Going Home

Part 62

As Grace and Josh walked down stairs to dinner Josh couldn’t help but wonder what Grace had in mind for later. Not that is mattered really, as long as it involved her and somewhere private, it was fine with him.  

Reaching the kitchen Josh looked at his mother and could tell by the worried look on her face that she was still upset about referring to Gavin earlier. In an effort to make her feel better Josh smiled at her as she handed him a plate.

Seeing his smile Margaret smiled herself but turning away she had to take a deep breath to compose her self. Even though she’d seen Josh smile many times since he’d been there it had always been at Grace and she was beginning to think it would never be directed at her.

As they start to eat Robert said “it was great to see you working today Josh.”

Looking over at him Josh said “well what happened today is not exactly typical of what we do but yeah some rescues are involved.”

Turning to Grace Robert asked “is climbing normally part of your job Grace?”

Smiling, Grace said “no, not normally although I did do it as part of my training for TR. Normally I leave that stuff to Josh and just try to talk my way out of trouble.”

“Well you looked pretty much at home scaling that cliff today. Watching you I’d have said you did it every day.”

“Thanks Robert.” Grace said. “But luckily that cliff was pretty straight forward.”

“So doesn’t everyone in the team do the same things?” Margaret asked looking at Josh.
”Basically we do, but we all have our specialties.”

Margaret was pleased the conversation was so relaxed. For the first time she felt able to press for more information. “And what you did today and what I saw when I was in Melbourne, is yours?”

Nodding Josh agreed, “pretty much.”

Then turning to Grace Margaret said “what about you Grace?”

Grace smiled, “oh mine’s negotiating.”

“Ah that explains it then.” Robert said with a smile.

“What?” Grace asked, frowning.

“Oh nothing really” Robert laughed “just that you are good with people.” And as he looked at Josh, whose eyes are on his plate, Grace understood what he was referring to.

“Oh” Grace laughed “I don’t know that that has anything to do with my negotiating skills. I think I am just very lucky.”

Smiling Robert said “well you’re not the only one.”

Not really paying attention to the conversation Josh looked up from his meal and realising he’d missed something, he frowned at Grace.

But she just smiled and shook her head.