Page 36 of Claimed By the Boss

Arriving at Trudy’s desk,she smiled at the older woman. Trudy looked up from the phone, and held herfinger up, telling her to just wait. While she did, she glanced towardGabriel’s office, and there was no sign of him. This wasn’t strange since hewas always off on some meeting or another.

His employees were alreadyaware of their relationship. Nora had expected some gossip or at the very leastsome backlash, and much to her surprise, nothing. She figured most of hisemployees were afraid of him, or of losing their position. Either that, or theywere happy that he was settling down.

Trudy finished with hercall and smiled at her. “Sorry about that. It seems no matter what I do, thereis always some kind of trouble.”

“Gabriel wanted to meet mefor lunch,” Nora said.

“Yes, Gabriel said to tellyou 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 theseat opposite Trudy, and thanking her for the food. She was starving.

“I don’t know what gossipyou’re talking about,” she said.

“Work, or you know, thegossip attached to you and Gabriel.” Trudy chuckled. “I already know he tookyou to his home out in the country. You met Lawson and Esther. What did youthink?”

“I was terrified. I didn’tthink Esther liked me.”

Trudy chuckled. “Theyliked you. They have called me nonstop since they met you. They were not happythat I kept your relationship a secret.” She shrugged. “They clearly don’t knowGabriel like I do.”

“They were amazing,” Norasaid. “Gabriel’s home is incredible. I wish I could have met his grandfather.”

Trudy nodded. “You’d haveloved him and he would have loved you.”

“Gabriel keeps saying thatbut I don’t know why.” She glanced around at his office. “He’s a billionaire,and I’m nothing.”

“And that is what made hisgrandfather so different. Yes, he came from money, but he also knew the valueof money. Unlike Gabriel’s father who was not interested in making money,Gabriel is different. His grandfather taught him everything he knows. He was adown-to-earth guy, and he didn’t judge people on their status or how much moneythey had, or how many businesses they owned. He judged them on their characterand if they were lacking, he didn’t have much of any time for them.”

“And you think he wouldhave had time for me?” Nora asked.

“Yes, I do. He didn’t takefools gladly. I think it hit him hard that he didn’t like his own son.”

Nora took a bite out ofher sandwich and sat back to think. She could understand that. It must havebeen hard.

“Do you think Gabrielwould like to rekindle a friendship with his parents?”

Trudy snorted. “No. Therewas never any friendship to begin with.”

She frowned.

“You find that hard tobelieve?” Trudy asked.

“It’s just that they’rehis parents.”

“Yeah, and they wantednothing to do with him. Trust me, I’ve met them, and all they care about ismaking money, and his dad is irritated that Gabriel has more money and morerespect than he does. Even if Gabriel wanted to try and have a relationship, Iwould caution him. Unlike his grandfather, his father would stab him in theback to get what he wanted.”

“Really?” Nora asked.

Trudy nodded. “It’s notgood.”

She took a deep breath.

“Have you thought aboutwhat you want to do with your folks’ house?” Trudy asked.

“I’ve been thinking aboutrenting it to a charity. I’ve been speaking to Nancy, and she knows a couple ofcharities that could use properties to help kids get off the streets.”

“That sounds like theright place,” Trudy said. “You don’t want to move back in?”

Nora thought about it andshook her head. “No, I don’t. My aunt and uncle changed it to the point that itwas unrecognizable, and now I’ve got what I wanted—the photograph albums, thefew items they didn’t sell. Gabriel is helping me locate the jewelry they didsell, so I can get it back.”

---