Grayson's Dilemma

Grayson’s Dilemma

Marcia Carrington

Published by Marcia Carrington at Smashwords

Copyright 2018 Marcia Carrington

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/MarciaCarrington

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

Credit for the cover images from top to bottom:

(C) - Pixattitude: Dreamstime.com

(C) - Joe Sohm: Dreamstime.com

Chapter One

Oh daddy, I’m so happy we’ve come to the pier today, we haven’t been here for a while, Mara said, looking directly into her father’s eyes, as he nodded in response.

Me too honey, Grayson said, smiling at his daughter. They made their way along the wooden pier, the bright yellow sun shining down upon them on this glorious fall day. Grayson and Mara stopped at the very end of the pier, and he held onto her hand tightly. Mara laughed, as Grayson squinted his eyes.

Daddy, you’re squeezing my hand, Mara said, as Grayson lessened his grip.

I’m sorry tinkerbell, it’s just you know how I feel about these places, Grayson said, nodding at his daughter.

It’s okay daddy, I know, Mara said, playing with her ponytail. Grayson grinned at her, as their attention was captured by a large white cruise ship in the distance. Look daddy, look at the ship there.

Yes honey, it’s huge, who knows where it’s going, Grayson said, using his hand as a visor to shield his eyes from the sun’s glare as Mara observed him. I forgot my sunglasses in the car honey. Mara shrugged her shoulders, and giggled. Grayson grimaced at Mara, his mouth curving upward, their eyes reverting back to the ship which was making its way to the south. More people approached the pier, also watching the ship, and a young woman stood beside Grayson and Mara. Grayson turned, and the young woman smiled at him, doing likewise with Mara, who responded in kind. Mara let go of Grayson’s hand, and walked to the edge of the pier, turning to face her father, who watched in consternation. "Mara."

Oh daddy, I love it here… Mara said, as she stumbled, not aware that she had stepped back too far. Mara fell backwards into the water, screaming, the force of the water splashing up onto Grayson and the others there. Grayson’s mouth fell open, and the young woman next to him cried,

"No, no!" diving into the water, as Grayson followed her. The crowd watched spellbound, and some men prepared to dive in, waiting to see what would happen. Mara was shouting before being reached first by the young woman, then by Grayson. The young woman steadied Mara, pulling her to safety, as Grayson was on their tail. The trio swam to the shallow end of the water away from the pier, to the grassy area, the young woman’s green eyes consumed with horror.

Are you okay, are you okay my love? she said, as Mara’s eyelids flickered. After several seconds, Mara managed,

Yes, I’m okay.

The young woman breathed a sigh of relief, water dripping from every pore, as Grayson moved to her and Mara.

Honey, are you fine? Grayson said, stroking Mara on the head.

Mara smiled faintly, her small teeth gleaming.

Yes daddy, I’m fine, but look at my clothes.

Both Grayson and the young woman laughed, as Grayson peered into her eyes.

Thank you, you saved my daughter’s life, I…thank you from the bottom of my heart, Grayson said, flicking back his black hair, which was jet back from being wet. The young woman did not say anything, but beamed at Grayson, then focusing her attention on Mara.

Are you okay sweetie?

Mara’s expression was muted, lips parted slightly, showing off several gaps in her denture.

Thank you.

Grayson put his hand on the woman’s shoulder, and her eyes met his.

I’m Grayson, and this is my daughter, Mara.

The woman did not say anything for a few moments before breaking out into a small grin.

I’m Jenna, she said, as Grayson nodded his approval. Just as they began to stare into each other’s eyes, employees from the café opposite the pier arrived with huge white towels for them. An elderly woman with snow white hair, wearing khaki pants and matching blouse first covered Mara, then Jenna, and finally, Grayson.

Please come with me, you’ll catch a death of a cold if you don’t change your clothes and have a shower, she said, a serious expression filling her jolly face. Grayson, Mara and Jenna followed her to the café, passing by the swings and other play equipment before entering the rear of the store. They were watched by onlookers there who discussed what happened at the pier in disbelief. The woman directed them to wash their hands at a trough with soap and hand towels, and waited for them to finish at the back door. They followed her as she entered, the threesome leaving their shoes on a large floor mat, as the woman said, Follow me into the living room. She led them into the backroom, which had a large brown vinyl sofa, table and chairs.

There were several doors leading out of the room, and she escorted Mara and Jenna to separate rooms, giving them bathrobes and slippers while Grayson waited. Jenna and Mara seemed to shower and change in record time, and were out again in the living room, rejoining Grayson. Grayson and Jenna indulged in more eye play as Mara observed them with bemusement, licking her lips. When the woman returned she grinned at Grayson, who was still wrapped in the large towel. I haven’t forgotten about you Mr…

March, Grayson said, extending his hand which the woman accepted, her hand warm.

I’m Gracie, she said, nodding at him, moving over to a table, and grabbing the terry robe. I’m pleased to meet you, even though this isn’t under the best of circumstances, she said with a chortle, as Grayson responded likewise. Gracie handed him the robe and slippers, which Grayson regarded with fondness, and he said,

Thank you, Gracie. By the way, do you have a phone? I have to ring my mother-in-law to tell her we’ll be late. I’m not sure my cell will work after being waterlogged.

Jenna listened to Grayson’s words, and bit her lips.

You’re welcome Mr March, I’ll leave you to change, through that door, there’s a phone in there for you, Gracie said, as Grayson nodded, walking into the room, and closing it behind him. Jenna and Mara observed Gracie with a smile. I’ll be back soon, Gracie said with a sigh to Mara and Jenna, as they nodded in response.

Thank you, Jenna said, followed by Mara. Gracie gave them a huge smile, and headed to the kitchen. Mara and Jenna did not say anything to each other, their eyes wafting around the room, and meeting periodically. In the space of a few minutes Grayson emerged from the room, and all three were dressed in their robes, waiting in the living room. They exchanged curious glances which were interrupted when Gracie entered the room with steaming mugs on a tray.

I’m so sorry, how rude of me, please make yourself seated. I think the speed of what happened left me a little confused. You know, Gracie said, observing them, mouth in a crooked smile. You’re such a lovely family, Gracie said as they stood there, stunned.

Gracie, we’re not a family, Grayson said. Gracie watched them in confusion, as they sat on the sofa, Grayson next to Mara, while Jenna sat on the opposite sofa.

Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you were together, Gracie said, mouth popping open, leaving the stainless steel tray on the table, and taking the mug into her hands. Coffee, my dear? Gracie said to Jenna.

Thank you, Jenna said quietly, taking the mug into her grasp.

And hot chocolate for you young miss, Gracie said, passing it to Mara.

I love it, thank you! Mara said, smiling widely at Gracie, drinking it eagerly. There was a small stripe of chocolate above Mara’s lips, and Grayson smiled at this, before turning back to Gracie.

And for you Mr March, Gracie said, as Grayson shook his head at her.

Please call me Grayson, I’d really prefer it.

Anything you like, Grayson, Gracie said, handing him the mug, the steam escaping rapidly from the coffee, and into his nostrils. Gracie sat next to Jenna, and imbibed some of her own coffee, smiling at the threesome.

Nothing like a hot drink on a day like this, is there? Gracie