Linda was completely taken aback when Melissa, and her mother walked in.
"Mom?" Gregory said. "This is Lisa's mom. She is going to stay with us for a bit until things get figured out."
"I'm so sorry for the intrusion. I'm Heather. I promise I'll be out of your hair in a couple days. I just..." Heather stifled tears and Linda knew she couldn't turn her away.
"It's no bother Heather. You can take the couch. It's a futon." Linda said.
"Thank you very much." Heather said.
"Come here mom. I'll show you where you can put your stuff." Lisa said and they walked to her room leaving Linda and Gregory alone.
"What happened?" Linda asked.
"Her father was a drunken abuser. Her mom couldn't get away and Lisa didn't have anyone to turn to." Greg replied.
Linda sighed and nodded.
"You did the right thing. I'm proud of you. But we can't live our lives like we want to with other people around."
"I know. I'm sorry mom."
"Don't be sorry. Just...lets take a little break from things. I have to go back to work tomorrow and I think...let's see what happens with Lisa's mom. Okay?" Linda asked.
Gregory nodded and watched his mom walk up the stairs and disappear out of sight. A few moments later Lisa and Heather returned and both looked relieved and a little less sad.
"I can't stay here long." Heather said. "Jack has friends who he might call to try and find me. I won't put that burden on your family. I just need a few days to get an apartment settled so I can move in."
Gregory didn't say anything for a long while and Lisa met his spaced out gaze and she realized that he was hiding something.
"What is it?" She asked.
Gregory shook his head and walked over and kissed her on the lips. It wasn't a possessive kiss or even a dominating kiss. It was a compassionate kiss between lovers. Gregory walked across the room and out the door leaving Lisa feeling a little aroused and very confused.
"I don't think Jack ever kissed me like that." Heather said. "He seems like he really cares for you."
Lisa touched her lips and she really thought about it. "Yeah...he really does."
Valarie was finishing up paperwork when she jumped at the sound of a knock at her door.
"It's open" she said and the door opened and Gregory walked in. "Hey what are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to you about a couple things." Greg said, a serious tone in his voice.
Valarie dropped her smile and faced him directly.
"What's on your mind?" She asked.
"How long have I been working with you Val?" He asked.
"About three years I suppose. Why?"
"You have a background in financing and payroll right?"
"Yes." Valarie replied hesitantly.
"If I ask you for some financial advice could you help me?" He asked.