Page 4 of Faking It with the Ice Queen

“And that’s why you’re my favorite!”

Grace laughed. “So, you know how I started a new job a few weeks ago? I have to go out of town for work starting tomorrow, and I’ll be gone for a week.”

“That’s fantastic, Grace. I knew you would be great at your job. I told you you just needed a few weeks to adjust. What did your boss ask you to do on this trip?”

Making a last-minute decision, Grace decided to tell her the whole story. After explaining the bizarre interaction with Elara, Grace curiously waited for Aunt Lucy’s response.

“Well, well, well. Isn’t this a curious turn of events? The week ahead seems to be very interesting. Very interesting, indeed. It’ll certainly be one to remember, that’s for sure. I know I told you that you should start dating again, but this isn’t exactly what I meant.”

“Very funny, Aunt Lucy. This doesn’t count as dating. I’m being paid. I prefer to think of it as a week-long performance piece. Sort of like what you did in college. What did you call it?”

“We Are All Sad Clowns. It was my attempt at subverting the ‘putting on a brave face’ idea.”

”That’s right! Didn’t you have your face painted for like a month?”

“I painted it every day for a week. It’s not my fault it stained my face. It was the universe's way of telling me that I was doing a good job with this piece and I had more work to do.”

The two laughed until Grace had tears in her eyes.

Finally getting her giggle fit under control, Aunt Lucy asked, “Enough about me. What about you? How are you feeling about this?”

Grace sighed before she confessed, “Honestly? Feeling a bit out of my league. This is the Silver family. The lifestyle of the rich and powerful was never something I thought I would have to know about. What if I’m not smart enough? What if I’m not elegant?”

“The Silver family may have more money than God, but money can’t buy happiness, dear. It’s cliché but true. Don’t worry about what some rich dandy thinks of you. Just be yourself. Be the Grace that I know and love. If they are anywhere near being good people, they will love you.”

“I know. I know that’s what I’m supposed to think, but I can’t help but want to fit in just a little bit. Not that I want their approval; I just don’t want their judgment.”

“I know what it’s like to not fit in. But I also know that sacrificing who you are for whotheywant you to be will never work. Don’t dim your sparkle.”

“You’re right. I can’t let them get in my head. Jesus, I haven’t even gotten there yet. I need to take a chill pill. This will be fun. Plus, I’m getting paid to go on vacation at Lake Tahoe. Even if they are all frigid and judgmental, at least I get to go to the spa.”

“That’s my girl! You deserve a break. Don’t you worry one bit about Mr. Fluffy Pants either. I’ll check in on him every day. You just try to enjoy yourself.”

“Thanks, Aunt Lucy. I owe you one. Maybe I’ll steal a spa robe for you!”

“Ha! You do that.”

3

Elara paced the lobby, waiting for Grace to show up. It was 12:58 p.m. She knew she had told Grace to meet at one, but the wait was killing her. Thoughts raced through her mind as she kept glancing toward the lobby door.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

Just as Elara considered backing out of this insane charade, Grace stepped through the doors with that same smile plastered across her face. Normally, Elara found Grace’s bubbly and indomitable attitude a bit grating, but right this moment, it soothed her fears. Grace was here. She wasn’t backing out.

Elara straightened her posture. “Right on time, Ms. Saunders.”

Grace stopped short, arching her eyebrow as if considering something. Her face broke into a grin. “Ms. Saunders? Come on. I’m supposed to be your girlfriend this week, right? Now is not the time for formalities. Please, let’s stick with Grace.”

Elara raised her eyebrow at Grace’s overt familiarity and turned toward the exit, her heels clicking. She refused to look back as she said, “The car is outside.”

Elara greeted the driver and slipped into the back of the waiting black car. With a sigh, she leaned her head back. Grace made her way around to the other side of the car, fumbling through thanking the driver for opening the door.

As soon as Grace was seated, Elara said, “You’ll need to start acting comfortable with people doing things for you. You will never convince anyone you are a heiress if a driver opening a door for you makes you flustered.”

Grace looked directly at Elara, her displeasure clear. They held eye contact for a moment, neither wanting to be the first to back down.

Without looking at the driver, Elara confirmed, “To the Ainsley House, please.”

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