Chapter 24

GRACE'S POV 

The night air hit differently when we stepped out of the bar.

It was cooler and much quieter. Almost like the world was trying to calm me down after everything that had happened inside. Or maybe it was just me. I'd have very much loved the latter. I had too much of the universe trying to do something through me that I felt like my core was shifting. Like what even was going on? 

“Well, that was quite productive.” Susan stretched like she had just been released from captivity. I know I felt it too. 

I glanced at her. “Productive?” I wondered what she was onto again.

“Yes. I mean, I met a man, you socialized, have advice. I call it growth.”

Mm“I sat in one spot and minded my business. And you have it easy.” I whispered the last part, not needing to destroy something that barely started.

“And yet,” she said, pointing at me, “you somehow ended up talking to Lana. Lana of all people.” She ignored the last part, smart.

I sighed, massaging my temples. “Can we not do this out here? You've roasted and simultaneously praised me enough while we were inside.”

A soft chuckle came from beside her, and I almost yelped. I hadn't even gotten Susan's current man's name, so bad of me. I almost forgot he was there.

“Susan, you haven't introduced us yet.” I reminded her in a low tone. 

She paused before walking again. “Oh, right, sorry. Grace, this is Daniel. Daniel, this is my precious, dramatic, beautiful, shelly, and amazing best friend, Grace.” 

I blinked at her. “I'm not even going to ask. It's nice to meet you, Daniel.” 

Daniel smiled at me. “Pleasure to meet you, Grace.” 

Now that I realised that Daniel was here, I also realised that they were most likely going home together. Which meant that I didn't want to inconvenience him. 

“Well, this is where I take off and grab a cab.” I stopped walking and said to them.

“I can drop you off,” he offered casually, unlocking his car which actually stood just a few feet away from us. “It’s late.”

“I can get a cab,” I repeated immediately.

Susan turned so fast I was afraid she snapped her neck. “Why would you do that when we have a perfectly good ride?” She furrowed her eyebrows.

“I don’t know him.” I pointed out, hoping I didn't come off offensive.

“You know his name, and I know him. That’s basically family.” She told me, clearly making sense in her head. 

I rolled my eyes at her. “That's exactly the problem.”

Daniel laughed again, clearly amused. “You’re safe, I promise.”

He was trying to reassure me, cute. 

“I’m sure every criminal says that,” I muttered, crossing my arms. 

“Grace,” Susan warned, even though she was smiling. “Get in the car, now.”

I looked between them. One of them was stubborn, and the other was surprisingly patient. What a great combination.

I exhaled, my shoulders dropping. “Fine. You can drop me off.” I gave in. I didn't have the energy to continue arguing with Grace.

“Great.” Daniel said.

I got into the backseat immediately, much to Susan's happiness.

Susan slid into the front like she belonged there, already turning toward him with that same bright, effortless energy.

I leaned back, letting their voices fade into the background as the car pulled away from the bar.

Just like that, my thoughts came rushing back. Whenever Michael and I would meet, how was I supposed to act? Like I was meeting him for the first time too? Like I didn't know his name and age? Was I supposed to pretend like I wasn't aware of his weird habits and the things he likes? Just the thought of it sent my heart pounding once again. This was all too much for me, I honestly wish everything was alright. 

“Grace?”

I blinked, realizing Susan was looking at me through the rearview mirror.

“Huh?”

“You’re doing that thing again.” She said, tone sounding like ‘as a matter of fact’. 

“What thing?” I played dumb, smiling at her. 

“The disappearing into your head thing.”

“I’m literally in the car.” I gestured to the car we were inside.

“You know what I mean.” She narrowed her eyes.

I exhaled softly. “I’m fine.”

She studied me for a second longer than necessary. Then, surprisingly, she didn’t push. Perhaps she just knew when to stop, and I was grateful for that. Instead, she turned back to Daniel and resumed whatever conversation they had paused.

I appreciated that, much more than I could say out loud. 

The drive was quiet for me. Susan and Daniel were talking in the front, but I wasn't listening, too busy, in my head. Because silence meant thinking, and thinking meant remembering.

The first time I met Michael was very intentional. But now, I wondered if it would be the same or if I could change that. 

Daniel's eyes met mine through the mirror. “Which building?”

I sat up slightly. “The one on the left. The grey one.” I hadn't even realised we'd gotten to my neighbourhood.

He slowed the car, pulling over smoothly.

“We’re here,” Susan announced like she had personally driven.

“I can see that.” I told her, chuckling.

She turned around, leaning over the seat slightly. “Text me when you get in.”

“I always do.”

“Good.”

I opened the door, stepping out into the night.

“Thanks for the ride, Daniel. You didn't have to.” I told him. 

Susan rolled her eyes. “Who else would? A tired and rude cab driver?” 

Daniel shook his head, like he was already used to Susan's shenanigans. “You're welcome. Have a great night.”

Susan looked at me, face calm, but eyes narrowed. “Don't think too much, Grace.”

I put my hand on my forehead in a salute. “Sir, yes, sir.” 

She leaned over quickly and pinched me. I yelped and jumped back, rubbing my throbbing arm. “Why?”

“Just because.” 

And just like that, they were gone.