Chapter 23

GRACE'S POV 

Another minute of silence ensued, nothing uncomfortable or awkward, just filled with thoughts. To think that you couldn't fully entrust someone you fully trust with your secret. It just showed that something would happen to test your relationship with other people, and it will be up to you to decide how that story will end. Mend and move on, or mend and stay.

My eyes stayed on Susan who was biting her lip and staring at the glass between us. The thing that tested our friendship totally wouldn't happen till 10 years later, and if I didn't do anything about it, I'd die before I could either slap her across her face, push her down a hill, or just do both. And most importantly, I'd die before I had the chance to get clarity. Looking at her now, I realised that I loved her more than anything. 

And I was beginning to really understand why that mere looking, dramatic, comedic fall out between Lana and Victoria really sat with her. She probably didn't think she was capable of destroying her own friendship with her hands, or in this case, her lips. Maybe she didn't show it, but she regretted it the moment those words left her mouth. And when Victoria fired back, she was left stumped and hurt. Just like Victoria. 

Not that I fancied them both now, but I really hoped they sorted out their differences. At least, for the sake of the office, because the tension would kill whatever good vibes would manage to escape the security guards.

I blinked my almost dry eyes and looked around us for nothing in particular.

Susan hummed thoughtfully, eyes still on the glass. “Do you think she will though? Reach out, I mean.”

I glanced toward the direction Lana had walked off in, even though she was long gone. Almost like I'd find an answer if I did.

“I think she wants to,” I said quietly. “She’s just probably scared.”

“Of being rejected?” She looked back up at me, confusion spread on her face. 

“Of confirming what she already believes” I corrected.

Susan nodded slowly. “That Victoria hates her, right?”

“Exactly.” I confirmed, nodding alongside.

“You look like you’ve been there before,” Susan said suddenly. 

My heart skipped a beat and I paused. 

I looked at her sharply. “What?” I didn't think I heard her clearly. 

“That look” she said, pointing lightly at my face. “You get it when you’re talking about something that’s not just theoretical, but like you've experienced it before.”

I forced a small shrug. “Everyone’s been there before.” And I was right, I wasn't just answering her the way she wanted. 

“Not like that.” She pointed out. 

I didn’t respond, because she wasn’t wrong. But I wasn’t about to unpack that here. I wasn't going to go there, certainly not like that. 

Thankfully, Susan didn’t push.

Instead, she leaned back again, stretching slightly. “Well, I have to say, I’m impressed.”

“Don’t sound so surprised.” I sang, looking at our previous spot with the corner of my eye.

“I mean it,” she said. “You went out of your comfort zone, talked to someone you don’t even like, gave questionable advice…”

“Hey!” I objected, but she ignored me.

“...and somehow made her feel better,” she finished, almost pouting.

I sighed. “When you put it like that, it sounds less impressive.”

“It’s still impressive, come on.” she insisted.

I shook my head slightly, glancing down at my drink. “You're just trying to make me feel better.

And then, she blew my mind with her next question.

“So,” Susan said suddenly, her tone shifting back to its usual playful tone. “While I was gone, did anything else interesting happen?”

My fingers stilled against the glass. I knew exactly what she was asking. 

I kept my expression neutral. “Like what?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said casually. “Maybe you saw someone. Talked to someone. Had a moment. Anything. Please, feed me.”

I huffed lightly. “You’ve been watching too many movies.”

“Have I?” she asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

My eyes met hers evenly. “Yes, you have. And the only thing, another interesting thing, I did was watch how devastated ugly sweater guy was after you left.”

She studied me for a second longer than necessary. “Mmh” she hummed, leaning back. “Alright. I’ll let it go.”

For now is what her tone implied.

I exhaled quietly, picking up my drink again. Susan so terribly wanted me to meet someone that would sweep me off my feet, or at least rekindle an old relationship, because she was tired of seeing me single. 

The truth is, in the previous timeline, this was around the time Michael and I first met. If it was going to happen again in this timeline, there was no way I could avoid it. I had already seen him that morning when I got to work with Michael. Even though I wasn't keen on seeing him again, let alone meet him for the first time and pretend I don't know him, what would be would absolutely be. 

The thought alone was enough to make my chest tighten slightly.

“Grace.”

I looked up. Susan was watching me again.

“You’re thinking,” she said simply, like I was doing something that I wasn't really supposed to be doing.

I groaned. “You say that like it’s a crime.”

“It is when you disappear into your head and leave me here alone.” I whined. 

“You are never alone,” I pointed out. “You literally had a whole man. Meanwhile, again, where is he?”

She grinned. “Keyword, had. He’ll be back real soon.”

Right on cue, a voice came from behind her.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

Susan turned instantly, her face lighting up. “Oh, you’re definitely interrupting,” she said, standing up smoothly. “But I’ll allow it.”

I watched as she slipped effortlessly into whatever vibe she’d built in the last hour and a half, her laughter easy, her posture relaxed. She looked happy, and free. Also untangled from everything that constantly looped through my mind. I wish I had that 

She glanced back at me briefly. “Do you want us to drop you off? I'm not leaving you here alone.”

I raised a brow. “I’ve been sitting here all night.” I reminded her.

“Good, that's really good. But it's past your bedtime, and I'm not leaving here.”

I shook my head, waving her off lightly. “Go, I'll get a cab.”

She smiled, like I said something very funny, and said, “Ha ha. Get your butt up and come with us.” 

Sighing, and without any more protests, I got up and followed them out of the bar.