This fic is inspired by the new US Tour of Annie (2022). It's quite different from the modern takes so many of us have become accustomed to. This along with the staging and the natural chemistry of the actors, the idea hit me and hit me hard and I couldn't resist.

Dedicated to amethystmusings (who screamed at me to write this...). I am so grateful we got to see this production together after seven years of being friends because of this show. Love you!

"Guess what tomorrow is?" hummed Drake as he hopped up on the edge of Oliver's desk. Of course, it wasn't his boss sitting there today, but rather Grace. With Mr. Warbucks gone, the staff handled things a bit less professionally.

Leaning back in her boss' chair, Grace said, "Homecoming."

"Time to panic."

Rolling her eyes, she said, "We haven't slacked off too much."

"You haven't."

"Nor have you."

Drake shook his head. "I haven't done my rounds in three days. For all we know there's dust in the corners and the silver unpolished."

"I've never known Mr. Warbucks to quip about dust in the corners."

"Maybe not, but do we want to chance it?" he replied. "There aren't many people looking for butlers nowadays."

"Secretaries, either," Grace sighed. "I'm grateful Mr. Warbucks is so loyal to all of us."

"I suppose that's all the more reason to make sure we've kept his home in good shape."

"Yes," she said, sitting up again, "and because we'll have company."

"Oh? Who is he bringing home?"

"He's not, I am."

Drake raised an eyebrow. "Got yourself a suitor, have we?"

She laughed. "Of course not. Mr. Warbucks asked me to invite an orphan here for the holidays. Don't you remember?"

The panic in his eyes served as her answer. In an instant, he was standing. "Why didn't you remind me sooner? There's so much to arrange."

Standing as well, Grace walked over to him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Drake. Everything is well under control. Mrs. Greer has helped me set up one of the guest rooms. Cecile has a shipment of fabric arriving in the morning to dress her. All we really need are some toys and perhaps some other things to keep her amused. I'm not sure how well Mr. Warbucks' patience will hold up against such a distraction."

He hadn't listened to much of what Grace said, going over a mental checklist. "I'll have to rearrange the daily schedule. Has anyone told Mrs. Pugh there will be another setting at the table? And then the Christmas arrangements. A child is going to expect so much more— Wait one moment… Did you say you've chosen a girl?"

"I'll be choosing a girl tomorrow, yes."

"Have you confirmed that with Mr. Warbucks?"

As she collected her papers, she answered, "He told me to invite an orphan. There were no specifics given."

"I'll believe that, but I don't believe that you aren't assuming he'd want a boy."

"What difference does it make?" she challenged.

He proceeded carefully. "Well… to a man like Mr. Warbucks an awful lot."

"Perhaps a girl will do him some good. Heaven knows what influence he'd have on a boy."

"Do I detect a note of bitterness?"

"All I'm saying is that maybe having a little girl around will be a good opportunity for Mr. Warbucks to soften. He's been wound tighter than ever lately. Remember when we didn't have to force him to decorate for Christmas?"

Crossing his arms, Drake said, "That's true. He was a tad more festive in those days, wasn't he?"

"Not much, but not what we've been seeing this past year."

"I only hope you're sure what you're doing."

"If you ask me, a little boy would be much more of a handful. In any case, taking care of her will likely fall on the women anyway. A little girl may resent that less."

"Fair enough, Miss Farrell."

Patting his cheek with her free hand, Grace teased, "Have faith in me, Drake. I know how to handle Mr. Warbucks."

Drake didn't speak again until she'd walked through the door and turned down the hall. He then let his face fall as he said, "That you do."