Chapter 42

GRACE'S POV 

The apartment was quiet now, calm too. It was a complete contrast to the chaos of the night.

Tomorrow, I'd worry about why Michael still wanted me when Susan was right in front of him. I basically gave her on a platter.

I collapsed on the couch, the exhaustion of the day finally creeping in on me. I put my arm over my closed eyes and stayed still for a bit.

Right when I was about to drift off, my phone rang from my bag on the floor. I wondered who would be calling me that late. I didn't move immediately, hoping the person would realise it was too late and would stop calling.

They didn't. The phone rang the second time, annoyingly so.

Sighing tiredly, I slowly sat up. My vision blurred as I opened my eyes. I blinked rapidly to clear the fog. Sniffling, I grabbed my bag from the floor and stuck my hand inside, searching for the ringing device. 

When my hand found it, it was vibrating. I pulled it out and squinted at the screen. The number calling was a strange number. I frowned at it. Could it be Michael calling already? 

I answered the call, placing the phone to my left ear. “Hello?” I said into the phone.

There was a brief crackling before someone answered. “Hello? Grace? It's Michael from karaoke.” 

I blinked. I should've known it was him. How could I forget his number in a hurry?

“Oh, Michael. Hi.” I replied after a beat. 

“I hope I didn't disturb your sleep. I just wanted to make sure you ladies got home safe and sound.” He said.

I poked my cheek with my tongue debating whether I could make a snarky comment, but I decided to go for sarcasm. “No, not at all. I wasn't trying to sleep.” 

Wow, no. There was definitely some amount of snarkiness in that reply. I wasn't going to blame myself, I was tired and considerably deprived of sleep. 

He sighed in relief. “Oh, good. So, is your friend asleep yet? I'm guessing you found the flask in her coat?” 

I gasped quietly, feeling betrayed. “You knew? How?” 

“It almost dropped while we were dancing.” He confessed quietly. 

I groaned and slapped my forehead. “How did I not see that? I was wondering how she got more drunk on our way home. I'm so pissed at her. She has work tomorrow morning and will be so hungover.” 

He let out a low chuckle. “Maybe she forgot it was a Tuesday. I know I needed a break, but I have a limit that I put to use tonight.” 

I shook my head slowly, as if he could see me. “I don't know how she could've missed that one.” 

There was a brief silence between us, and I almost smacked myself in realization. It was conversations like this that drew us close, I couldn't let that happen. If there was anything I had to do, it was to push him away and towards Susan. 

“Why didn't you ask me for my number?” I asked him, leaning into the couch.

He hesitated before speaking. “Well, honestly, you don't look like you'd give me your number if I asked. I had to take another route. I'm sorry if that offended you.” 

I almost huffed. Why did he have to apologise? Now, I was softening. “It's fine, I just wish you'd asked me instead.” 

“Next time, I will.”

“There'll probably be no next time.” I was being plain right there, but knowing Michael, he'd ignore it and go for what he wanted.

“I'm guessing you have to continue sleeping. I'm sorry for waking you.” He said, sounding like he was smiling.

I paused, brows furrowing. “Wait, you knew?” 

He chuckled again. “Yes, I knew. You sounded a bit snappy, I just knew you had to be sleeping.” 

“Oh.” I muttered. “Sorry about that, I was literally halfway to sleeping.” 

“No, I'm sorry for waking you. I wanted to do it earlier, but I figured you needed some time to deal with Susan.” 

I shrugged, despite not being visible. 

“So, goodnight?” He asked, his voice a bit distant.

I kicked my feet up and placed them on the couch, laid down and made myself comfortable. “Yes, goodnight.” 

“Can I call tomorrow at a more favourable time?” He was telling me, not asking. I always thought it was hot, not anymore. 

I rolled my eyes at the innocent 26 year old version of the previous love of my life. “Yes. Yes, you can.” 

“Alright then, sleep tight.” He said and hung up. 

I sighed, placing the phone on my chest as I looked up to the ceiling. For a long moment, I just laid there, just listening to the faint hum of the apartment.

It was strange how quickly things could shift. Just a few hours ago, I was surrounded by noise, laughter, music, people who didn’t care who was watching them. Now, it was just me, and my thoughts. And somehow, that was louder.

I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly.

Michael. It would be difficult to make him fall for Susan, and for Susan to fall for him. But it was better I tried than let history repeat itself.

I pressed the phone slightly against my chest, like I could somehow push the thought away with it. But I couldn’t, because it was now my mission to accomplish, whether I liked it or not.

I turned my head to the side, staring at nothing in particular.

This was how it started then, small conversations, the casual check-ins. And before I knew it, I was madly in love with him, in too deep.

I frowned slightly. No, not this time. This time, I knew better. This time, I had a plan. 

And whether she realized it or not, Susan was perfect for Michael. Two potential cheats together. No one would be heartbroken, no one would have to sneak, and no one would die. Certainly not me.

She was easygoing, open, and uncomplicated. She would easily pull anyone in.

Unlike me. I took time to fall. If I ever did, it was done over time, not immediately or soon. In the previous timeline, even though I liked him, I put Michael in the friend zone for almost two years. He stayed there. During that period, I stayed single, so did he. I believed we were meant to be.

I let out a quiet breath, my eyes growing heavier.

“I’m not doing this again,” I murmured to myself.

Those words felt firm and certain, almost like a promise. But deep down, there was a small, quiet part of me that didn’t fully believe it.

My grip on the phone loosened as sleep finally began to take over.