Austin glanced at the Gladstone Building, nodded, and opened the door. "I promised Nick I would help you, and I do not go back on my promises." With that, he closed the door and walked into the building.
She didn't look back as the driver took her away. Instead, she cast her eyes downward, trying desperately not to cry again. When she looked up, the driver was watching her in his rearview mirror. "Forgive me, but I do not know your name."
"I am Bill, Miss James."
"Why do you look at me, Bill?"
"You sounded like your grandfather back there."
"Is that a good thing or a bad?"
"Very good. I loved your grandfather…we all did, and it is nice to have part of him back. Where would you like me to take you?"
"Home, I suppose. It has been a long day and it is not yet four o'clock."
"I'll call the house and tell them to expect you."
"Thank you."
When Bill finished his call, he looked at her in the mirror again. "Miss James, may I say something?"
"Please."
"Mr. Steel is a good man."
"I know. He is the very best of men."
Bill smiled. "You will do well, Miss."
"Thank you."
*
She was truly exhausted when Clint opened the door for her. She walked to the center of the atrium, looked up and slowly turned all the way around. "What am I to do with all this?" she mumbled.
Clint closed the door and waited until she remembered he was there. "Kellie took the liberty of unpacking your things, and Silvia wants to know what you would like for dinner."
"What are the rest of you having," Georgia asked.
"I believe she is making spaghetti for us."
"Great, I'll have the same."
"I'll tell her. Would you like a tour of the place?"
"In a moment. I would like to change first."