30 Convincing my Grandmother

"Hi, Grandma!" I murmur sneakily into my phone, just loud enough so that she can hear me on the other end.

Carefully, I kneel behind my desk so that Olivia won't see me chatting and steal away the device, "How are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm fine, dear! I'm watching my soaps!" The old woman cackles loudly at something a character says in the background, "She's going to stab him while he's ordering her those French rugs, I bet you!"

"You don't say." I chuckle with a roll of my eyes, settling down more comfortably on the cold tile floor of the office building before casting a sly glance around my desk.

So far, so good. No sign of Liv anywhere, but the moments were precious. She absolutely couldn't stand personal conversations on company time.

"Grandma, remember how you were complaining about the water pressure the other day?"

"The water pressure…?" She questions distractedly before letting out a sudden shriek, "Down he goes! She cocked him over the head with a candlestick! She wanted Russian rugs, you big dolt!"

"Yes, you said the shower wasn't strong enough – but anyway, I found us a new place to live with great water pressure!" Or at least, I hoped that was the case. I'm sure it was. Mr. Wang probably had the best water system in the entire tristate area.

"Showers are nice." Grandma cooed, apparently settled by the graphic death onscreen, "We're moving?"

"Yep. That's okay, isn't it?"

Neither of us had much of a choice on whether this was 'okay' or not. It is what it is. I was under Mr. Wang's control now, and I had to keep this job. I'd do anything to keep it. This office is the only thing keeping us both off the street.

"Sure, dear, sure. Now can I get back to the TV?"

"Of course. I'll see you tonight!" I lowered my cell, cradling it to my chest and exhaling slowly.

The conversation had gone easier than I expected, for which I was grateful. Grandma could be quite the stubborn one at times, especially when she lost her bearings. This new home and new change would be rough on her. I hoped Mr. Wang wouldn't tire of us too quickly.

"Chunhua?" Olivia leaned abruptly over the desk, staring down at the top of my head curiously, "What are you doing?"

"Oh, dropped a contact!" I giggled shrilly, sliding my phone quickly into my pocket, "Silly me!"

The office manager cast a quick glance around before frowning at me, her arms folding over the desk, "You know you got really lucky that Mr. Wang didn't fire you. You can't be goofing off anymore."

"I know." I mumble softly, grabbing the edge of the desk and swinging up onto my feet, "I'll be on my best behavior from now on."

Again, something I didn't really have a choice on. If I wasn't on my best behavior, Mr. Wang would probably have something to say about it.

"I really stuck my neck out getting you this job..." Liv continues quietly before heaving a sigh and shaking her head, "You know, it really doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're still here."

Quickly, I reach out to wrap the stiff woman in a tight hug just the way she despised, mirthful laugh bubbling from me as she wriggles free of my hold with a pout on her pretty face.

"Are you going to happy hour tonight?" She asks lightly, eyes going dreamy for a moment.

Even a hard working lady like Liv needs some rest every so often.

Clearing my throat, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, "No, I don't think I can make it tonight."

Mr. Wang's eyes flashed through my head, making my core do tumbling flipflops. I had a feeling he'd rather discuss our situation than get drunk.

"Oh, your grandma?" Olivia frowned, "Is she okay?"

I nodded, waving a dismissive hand and smiling, "She's great. Everything's fine. It's just one of those days."

Liv gave my shoulder a light squeeze before looking around once more slowly, glancing back at a printed paper in her hand. On it, I could see an extensive list of names including Bob from accounting – the bastard.

"What's that?" I ask with brimming curiosity, leaning in closer to examine it as Liv jumps hurriedly away.

"Nothing. I'll see you later!" With a limp wave, Olivia runs to the side and vanishes around a corner while I stare after her in surprise.

Okay then. I settle slowly down at my desk, trying to busy myself with paperwork and keep my mind off the fact that I was now falsely engaged to a billionaire. Even though I had plenty to think about, the minutes of the day passed by like hours. How had I managed to get myself involved in this?

I'd started my day just thinking that I'd be answering phone calls and listening to clients complain, but instead, I'd gotten all tied up in a crazy Bambang Wang scheme.