right place at the right time. If you have to thank someone, then thank Brittany. It was because of her that I had to park to answer my cell phone. Now, if youâll excuse me, I have to get to work. It was nice meeting you both.â
Russ and Grant looked up at the clock on the wall. âItâs not even six oâclock,â Russ said. âYou have a very early start to your day. What do you do?â
âItâs just an office job. I work in accounting. I startat six and get off at two-thirty. But I start early because I go someplace else afterward.â
âYou mean you have a second job?â
Marielle froze. Second job? Not anymore.
She shuffled her purse under her arm, pretending she needed to concentrate on it so that she didnât have to look at the two men while she spoke. âItâs not a job. I volunteer for a youth program that teaches underprivileged kids computer skills so theyâll know how to use computers for more than just memorizing the cheat codes from the latest online games.â
Grant nodded. âWell, good luck, and it was nice meeting you. I hope we canâ¦â Grantâs voice trailed off.
Before Marielle could walk away, he wrapped his fingers around her arm, preventing her from leaving. âWait. If you wonât take anything personally for what you did, can I make a donation to your organization?â
Marielle looked up at the clock again. âThat would be great. Weâve had a bunch of new members join the group. We need to get more equipment and thereâs never enough money.â
âYou know, Iâve been thinking of upgrading some of my officeâs computers. Instead of trading them in, how about if I donate them to your group? It sounds like you could really use them. Let me give you my card so we can set up an appointment.â
Marielle wanted to be on time, but at the mention of the donation, she knew her boss at her day job would excuse her for being a few minutes late. At times Marielle brought in some of the older and more promising teens for summer relief work or other odd jobs ather company. More computers at the youth center meant that down the line she could bring in more experienced helpersâa definite bonus for her boss.
She smiled. âThat would be great.â
âThink of this as my way of making things up to you.â Grant turned to Russ as he reached into his back pocket. âI think the first computer that weâll replace will be yours.â
Russ grinned in response. âI wonât argue with that. When I get back to work, Iâll make sure all my backups are current.â
Grant froze, his hand resting on his pocket. âYouâre not coming back to work anytime soon. You need some time off.â
âI thought you came here to take me back to work, since I donât have my car here.â
âI came to check on you, then tomorrow Iâll return to drive you homeâand leave you there.â
âBut what about that project?â
The two men stared at each other as if she werenât there, which she wished were true. She wanted Grantâs card, but she needed to get to her own job.
Grantâs hand remained motionless on his back pocket as he spoke. âYouâre my best employee, Russ, but you work too much. Everyone needs some time off, and youâre taking yours now .â
âI canât just sit at home and stare at the walls all day, knowing my work is piling up. Iâll go insane.â
âThen, tell you what. If youâre really up to it, why donât you help the nice young lady out at the youth center? Help her make room for the new computersâstarting with yours.â
âButâ¦â
Marielle had to interrupt. âExcuse me. I hate to be rude but I really have to get to work. If you can give me your card, Iâll call you later today.â
âOf course. Sorry.â Grant pulled his wallet out,