Diego's Mysterious New Job

In a mansion that was down the road from the Grayson Estate, a man was sitting in his room, playing video games and angerly cussing out his teammates that didn't carry him to victory yet again.

He flung his controller to the ground, smashing it to bits. Immediately, he then rang a bell that he kept next to him. At that moment a few servants rushed into the room, one was holding another controller, which he turned on and connected to his system in order to continue playing. Another one was quickly sweeping the remains of the controller off of the floor.

A third one refilled the drink that was sitting on his end table. Once finished they all turned to look at the man who was sitting there. He nodded and simply said, "Leave."

They did so, as fast as they could, knowing that at any moment he could call them up again once more. Before he could continue playing the game however, his phone rang.

"Ugh, what now?"

He looked at the caller ID and rolled his eyes. He answered.

"What is it?"

"You're not going to believe what just happened to me!"

"Let me guess, you got punched out yet again? You really should expect that by now, considering what you do."

"Yeah, but I didn't get punched this time. I got my pants stolen!"

"Your... pants were stolen?"

"Yes! By that rich bitch and her new boyfriend! It was horrible! They teamed up on me and just yanked my pants and underwear off! I barely made it home! I-"

"Hold it there. This isn't THAT rich bitch... is it?"

"Yes... it was Gracie!"

He went silent for a few seconds before asking, "... And she had a boyfriend with her?"

"I assume he was, with how quickly she covered him up."

He sighed deeply as he grit his teeth in anger. "Was she... happy with him?"

"I mean, I heard them both laughing as I ran off... I didn't stick around obviously."

He dug his nails into the leather in his armchair.

The assaulted paparazzo on the other line then added. "You know, I think it might have been the same guy I saw at the mansion that other day when I took a picture of her ass."

He had his eyes widen as he started to scroll through his phone. Saved to his camera roll was that picture of Gracie running bottomless into the mansion. The drone he lent to said paparazzo was quite useful in getting that photo... at least until it was shot down moments later by security.

The pics went to the cloud, which is why he had it in his phone. He looked through some of them and saw him, with a phone in his hand, gleefully laughing as he took a much closer picture of her ass.

"How did he get in!? Men aren't allowed to be there and yet he just waltzes in!?"

"It might be because he had a tiny dick and therefore doesn't count?" he said, unsure before adding, "Some unknown informant told my boss that he liked to flash women at the pier his tiny hairless cock."

He was livid. "HE HAS A TINY DICK AND YET SHE... I... BUT... HOW!?"

"Maybe he's rich too? I honestly don't see it either. I'm starting to think that whole thing was a set up on her part. The informant even signed off their name as G. G... kind of obvious in retrospect."

"Well, thank you for telling me. I gotta go now..."

"WAIT! They destroyed my camera! I need a new one could you please..."

He hung up immediately. He then got another slightly larger bell and rang that one.

"WOODSON!" he screamed.

Not even a few seconds later, an older gentlemen dressed as a butler ran into the room. He seemed out of breath as he walked in.

"Yes, Master Jeffery?"

"Did I receive anything in the mail yet?"

"If you're referring to an invitation, no."

"But the party is confirmed to be happening Saturday, yes?"

"As far as your..."intel"... happens to tell us."

"Figures..."

He sighed trying to calm himself down. Woodson seemed to know what he was thinking already. "Sir, why do you even care? You've said repeatedly that you hated her."

"I do. I hate everything about her. But new information has come to light. And the only thing I hate more than that pompous purple princess, is the thought of her being happy with anyone!"

Woodson shook his head. "Other than you...?"

"NO. ANYONE. I DON'T CARE ABOUT HER IN THE SLIGHTEST. SHE CAN DIE IN A FIRE!"

After a bit, Jeffery took a deep breath and told Woodson, "Have my costume ready by tomorrow. I'm crashing the party."

"Sir, they wouldn't let you through the door!"

"It's a masquerade party. No one will recognize me and she won't see me coming. Besides, I have someone who could help me get in."

Woodson looked rather sad as he said, "Yes sir..."

As he walked out of the room. Jeffery went back to his game, excited to see the look on Gracie's face when he walked into the room.

A group of women in security uniforms were watching some screens. All around the mansion were hidden cameras in the halls, keeping watch over everything lest any thieves, or otherwise unwanted individuals were roaming around.

They were watching the cameras as some of the seamstresses were reporting missing rolls of fabric. Weirdly, some of the cameras were going dark around the tailor's room. Almost like someone from within the mansion itself was shutting them off.

It was bizarre. Grace even put out an alert for whoever was taking the fabric to come forward. Now, she could always buy more and if you asked, she would be delighted to lend it out if you needed to sew something or in this case, make a make an outfit for a fancy ball.

But the weirdest thing is that only blue fabric was being stolen. This made a few of the staff who needed blue fabric rather annoyed. In particular, Diego, who was scrambling to prepare a costume for the masquerade party.

All he really needed was a mask, but he wanted to have a nice blue tux. Or at least one that was better than his light blue one. It seemed like that was no longer going to be feasible.

Given that he also lost the previous pants he borrowed, he was on thin ice. Even though Grace understood what happened to them wasn't his fault, the seamstresses were not too thrilled with having to replace them.

That paparazzo's pants were just his now. Along with the stuff that was in it. His wallet, his keys and a weird looking button-like object. Diego had no clue what it was but he had more important things to worry about.

He was nervous. Not only did he not have anything to wear, but he had no clue what he was going to do. That's when he heard a knock on the door.

"Hey, can I come in? I got something for you."

He opened the door and there stood a maid. She handed him a blue jester masquerade mask and a dark blue tuxedo.

"Woah... where did you get this?"

"Grace told me to give these to you personally."

"Really? But what about the whole blue fabric thing?"

"Oh well, you're special."

Diego blushed a bit as he took that in. "Am I really that special to her?"

"She doesn't normally invite any of the staff to her parties, unless they need to help out. You're the first one in so long to be a guest."

"W-wow... I feel so honored."

"Yeah, she really likes you."

He went to try on the outfit but before he could she added, "Sorry, if this is a bit too private to ask, but... what happened with you and Gracie last night?"

Diego sighed deeply. "It... it's complicated."

"Did something go wrong?"

"Yes... she was just a complete nuisance and unbearable. She tried to humiliate me and messed with me the entire time."

She chuckled. "You must hate her then."

Diego's face contorted into what looked to be a blend of confusion and anger. She looked confused as Diego took a bit to respond.

"... Yeah... I... don't like her..."

"You sure?"

..."Don't you have something to clean or do?" he said with a bit of annoyance in his voice.

"Right. Sorry. Sorry. Didn't mean to overstep my boundaries. Let me know if it fits... and you can chat or vent about anything if you want."

"Fine... what's your name by the way?"

"Jezebel"

"Nice to meet you."

"We met before."

Diego looked at her for a bit and got sheepish. "Really?"

"Yeah. I gave you your dinner two days ago when you were confined to your room... and I was the one who... saw your streak from Gracie's room that day."

Diego blushed heavily. "I really didn't need to be reminded of that. Sorry I didn't recognize you."

"It's fine, there's a lot of maids here. Even I lose track of who is who. You can call me Jezzie if that helps you remember me."

"Sure. Thanks Jezzie. I'll let you know if it fits."

She then left the room and Diego tried on his outfit. She then walked down the hall and saw Gracie. She looked like she was trying to be sneaky. She had what looked like a few sewing supplies tucked away in a plastic bag.

Jezzie tapped Gracie on the shoulder. This caused her to scream and almost hit Jezzie in the head as she took a swing at her. Thankfully, Jezzie was well trained to avoid Gracie during some of her more intense outbursts, so she avoided the swing like it was second nature.

"What's that you got there Gracie?"

"A bag full of nunya!"

Gracie then turned and walked away. "You sure? Your mom is looking for someone who is stealing supplies from the tailors. You wouldn't know who was taking them... would you?"

"N-no..."

She reached for the bag and tore it open. A few spools of thread and some sewing needles fell out of the bag.

Gracie started to sweat as Jezzie saw the stuff she was trying to hide. "Ok, fine. I... want to get into sewing."

"You? Sewing? Really?"

"YES. Is that so hard to believe?"

Jezzie stared at her. She didn't believe that for a second. Normally Gracie would disregard any opinion that a maid had, but considering she was trying not to get punished further, she had to bite her tongue.

Jezzie simply crossed her arms and asked, "Is this related to Diego in some way?"

"WHAT!? NO!... it's a new hobby. I mean, I can't play any video games... I gotta do something with my hands. Heh..."

She rolled her eyes and brushed that excuse off. "I'll let you go with that, but first I just have to know."

Jezzie closed in on Gracie and whispered in her ear. "How did it go with Diego last night?"

Gracie had her eyes widen. "Uhh... why do you want to know?"

Jezzie chuckled. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but I think you and him make a good couple."

"REALLY?" asked Gracie, her eyes lighting up at that.

"Yeah... I think he might like you as well."

Gracie squealed in glee before she composed herself, pretending like she didn't just fangirl over the thought. "Well... that's nice to hear."

"Kind of a shame you aren't invited to the masquerade party. I bet you could've turned heads in some kind of beautiful outfit."

With that, Jezzie walked off. Gracie gathered up the sewing stuff and walked back to her room. Once Gracie was in her room, she smiled. In her room tucked away in the corner was an old sewing machine that her mom got her once. She hoped to teach Gracie some type of practical skill, but it never really stuck... or so she thought.

She dusted it off and went to work.

Later that night, Diego heard a knock at his door. He tried on his party outfit and thought that was Jezzie to check in on him. But he opened the door and saw Mrs. Grayson standing there.

"Oh... hi Grace! What do you think?"

Her eyes lit up. "It's so precious. I'm sure you're going to turn a lot of heads there."

"Thank you so much ma'am. What's your costume going to look like?"

"Oh... I'm going to be busy sadly. I have some important things to tend to, so I won't be able to join."

"Oh..."

Diego was a bit disappointed. Despite him knowing that a romantic relationship with her was not feasible, he still wanted to spend time with her. He snapped himself out of those thoughts and brought his attention back to her.

"Did you need anything, Mrs. Grayson?"

"Just wanted to ask if you noticed anything weird. There's a thief around here and the staff have been told to keep an eye out."

"Not really, ma'am. But I'll be on the lookout."

"Excellent."

She was just about to leave, when he realized something. "Grace, wait!"

She turned around to look at him. "What exactly do you do at a masquerade party?"

"Oh... well... there's dancing and... that's kind of it really."

"That... sounds a little..."

"Boring?"

"NO! I was going to say... quaint."

"What were you expecting?"

"I'm not entirely sure to be honest. But I hoped there was more than dancing."

He looked a bit sheepish as he then added, "I don't know how to dance."

"Aww... really?"

She looked at her phone and smirked a bit and then she took Diego's hand. He looked at her hand in his hand and felt his heart race. "Would you like me to teach you?"

"YES!" he immediately blurted out before he calming himself and adding, "If, you know... you have the time, ma'am."

She chuckled and lead him by the hand to the ballroom. It was massive and empty as tables and stuff weren't set up yet.

"Alright, Diego. Listen very carefully. Women go crazy for guys who can dance and the dance I'm sure you're going to be doing the most is the waltz. It's simple, just grab your partner's hands like this."

He did so, feeling a tingle as he realized that he was about to ballroom dance with Mrs. Grayson of all people. Once she did, she got out her phone and hit a setting on it. Speakers connected to the ceiling started to play a bit of Waltz of the Flowers.

"Now hold your arm outward and your other arm like this. Now, look at my feet as we go. We go... forward... right... back... left. Then repeat."

As Grace taught him the basic steps he tried his best to pay attention, but he was still in awe of her as she effortlessly glided around the ballroom, with him in tow.

"Now, then lift your partner's arm like this and gently twirl her around... Yes, just like that. You're a natural."

Her praise made him feel a slight warmth in his cheeks as he looked into her eyes.

"Now Diego, if she permits it, don't be afraid to get as close as you can. After all, this is one of the best romantic dances out there. Now, come closer to me... that's it. Now, show me what you've learned."

He tried his best to repeat the steps. As the music swelled, he was lost in a fantasy. She was in a stunning ballroom gown and he was her date. They were at some kind of Downton Abby like ball and Sir Diego and Lady Grace were impressing all the other guests with their perfect and proper dance steps.

He was breathing heavily as Grace was looking into his eyes. That vison of perfect beauty staring back as it felt like he was dancing with royalty. He smiled as he felt himself getting closer to her.

"Diego..."

She was calling out to him.

"Oh Diego..."

He saw her look him dead in the eye as she brought her face close to his. He slowly leaned in for the kiss...

"DIEGO!!"

"WHA- HUH? I..."

The music stopped and he snapped him out of it. He noticed that Grace has a rather annoyed look on her face. She was also hopping around slightly.

"You stepped on my foot like 5 times!"

"Whoops... heh... sorry about that." Diego sheepishly looked to the floor.

"It's all right. Let's just take it from the top and-"

Grace's phone went off. She groaned and rolled her eyes. "Sorry Diego. I have to go."

"But Grace! I still don't-"

"Just let her lead... and try not to stomp on her foot. You'll be fine. I'm sure you'll be a hit with the guests. Ok?"

She then walked out of the ballroom. Diego was about to leave back to his room as well, but then he heard someone say, "I thought your moves were pretty great."

It was Jezzie.

"Thanks. I mean... I hope I didn't hurt Grace too badly."

"I'm sure she's fine. Love the outfit by the way, I knew you'd make it work."

"So... will you be there tomorrow as well?"

"Nah... like I said, the staff usually never gets invited to these things unless we're serving the guests. I wasn't picked, so I get to take it easy tomorrow. I intend to take that break."

With that she walked out of the ballroom with Diego leaving behind her. "Have a good night, Diego."

"Thanks." As he walked into his room, Jezzie kept walking to hers. But then she got a text on her phone.

All it said was [Keep an eye on him, tomorrow. Ok?]

She looked annoyed by this. Another text was sent immediately after to her as if to preempt her response.

[Remember what you're being paid. Do it.]

She responded to the text, acknowledging that she had a job to do tomorrow. Her response was just a simple, [Understood.], but she was not at all happy about this.

It was now 7pm and the party was in full swing. Diego paced around in his room a bit after putting on his costume once more. This was it. He was now one of the elite... or at least close enough to be considered one.

He walked to the ballroom and saw dozens of guys in tuxes and women in sparkling dresses as he went through the door. Some of the maids were temporarily waitresses, offering various snacks and cheeses on actual silver platters.

He was in awe. He didn't think he'd ever be here. It really was a fancy event. He saw a group of women his age in a corner. They were talking amongst themselves. He stopped and stared a bit. Grace did invite him in hopes he'd find someone to date who was closer to his age than she was.

He was a bit nervous. He wanted to introduce himself and possibly ask one of them out or something around those lines, but he was too shy. "What if they think I'm creepy for doing so? Or they somehow find out I'm not rich or laugh at me or they-"

His self doubt was interrupted as he felt someone tap him on the shoulder, he turned and saw Jezzie, wearing a fancy dress and mask of her own. "How's the party Diego?"

"Oh... it's going great... I guess. I just got here."

Jezzie chuckled and said to him, "Were you approaching those girls over there?"

"Uh... well... I..." he stammered a bit, feeling a bit sheepish about this.

"Don't worry. Just be yourself. I'm sure you'll find someone who isn't Gracie."

"But what do I say? What do I do? I'm terrible at talking to women."

"You're talking to me..." she said, looking at him with a smirk.

Diego paused as he realized that she had a point.

"You also talk to Grace a lot. What makes us different to them?"

"Well, you approached me and I'm not trying for romance with you."

"There's your problem."

His eyes widened as she continued. "Just go over, say hi and see where things go. Don't expect things to just go from here to the bedroom."

"I-I didn't say I was after sex. I just... I mean."

Jezzie chuckled as she could see him turn red through his mask. "Just relax. Go for it!"

She pushed him towards the group and gave him a thumbs up as he looked back at her. He took a deep breath and approached the group. They seemed to be having a conversation about wanting to leave.

"I can't believe mom dragged me here."

"Yeah, this party is dead."

"I expected something more than just dancing."

"Or at least some sexy guys."

"Yeah, it's mostly a clambake in here."

Murmurs of agreement went out around the group. That's when they noticed Diego approaching. The conversation grinded to a halt as they noticed him among the group.

He tried to find his voice and say something to them. After a bit of awkward silence among both parties he said, "H-hi ladies."

They all looked at each other and one of them said, "Uh... hi."

He felt his mouth dry up as he tried to think of something else to say.

"You ok, dude?"

"Y-yeah. I uhh..."

His inner voice tried to get him to not be so flustered. "SAY SOMETHING. ANYTHING! THEY'RE ALL STARING AT YOU. SAY SOMETHING, STUPID!"

"Something stupid!"

A loud scream of frustration was heard from within his mind as the girls looked at him like he was crazy. At that moment he walked away to the refreshment table. As he downed a bit of punch, he wiped his hands over his face.

He was just about to give up and leave when one of the girls walked up to him. "Hey. What was that about?"

"W-what was what about?"

"What was stupid?"

Diego knew that nothing he could say could make it worse so he just said, "I am."

"Why?"

"I was instructed to try and find a dancing partner of sorts and I thought one of you would be good but I'm terrible at talking to beautiful women."

She giggled and said, "I see..."

She then left and Diego kept drinking. That's when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and she came back with her group. All 5 of the girls were standing there.

"You know... you're kinda cute."

"Yeah, in a pathetic sort of way."

"Maybe we could dance for a bit."

"He is the best looking guy here."

Diego felt his heart soar a bit as he heard them praising him. "Really?"

"Yeah. Maybe one of us can break you out of your shell."

He did it. It couldn't be that easy... could it? Whatever the case, he was definitely going to try and win them over. But just as he was about to pick one of them to dance with, the lights went out.

Suddenly, a fanfare started to ring out from the speakers that were once playing soft harpsicord music. A spotlight appeared as a woman, dressed somewhat differently to the normal maids of the manor walked into it. Some of the other maids in looked rather put off as if they were dreading something. But the ladies that were near Diego had looks of excitement as they knew what was about to happen.

The strange woman cleared her throat and shouted out. "Hear ye, hear ye! I hope ye are all prepared as the party will now officially be underway! As the the richest and hottest eligible bachelor in all of Small Town is about to get this party started!

May we present the man, the myth, the legend! Jeffery E. Donaldson!!!"

At that moment the doors to the ballroom burst open in a cacophony of horns and confetti. At that moment all the girls ran over to this man who walked in with a suave swagger.

He had on a white shirt with a fancy black vest over it. Black gloves were on his hands and he had some snazzy black pants. He was wearing a fancy black fedora and he had a mask that made him look more like a gentlemen thief than a partygoer.

Though it was clear that the only thing he was here to steal was everyone's attention. The woman announcing his presence immediately left the room as if she was just there for that purpose and nothing else. From the look on her face, it was if she was already over this man's ego.

Diego looked around. Almost every woman ran towards him. Even a couple of the maids. At least the ones who didn't seem to be repulsed by him. Diego then walked to Jezzie, who for some reason looked annoyed and was rapidly texting someone just as he walked up to her.

"Who is that guy!? Why is everyone going crazy for him?"

"You didn't hear the intro? That's Jeffery."

"Who's Jeffery?"

"Jeffery E. Donaldson. The..."

She sighed in annoyance. "... the richest, sexiest and most powerful man in all of Small Town."

"So, he's like a celebrity then?"

"Of sorts... Anyway I gotta go. Grace called me to do... a thing."

With that Jezzie started to run out of the ballroom. "Wait! I still need your help! I..."

Too late, she was out of there.

Diego stood as he saw Jeffery effortlessly catch the attention of all those women. "... How do I compete with that?" he thought to himself as he knew that he had no shot.

He was currently sizing up all of his adoring fangirls. He was looking around as if he was trying to find someone in particular. That's when he saw Diego, looking at him in both awe and confusion. He approached and looked Diego over. "Well, hello there. You look familiar."

"I-I do?"

"Yeah... tell me, how did you get here?"

"Mrs. Grayson invited me to this party a-"

"She did? Wow. A personal invitation from the Queen herself. You must be someone special."

"I'm really not..."

"Tell me. How did you get to be rich?"

"Excuse me?"

"Someone who managed to be personally invited to this mansion, even on a day without a party planned by the most graceful of geriatrics, must be either absurdly lucky or rich enough to buy his way in."

"So far, I feel like it's neither, sir."

""Sir"? Oh please, we're equals here. Tell me. You won the lottery, right?"

"No. I-"

"Insurance scam?"

"What no! I-"

"NFTs?"

"A-aren't NFTs a scam?"

He then whispered to Diego, "Of course they are, but they make millions if you play your cards right... and have someone take the fall for you."

"W-well, no. I'm not rich."

Jeffery looked stunned at this. "You're not?"

"No. I actually work here, though I've have the week off due to some... complicated stuff. I suppose Mrs. Grayson is just making it up to me fo-"

Jeffery then gently shoved Diego away and wiped his hands over his shirt. He had a look of contempt on his face as he then asked, "Tell me. What's your name?"

"Diego."

He chuckled. "That's figures. Let me guess, you're the gardener, right?"

"Groundskeeper actually. Not the same thing, though gardening is part of my job description, I suppose."

"Typical. I figured someone who looks like you would be on the gardening staff."

Diego looked taken aback by that comment. "What do you mean?"

"Don't you have some weeds to pull or something? Why pretend like you belong here?"

Diego bit his tongue. "Well again, it's my day off and Grace let me-"

"Mrs. Grayson to you, I'm sure. Why she'd let her labor attend this party as a guest is beyond me."

"Because she likes me!"

"Hmmph... or maybe she's gone senile. That old bat never could keep a husband and perhaps she wants a younger man. Someone to control. Bread and circuses as it were."

Something about him slandering Grace made him upset. "Look, you might be some hotshot if what everyone said is true, but that gives you no righ-"

"One side. I don't converse with the help. Not unless you're one of the maids here. You're surrounded by all these beauties and yet you haven't gone for any of them? I'd feel like that they'd be more your type than either of the Graysons."

"You know what, screw you. I'm done with this conversation."

Diego then turned and walked away in a huff. Jeffery looked a little smug as he and his entourage looked on. Some of his fangirls looked a bit put off by this, but stayed with him anyway. It was like he had some kind of power over them.

Diego slinked away to a corner of the ball room. Getting some of the snacks of the silver platters that some of the maids had left. As he chowed down, stewing in his annoyance at this pompous man who just swooped in and stole the show, he was tapped on the shoulder.

"Don't listen to them, cutie. We'll be your date if you want."

"Oh... heh... well that's awfully sweet of y-AAAH!"

Diego turned towards the woman who said that and had his heart leap into his throat. It was a group of 5 older women in fancy dresses and masks. Diego instantly recognized them as Grace's book club friends. The one's who looked over him as he trembled in his birthday suit that day.

The humiliation came flooding back as he saw their smug faces from beneath their masks. "What's wrong, handsome?"

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Why're you wearing clothes? We liked your other outfit better."

Diego tried to stammer something out but couldn't. His heart was pounding as he backed away. "Oh he's still shy."

"I like em when they're shy... hehe."

One of them walked up to him. She then whispered in his ear. "My offer is still on the table, little boy."

She got one of the cocktail weenies and licked it slowly, while looking right at him. Giggles went out as they saw Diego shudder. Not only was he not willing to be a plaything for them, he was sure that they were much older than him and possibly older than Grace.

He quickly walked away from them. He decided to give up and leave. Considering this was his last day off, he might as well get to bed and pretend today never happened.

"Hey! Diego!"

He turned and saw Jeffery looking at him. "Bring me one of those little weenies, will ya?"

Diego kept walking.

"HEY GARDENER! DON'T YOU IGNORE ME!"

Diego responded by flipping him off and walking off. Jeffery did not take kindly to this. He ran up and grabbed Diego by the arm.

"YOU REALLY THINK YOU CAN DO THAT AND STILL HAVE A JOB!?"

"LET GO OF ME! I'm done with this party. I'm going back to my room and resting up. You want a snack, ask the waitresses. I'M NOT YOUR SERVANT!"

"You're lucky you aren't. I'd deport you for that if you were."

Diego looked at Jeffery like he was about to punch him out for that. "DEPORT ME!? TO WHERE, PRAY TELL? Where do you think I'm from?"

Jeffery started to sweat a bit. He backed away from Diego as he looked around the room. Nevertheless, he doubled down. "My apologizes, amigo. I meant nothing by it."

Diego took a deep breath. He then said, "I don't actually know a lot of Spanish by heart, but there is one phrase that my dad taught me to say to people like you. Come mierda y muere."

Jeffery's eyes widened. He gasped and said, "Well, that's sweet of you."

"W-what?" Diego said, confused as that definitely wasn't a complement.

"One of the maids back at my mansion says that all the time to me. She says it means "I forgive you and hope you have a nice day."

Diego had to stifle a laugh. "Y-yeah, well. No hard feelings, Jeff."

"Likewise, Diego."

"Next time you're in the inner city, make sure to yell that to any tough looking guys with bandanas on their heads. It'll be life changing for you, I guarantee it."

"I'll be sure to try it."

Diego turned and walked away with a shit-eating grin on his face. "One more thing, Diego."

"What is it, Jeff?"

"Where is she?"

"What?"

"You know... your senorita?"

"I don't know what you mean..."

"Your girlfriend."

"I don't have one!"

"Don't lie to me! Where's..."

Jeffery stopped and suddenly looked behind Diego with a stunned expression. "Where's who?"

He didn't respond.

"Hello?"

Diego waved his hand in front of Jeffery's face. He snapped his fingers. Nothing.

"What in the world are you looking a-..."

Diego's jaw dropped as well. Walking towards them both was a woman in a beautiful blue gown. She had long flowing brown hair. She had a feathered blue mask on and blue lipstick. Her gown while beautiful, looked strange. Almost like she made it herself as many different shades of blue were used.

She walked towards both men with a seductive look on her face.

"Whoa... Who is that?" asked Diego.

"I have no idea..." Jeffery replied.

This mysterious woman stood in front of them both. She seemed to chuckle over the fact that these two seemed to be entranced by her beauty. She got close to Diego and looked into his eyes.

"Hey there..."

Diego looked back at her. He was about to say something back, but then he was shoved to the side by Jeffery.

"Well, hello my dear. I don't think I've seen you around before. The name's Donaldson. Jeffery E. Donaldson. I have a feeling that you and I will become fast friends and perhaps even more. Why don't you tell me your name, sweetheart and we can..."

Jeffery trailed off as he saw this woman look at Diego, who was busy trying to readjust his mask as it was askew after landing on his butt from being shoved out of the way.

She walked to him and extended a hand to pick him up. He grabbed it and he got to his feet. He felt warm with his hand in hers. Something about her was drawing him in. Maybe because she was the first one here to actually approach him rather than the other way around... that wasn't those cougar friends of Grace anyway.

He stammered a bit as he felt her hand in his. Neither of them said a word, though this woman was staring at him with an enigmatic smile. Something about the way she looked at him caused his heart to beat to beat fast.

After a bit, he gulped and finally asked. "D-do you want to... dance with me?"

He braced himself for that possible no. That feeling of rejection he always felt. She'd laugh in his face and just leave him high and dry. She leaned close to him and said, "Yes. I'd love to."

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

As they both walked to the dance floor, the mystery woman got out her phone. With a press of a button the tranquil waltz music was replaced once more, by a slow romantic dance song that sounded more fitting to a senior prom type setting than a fancy dress party.

Furthermore the lights dimmed and a disco ball extended from the ceiling. Whatever this woman did with her phone made the room get a much more romantic vibe. Diego got into position as he prepared to waltz with her.

"Forgive me if I step on your foot, miss. I'm a bit nervous."

"It's all right."

He tried to put what little dancing skills he had to use as he danced with this enchanting woman. As he did, Jeffery seemed upset. Yes he had multiple dance partners clamoring for his attention, but something about her rejecting him made him furious.

Diego looked at him all smug as he tried to pretend he wasn't upset. He stole a plate of cocktail weenies and walked off in a huff.

"You enjoying yourself, Diego?"

Diego's eyes went wide. "How did you know my name?"

"Everyone's been talking about you."

"Were they good things about me?"

She chuckled. "I'd like to think so..."

She got closer to him. He could see some beautiful blueish eyes behind her mask. This blue covered beauty was drawing him in as he couldn't believe that someone who looked as good as her, even gave him the time of day.

"Umm... so what's your name?"

"It's not important."

"Well, pleased to meet you, Miss Important."

She giggled at bit. "Oh you..."

"But really. What is it?"

"Like I said, it's not important. Just enjoy yourself and lose yourself in the rhythm."

"But someone like you must be someone rich and... well, important. Why would you want to be with someone who isn't?"

"What does that matter?"

"What do you mean?"

"So what if you're the groundskeeper here... you're important enough without being rich."

"H-how did-?"

She silenced him by getting very close to him and putting a finger to his lips. "Just dance with me. Somethings don't need to be said when it comes to romance."

Diego's heartbeat started to quicken. She was so close to him that he could feel her body against his. He put his hands around her waist. She gasped but otherwise did nothing. He wondered if he crossed a line before she responded by doing the same to him.

He lost himself in those eyes. Those bluish teal eyes. Something was familiar about her, but he couldn't put a finger on it. "So, Miss Important?"

"Yes, Diego?"

"Do you work here too?"

"Uh... Yeah, I do. Don't tell anyone but I'm also a groundskeeper here."

"Really? How... how have I not seen you before?"

"I started recently."

"Ah that would explain it. I've actually got the week off thanks to Mrs. Grayson and her brat of a daughter."

"Really? Well, I'm sure she got what she deserved."

"Perhaps, but..."

The woman looked confused. "But...?"

"Sometimes I wonder about her."

"Wonder what about her?"

...

"Nothing, forget I said anything. I don't want to ruin this moment between us."

After a bit, the woman said, "Yeah... me neither."

She leaned her head on Diego's chest as they danced together. As the music started to crescendo, he started to sway with her in tow.

Slowly he pulled her arm above her, turning her around as the other guests who, or at least the ones who weren't on the dancefloor, watched as Diego and his mysterious date stole the show.

They both twirled as everything disappeared. The only thing both of them saw, was each other as they both waltzed to a beat that you'd think waltzing wouldn't fit.

This strange woman who appeared like a vision of royal beauty, was clearly into him and he felt himself falling head over heels for her. Their hands finally pulled themselves closer to each other and they both stared into each others eyes.

She then slowly got her face close to his as he realized she was trying to kiss him. Before he could act though, she was stopped by their masks bumping into each other.

Her blue lipstick covered lips were mere inches from his and he didn't know what to do. They both pulled back a bit and chuckled. Diego was blushing at the thought of what almost happened but so was she.

Diego looked around, most of the waitresses, maids and other guests were stunned at him and this woman's sudden romantic gesture. Jeffery was clenching his fists and Grace's book club had a mix of them also jealous of this mystery woman, but a few were smiling as if they were cheering him on.

They looked back at each other. In that moment he wondered if she was an angel sent down from heaven. Was he finally going to be with someone who was perfect for him? The fact he wasn't used to any female giving him this kind of attention made him wonder in the back of his mind what she really wanted from him.

But in this moment, he was too happy to be concerned.

At last the song ended and soon the lights and music returned to normal. Diego bowed to his partner and she curtsied to him. That's when she bolted out of the room.

Diego was surprised by her quick exit, but that's when he saw a few security guards walk in. While a few chased down that woman through a separate hallway, Jeffery was immediately surrounded by them.

"No! Wait! I didn't do anything!"

As he was escorted out of the premises, he screamed out. "THIS ISN'T OVER GARDENER! YOU CAN'T GET RID OF ME THAT EASILY!"

Diego stood there, nonplussed by what just happened.

"I... didn't even do anything."

That's when he realized, the guards were after that woman. He had to find her before they did or else he might never see her again. He ran down the hall that she went down. He had no idea where she could've gone.

After a bit of searching, he gave up. They must've caught up with her and thrown her out too. Just as he was about to go back, he saw her. She was walking out of a side room. Her back was to Diego as he tried to get her attention.

"Miss Important! Wait!"

This caused her to freeze in place, look around and cover her face with her hands. As Diego caught up, he realized that her mask fell to the floor. He got the mask and chased after her.

She tried to run but was cornered. She opened a door that lead into a supply closet and hid inside. He caught up and opened the door. She was hiding in a corner, terrified of something. "Don't look at me!"

"W-why not?"

"Uhh... cause I'm hideous! Yeah... that's it. I'm ugly as sin. You'll regret seeing my face."

Diego sighed. "I can tell that you were beautiful. I mean that mask didn't cover a lot, just your upper face."

"Yeah but... uh..."

She seemed to be struggling for excuses. Diego saw this and tried to get close.

"Trust me... I bet you're the most beautiful girl in the world. Even then, it's what's on the inside that counts, not your outer appearance. Here. You dropped your mask."

She took it and put it on, allowing her to turn around and face him. "Listen, Diego... I have to go. I'm not exactly allowed here and-"

"I can't let you go. Not unless I know your name. Or at least your number. I mean, if you want to give it to me... if this was just a fling or we could be friends then that's fine too."

"No, I want to be more than friends."

"REALLY!?"

Diego felt his heart soar. He knew there had to be some kind of catch, but in this moment he was joyful.

"But... I can't."

"Why not?"

"... I... you'll hate me."

"Why?"

She didn't respond.

"... I don't care if you're ugly."

"I know. But I still can't tell you who I am."

Diego looked to the floor. He then tried to offer a compromise.

"If I never see you again. Then can we at least... kiss?"

Her eyes widened. A blush creeped along her face as she processed what he just asked. Diego then removed his masquerade mask and let it fall to the floor. "These things prevented our big kiss earlier. I'd like a kiss goodbye at least... if you're willing to anyway."

She thought about it for a few seconds.

"You know what... sure. But, close the door and turn out the lights. Ok?"

Diego nodded and shut the door. The woman then reached for the light bulb. She pulled the string to turn it off, leaving them both in pitch black darkness.

"I must warn you, Miss. I'm kind of scared of the dark."

"Don't worry, I'm right here..."

Diego suddenly felt her arms wrap around him and her lips press against his. Her tongue inserting itself into his mouth and meeting up with his own tongue. He heard her moan slightly, like she wanted this for a long time. Diego was on cloud 9 as he made it to first base with a beautiful woman his age.

Nothing could spoil this.

... but that's when the closet opened.

"OH MY GOD!"

It was Jezzie and a few other maids who got the surprise of their life as they saw Diego making out with someone. But no one was more surprised than Diego, who saw who he was snogging with in the broom closet.

His heart sank and his eyes bugged out in shock as he pulled away from the woman, who he could now see was clearly GRACIE.

"Oh... I... I'm so sorry, Diego. I'll leave you both to it." said Jezzie, chuckling as she closed the door on them.

Gracie scrambled to get the mask back on her and hit the lights. "Heh heh... umm... so..."

Diego was still in shock. He looked at her, breathing heavily but not saying anything else.

"Uhh... So I know what this looks like, but I'm not Gracie, I'm her... twin sister... Bracie." she smiled, trying to pass that off as being true.

Diego just stood there, unresponsive for a bit. before taking a deep breath and leaving the closet. Gracie walked out, trying to chase after him.

"Diego, please! I can explain. I-I just-"

"No."

..."No?"

"Just... leave me alone."

He continued down the hall. Gracie kept running after him. "Diego wait!"

After a bit he stopped in his tracks, but just as she reached him, he slammed his fist on a nearby table, startling Gracie. He trembled. His fists were balled up in rage.

"D-Diego?"

No response.

...

"Diego? Are you ok?"

After a bit more silence, Diego finally responded, in a tone that despite being at almost the volume of a whisper, was the angriest that Gracie ever heard anyone sound.

"What was the plan, hmm?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"What was the point? Did you just want to mess with me?"

"No! I wasn't trying to-"

"I made my feelings on you very clear two nights ago. Yet you decide that you still weren't done playing with my heart."

"I wasn't playing! I just..."

...

"You just what? Wanted to get me to fall in love with you so you could go "Surprise! It was me the whole time!", just to rub in the fact that I'm worthless? That no one would ever want me?"

"Diego, you're not worthless. I just... I just knew you wouldn't like me so I... pretended I wasn't me."

"How long would you have kept that up? Do you really think I wouldn't find out? Well, you got me again, Gracie. That was great prank. Truly inspired. Truly a funny joke. Almost as great a joke as my love life..."

Diego started to walk away once more. "But we were having a great time! What happened to "It's what's on the inside that counts"?"

"I know that what is on the inside of you is just a spoiled, rotten, immature, little rich bitch who just wants to see me and everyone else suffer. Why else would you pretend to be the most amazing woman I've ever met? You know that I'd never forgive you for what you did to me.

So you just made up some dumb persona to try to get my stupid heart to latch onto you. Then you just yank it out and break it apart. You aren't the first girl to do that to me and I'll tell you right now... you're probably not gonna be the last."

"Diego just listen, I-"

"NO! NO MORE! I'M DONE! In fact, you know what, you win!"

"... I win?"

"Yes. You wanted me to quit so badly? Well guess what, I'm putting in my two weeks. It's over. I don't want to see you for those 14 days, alright?"

"DIEGO NO! WAIT... uh... What about my mom? You still got her. You don't have to leave when you make her swoon, right?"

"Your mom doesn't like me like that."

Gracie was shocked by this. He continued, his voice wavering as he continued. "I'm just her groundskeeper and nothing more. She does want me I suppose but it's in a way that I'm not sure I want. Besides, after my retaliation, I think I permanently damaged what relationship there could've been.

Now if you don't mind. It's getting late. I have to get ready for work tomorrow and so do you."

Gracie ran up and grabbed his arm. "Please! I'M SERIOUS! I... I.. I don't want you to go."

He looked at her in bemusement. "Yeah? And why not? So you can mess with me some more?"

"NO! I... I... I love you."

His eyes widened for a bit before he grimaced and looked away. "Well, isn't that sweet? But no. I can't stand this anymore, Gracie. Maybe the next groundskeeper your mom hires will be the one who accepts your nonsense."

"Diego! Please!" she said, dropping to her knees.

"What can I do to prove to you that I'm serious?"

"Build a time machine."

"What?"

"That would be the only way to undo everything you did to me."

"You mean the date? I swear, I tried to stop them from stealing your pa-"

"Not the date. The blackmail. The humiliation. The fact you humiliated me in front of hundreds of people. My dick on display for everyone, out in that garden. It was one of the most humiliating things I've had to go through and all because you thought that SOMEHOW, forcing me to love you by pretending you were abused by me would ENDEAR ME TO YOU!?"

He approached Gracie, staring her down like he was trying to burn a hole through her head with his mind. "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS LIKE! SO MANY WOMEN. ALL OF THEM KNOW MY TINY, WORTHLESS, SECRET! I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND YOU USED THAT TO HUMILATE ME ON A MASSIVE SCALE AND YET I GET PUNISHED FOR DOING IT TO YOU!?

OH BOO HOO, YOUR ASS IS NOW PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE, COME TALK TO ME WHEN YOUR ENTIRE NAKED BODY IS SEEN BY A CROWD OF HUNDREDS! YOU KEPT TRYING TO FORCE ME TO LOVE YOU, BUT ALL YOU DID WAS MAKE. ME. HATE. YOU."

He then leaned close to her face. "And nothing. Not even if you gave me the entire Grayson fortune to me, would ever change that."

He walked away once more. Gracie was almost in tears. She ruined everything. But that's when what he said went through her mind.

"YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS LIKE..."

She took a deep breath and steeled herself for what she was about to do, as it was probably the dumbest idea she ever had.

"... Diego. Look at me."

He kept walking.

"Look at me!"

He's still going.

"LOOK AT ME, PEON! RIGHT NOW! JUST FOR A SECOND!"

With him still ignoring her, she got desperate and threw one of her heels at him. It barely missed, but it got his attention.

"GRACIE, ENOUGH! I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU DO, THERE IS NO WAY I'M E.. ver..."

Diego's eyes bugged out and his jaw went to the floor. He saw Gracie standing with her arms outstretched. Furthermore, she took Diego's jester mask which he had tossed to the floor earlier and put it on.

Said jester mask was incidentally, the only thing she had on at the moment. Her blue gown was on the floor, along with her bra and panties. She was standing in front of Diego, naked as the day she was born.

Without another word, she ran off. Diego stared at her, watching her ass as she ran towards the ballroom. That's when he registered what she was about to do.

"GRACIE! WAIT, DONT!"

He then chased her down. But she was faster. Without that gown weighing her down she got to the doors before he even started running. With nothing but that mask on her face she burst through the doors to the ballroom.

Gasps rang out. Everyone went silent as Mrs. Grayson's daughter walked into the ballroom, in the midst of a massive party, completely and totally naked.

As she walked into the middle of the room, she started to shake a bit. There were a lot of eyes on her as she felt the AC wash over her. Her heart was pounding as she saw stunned looks and lustful smiles from many of the party goers.

A few of the maids looked aghast as they looked over her body. Jezzie ran out of the room in an instant, telling the others to do something. Considering how Gracie treated them over the years, they just stood there. One of them let out a wolf-whistle as a joke.

That caused the dam to burst and everyone started to cheer and laugh at Gracie's display. Her face started to heat up as she stood there with her hands to her side, much like Diego did at one point.

She looked down at herself. Her breasts were slightly heaving as she took deep breaths to steady herself. As a few of them commented on her pubes, done neatly in the shape of a dollar sign, she felt like she was going to faint. Her knees shaking as she took in all the insults and jeers.

"What am I doing? He said that he'd never forgive me. No matter what. WHY AM I DOING THIS? THEY'RE ALL STARING AT ME! I... I..."

Her mind was swimming with a lot of thoughts. Humiliation. The feeling of powerlessness. The knowledge that this pointless act just ruined her reputation... Arousal?

"Is that... is that person pulling out their PHONE!? No.. nononono! They're gonna take a picture of my breasts and vag! Everyone's seen my ass already but now they have the full picture! My hair is different and the mask obscures my eyes, so maybe they won't realize its me. God I hope not. My naked body might go viral."

Gracie had her eyes widen. Her body might go viral. She's always wanted to be famous, but did she really want to do it like this? Her blush started to spread down her neck as she grappled with the thought of her nudity being known worldwide.

She tried to close her thighs as she stood there shaking. Something about this was making her feel a strange, yet shameful burning feeling in her core. She bit her lip as she waved to the party goers. She didn't know why she was doing that. But it made them cheer and laugh in amusement.

She truly felt like the jester that her mask resembled.

Said mask did little to hide the fact that her face was redder than a tomato. That's when she swore someone ask someone else. "Is that Gracie?"

Her heart almost stopped. They knew! THEY KNEW WHO SHE WAS! She shut her eyes to prevent tears from falling. But as she was wrestling with this horrible mistake she made, she felt something wrap around her.

It was Diego, who got his tux jacket and covered her with it, quickly ushering her out of the room. She opened her eyes, seeing him with his arm around her as he got her out of there.

Most of the other parts of the mansion were empty at the moment. Diego looked around a bit before he let her go, still wearing his jacket as she shivered in humiliation.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!? ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME IN TROUBLE AGAIN? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!?"

"... so I could see what it was like." she replied, softly, almost bursting into tears.

Diego paused. He looked at her in confusion.

"You said it yourself. I didn't know what you went through. So I..."

Diego started to chuckle. Looking away and covering his eyes with his hand. But he wasn't laughing at her. He was laughing at himself. "Oh my god, no. No. No, no, no, no..."

Gracie looked a bit confused. But that's when he asked her, "You... you're serious. Aren't you?"

"Yes! I was hoping that humiliating myself would-"

"Would instantly make me forgive you?"

She looked down at the floor. Diego looked at her. She looked like she was going through her little drunken escapade again, but this time she was sober. He clenched his fists again, trying not to look at her.

She looked utterly humiliated. He knew what was happening and he tried to talk himself out of it.

"WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS? YOU REMEMBER WHAT SHE DID TO YOU, RIGHT?"

His inner voice tried to stop him. But his heart. His idiotic heart. It was louder than anything his inner voice said. He groaned, running his hands over his face as he tried to come to terms with this.

He took a deep breath. Then, while still facing away from her, he asked, "How did it feel?"

"W-what?" she asked.

"How did it feel? When you went out there naked in front of everyone?"

"I-it was the most humiliating moment of my life."

"And why did you go through with it?"

"Because I was hoping... it would... you know..."

"Prove yourself to the person you loved?"

She didn't respond, but Diego knew the answer already.

"You know... your blackmail threat wasn't the only reason I stood out in the garden that day. I could've ran. I could've bolted into the mansion and quit that day. But I didn't. Because I... was hoping that I could prove to your mom that I could take anything you... and I suppose she, could throw at me.

I also, could have just said, "screw this" and left the moment you suggested that date thing, but again... I did it for her."

"Then why not leave now, if she doesn't like you?"

Diego was silent for a bit. He tried to word his next sentence very carefully.

"Let me just make this clear. I will never forgive you for what you did to me. There is no way I'd ever fall in love with you."

Gracie started to tear up.

"However..." he added, turning to look at her.

"I would just like to say that due to the fact that I can't see any way you running naked through a party would be a prank that would affect me in a negative way, I can conclude that you are... probably serious about wanting to make it up to me.

Plus that... whole dance thing we did was kind of nice and..."

He trailed off, trying not to look her in the eye or the chest as his tux jacket didn't actually cover her that much. He took a deep breath and continued once more.

"What I'm trying to say is that... I do not love you. But I suppose that I could see myself being fond of you in a way that is platonic."

"You mean like a friend."

"Yes... that would be a good way to describe it. And maybe someday, if you mean it, we could be more."

Gracie gasped. Diego caught this and stammered out, "BUT NOT LOVERS, OR BOYFRIEND OR GIRLFRIEND OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT! We could be... more than friends but with no romantic attachment to each other. Yup. Because it would be really stupid of me to fall head over heels for you. Yup. That hasn't happened. At all. Nope.

It never will. Absolutely not."

In the middle of that, Gracie suddenly got a smug look on her face. "Don't give me that look. There's no way you could make yourself anymore appealing to me. I MEAN, NOT THAT YOU ARE TO ME!... SHUT UP!"

"I didn't say anything."

"YOU'RE THINKING IT THOUGH! You probably thought that you walking out and humiliating yourself would make me see parallels between me going after your mom and you going after me and how we both humiliated ourselves in trying to impress our crushes.

Well that's not happening! No matter how good you looked, I MEAN, think you looked as you did it."

Gracie blushed a bit and her smug smile seemed to soften. Diego saw this and felt his heart race. He grumbled and then added, "The point I'm trying to make is that... while love is off the table. The occasional kiss might not be. Not that I would ask for one from you."

"You sure you don't want any CPR?"

"Shut up, that doesn't even make any sense in this context. Just try to calm yourself and I... might forgive you someday."

He reached out and grabbed her hand. They both looked into each others eyes for a bit. "Well, it's getting late. I'm heading to bed."

"Yeah... same."

...

Despite this, neither of them let go of each other's hand. Neither of them moved. She started to pet his hand. He tried to move himself away but he couldn't.

He sighed deeply and immediately gave her a hug. "This means nothing. It's just to say that... you know. I hate you a little less now."

"... I hate you little less too. Hehe..."

As Diego tried to ignore the warmth he was feeling he heard something. A set of high heels rapidly walking down the hall.

"DIEGO!!!"

He turned and saw Mrs. Grayson barreling down on him. Before he could say anything she slapped him across the cheek with such force that he fell to the floor.

As he tried to get up she grabbed him by the collar. She was furious. "WHAT DID WE TALK ABOUT?"

"Excuse me? What did I-"

"YOU KNOW WHAT! YOU FORCED MY DAUGHTER TO STREAK MY PARTY!"

"What!? No that wasn't me that wa-"

"It's true ma'am."

He saw Jezzie and a few maids approach. "Diego not only forced her to streak, but he made out with her in a closet."

"WAIT! JEZZIE! I DIDN'T DO THAT... Well ok the closet thing was true b-"

Grace immediately got in his face. "You should be ashamed of yourself. Was making her run bottomless not enough for you!? DO YOU GET OFF TO HUMILATING WOMEN!?"

"GRACE, LISTEN! I DIDN'T DO THAT, SHE DID IT TO HERSELF!"

Grace looked at him in disgust as he said that. "She did it to herself!? You... you..."

She was gritting her teeth as she couldn't believe what he just said. "Diego. I trusted you. You said that you wouldn't do anything to hurt her again."

"Mrs. Gray-"

"DIEGO! YOU'RE FIRED!"

Diego's eyes went wide. His heart and stomach sank. "Fired...?"

"Yes. Pack your things. I want you off my property first thing in the morning. You are to never return. Is that clear?"

"But G-"

"IS. THAT. CLEAR?"

Diego looked around. The maids had a solemn expression on their face and Gracie looked like she was about to break down. Diego simply looked to the floor and said, "Yes, ma'am."

He walked back to his room with his head low. He briefly looked back at Grace. She just turned away. He walked back to his room. As he turned the corner, he broke out into a sprint. He hoped that none of the other employees could see or hear him cry as he ran back.

Grace then turned to Gracie, who was sitting on the floor, still wrapped in Diego's tux jacket. Her head was in her arms as she looked away from her mom. "And you! I thought I told you to stay in your room."

One of the other maids found the gown that Gracie discarded. "So... I think we found where the blue fabric went."

"Gracie. You were the blue fabric thief?"

She nodded.

"So you stole from the mansion and attended a party you were not invited to? Why? WHAT WOULD POSSESS YOU TO DISOBEY ME!? ALL SO YOU CAN END UP HUMILIATING YOURSELF!? I CAN'T BELIEVE... I..."

Grace was pissed. She couldn't even form words at how angry this made her. Eventually, she calmed down. None of the staff intervened as they knew that all they had to do to calm her down was leave her be until she did so herself.

Eventually she looked back at her daughter and saw that she was just looking to the floor, in tears.

"Ok, Gracie dear. I'm sorry you had to deal with his nonsense. But I assure you, the no male rule will go back into effect as soon as he leaves. Now, please return to your room. We will discuss further punishment for disobeying my-"

"HE WASN'T LYING! IT WAS ALL ME! I RAN NAKED INTO THE PARTY ON PURPOSE!!"

Grace and the various maids were stunned by this.

"W-what? Gracie, why on earth would you-?"

"Because I felt bad for everything I did to him. He said he'd never love me because my blackmail thing made him walk out naked in front of everyone, so I was hoping if I did the same thing he'd... he'd finally..."

Gracie burst into tears. While Grace has seen her cry numerous times, it was usually while having a tantrum. But this was... different. "Please... don't make him leave...

Gracie was heartbroken. Those weren't crocodile tears. Grace turned to the maids and she asked "Can any of you back her up on this?"

They looked around. None of them seemed to want to come forward. Gracie looked back at them with tears in her eyes about to plead to them to prove that she wasn't lying, but that's when she saw a security camera.

She had an idea.

"Security! Security would be able to prove it!"

"... Hmm... fine. Go back to your room and stay there. Put something on. I'll check the security footage and we'll discuss this in the morning. Jezebel, escort her there."

"Yes ma'am."

As Jezzie lead Gracie away, Grace walked to the security room. She looked over what the feed captured and saw everything. From Gracie sneaking off from her room, to her streaking through the party.

While she couldn't hear the conversation they had once Diego realized who she really was, she saw him get stunned as she stripped down and ran to stop her.

As she was absorbing what the security cameras captured, she took a deep breath. Without another word, she immediately headed to Diego's room.

Diego was currently sobbing into a pillow.

"Well, at least this might look good on your resume."

He was too distraught to answer his inner voice back. It wasn't just the loss of his job that got to him, nor the fact that he wasn't going to be making money anymore.

It was the fact that he blew it. His chance at love. He packed his things and crawled into bed, still dressed in what was left of the tux. He knew he'd probably have to return it, but he was too depressed to undress.

He then heard a knock at the door.

"Come in..." he meekly cried out.

The door opened and Grace walked in. Diego looked up from his soaking wet pillow and then turned to his side so that she wouldn't see him cry.

"Diego."

"Y-yes Mrs. Grayson?"

"I've calmed down a bit. So... if you'd like to tell your side of the story, I'll hear you out."

While her tone was much nicer, Diego was still on edge. He recapped everything that happened today. As he told Grace why he was so mad at her daughter for what she did, she had a look of realization, but she had to be sure.

"Diego, I know she did something to you that you could never forgive, but I am proud that you still tried to stop her from doing the same to herself. I can see that you didn't force her and that's why I came to give you some news."

He turned to look at her. She was smiling.

"You can still keep your job."

"R-really?"

"Yes. In fact, get some rest, you start early tomorrow."

"OH THANK YOU THANK YOU! I promise, I won't do anything to, with, or even around your daughter anymore."

Grace chuckled. "Well, that's kind of impossible. See... Gracie needs to fix up some of the garden she ruined two days ago and... you're going to guide her."

"W-what? Why?"

"Because. I can tell what you both need is to spend some time together."

"But Grace, sh-"

"No buts. Besides. From what I heard... I feel like you and her have something."

"N-no we don't!" Diego said, blushing a bit.

"Don't worry Diego... I approve of your relationship should you choose to pursue it."

"Really?"

"Yes. In fact... well, don't let this influence your decision but... why do you think I specified a certain appearance in the wanted ad?"

Diego looked at her, nonplussed.

"Are you implying that me and her... so this entire time...?"

"I'm not saying anything. But... I've seen the type of guys she likes and... she has a type even if she doesn't want to admit it. I'm just sorry that she can't express her feelings in a more mature manner... or at least, she didn't used to be able to.

You're doing much more here than just trimming hedges and planting flowers you know."

Diego didn't know how to react. He got a big smile on his face that he tried to hide from Grace.

"You'd better stop being so cute or else I'm gonna take you instead." she giggled as he fidgeted a bit.

"So... then me and you are... just never gonna be-?"

"As I said, you need someone your own age. While I'd love nothing more than to keep you as my own personal toy, I can see what you need is someone who... isn't old enough to be your mother.

Besides, I..."

She trailed off as she looked at her diamond ring. Diego noticed she never took that off.

"Is... that Mr. Grayson's?"

Grace looked at him, taken aback. "Yeah... one of them anyway. The idiot pissed me off and made my life hell. But when he left..."

She trailed off. She looked like she was going to tear up but held it back. "The point I'm trying to make is that, even if you think you hate someone who says they love you, even if they have a bizarre way of showing it. Sometimes it's better to give them a chance before you push them away forever.

...

Not that I'm speaking from experience anyway." she hastily added on.

"Anyway, it's getting late. And you have a job to do tomorrow. So... good night."

"Good night, Mrs. Grayson."

..."Grace."

"Oh right, goodnight Grace."

Diego was just about to change, but then he had a thought. He opened his door and peeked out. He was checking that Grace wasn't around. She wasn't and Diego ran as quickly and quietly as he could to Gracie's room. He knocked on the door.

He could hear Gracie in there. She opened the door and she saw him there.

"DIEGO! What are you doing I-"

"Shhhh! Your mom is letting me stay."

"REALL-"

"SHHHHH!"

"Just wanted to let you know. Ok, good night. Wake up bright and early tomorrow. You and me have a job to do... fellow Groundskeeper."

With that he walked back to his room. Gracie shut the door. She climbed back into bed. As she drifted off to dreamland, she was back in her own little kingdom. Her plan to infiltrate the castle worked. While she wasn't royalty still. She knew that she was well on her way to becoming the princess she once was.

Though with that grumpy knight by her side... she almost felt like one.

As Diego snuck back to his room, he was unaware that Grace was peeking from behind a corner, smiling as she saw him run back with a smirk of his own. Just as she was about to retire to her bedroom, she was tapped on the shoulder.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Grayson?"

"Hmm... yes Jezebel?"

"We had a bit of an intruder earlier. Currently, he's being held in the holding cell. What should we do with him?"

"Have the authorities been called yet?"

"No, ma'am. We were waiting for your command."

She sighed. It's been a long day for Grace. "Just get rid of him. I don't know how that horrid little man keeps getting in."

"With pleasure, ma'am."

Out near the front gate to the Grayson Estate, next to the security checkpoint is a small room made to detain those who attempt to force their way in. Once Grace acknowledges that the individual is either a threat, unwanted or otherwise not worthy of entry, she has the security team call the cops to arrest or otherwise escort them away from the premises.

Jeffery was currently there, annoying the guards with causally misogynistic remarks and how he could buy and sell all of them in a heartbeat. They all breathed a sigh of relief as Jezzie arrived.

"Ok, ladies. Everyone out. Grace's orders."

The guards then left. One of them handed her a tazer. She smirked at Jezzie hoping she'd use it.

Once all the guards left it was just him and Jezzie. She shook her head and went to a nearby control panel, hitting a button. The button opened the cage that Jeffery was locked in.

He walked out in cuffs at which point Jezzie reached into her pocket and pulled out... a key.

She unlocked his cuffs.

"Hmmph... took you long enough."

"Sorry sir. There was a bit of a snag. Seems Gracie and Diego were caught in a bit of a snafu and I had to intervene."

"Wait... she was there? Why wasn't she at the party!?"

Jezzie shook her head as she lead him out of the gate. A limo was waiting for him already, driven by Woodson.

"Sir... let's just say that Gracie's relationship with him just got more... complex. I'll fill you in later. I have to get back inside before anyone notices."

"Very well. WOODSON! HOME! I need to recoup my losses."

Jeffery got in the limo and then shouted at her. "Keep an eye on them both. And if you see that blue gown wearing beauty again... find a way to get her to give me her number. Got it?"

"Will do, boss."

Jezzie then watched as the limo drove off and walked back into the mansion. Jeffery meanwhile sat in the back, steaming as he couldn't believe a common gardener just stole the girl of his dreams from him and he still SOMEHOW also had Gracie's attention.

"So... how did the party go?"

"She wasn't there."

Woodson could sense the disappointment in his voice. "Maybe you'll get her next time."

"We have a new target Woodson. That groundskeeper made a fool out of me."

"Really? What happened?"

"He not only has Gracie's affection, but he stole a beautiful woman from me. That guy won't outrizz me! I will have my vengeance! HE WILL RUE THE DAY THAT HE MADE A FOOL OUT OF JEFFERY E. DONALDSON!"

He said this as he was angrily pounding the seats next to him in matter reminiscent of a child having a tantrum. Woodson just rolled his eyes and kept quiet.

He knew that his obsession with her was unhealthy, but he had to go along with this. If only because deep down... he wanted to see Gracie get her just desserts too.

The gears were already turning in Jeffery's head. But it would be a while before he could attempt to grab Gracie's attention once more.