| Chapter Twenty |
| “Hmm,” Grace sighed, a smile on her lips. Leaning on the kitchen counter, she was inches away from the small television set in the corner. The volume was low, but she’d seen Babycakes so many times that she knew most of the dialogue by heart. She was a Lifetime movie junkie, and this one was one of her favorites. It was an overweight girl’s dream; gorgeous guy and chubby girl find love. Besides, the girl was named Grace. Sitting up a little straighter, Grace turned it up just a little. This was her favorite part. TV Grace and her new boyfriend Rob were celebrating Christmas by sharing a romantic dance. He held her close, which was probably very nice considering he was wearing only pajama pants. He kissed her. Grace stuck out her bottom lip, pouting like a child. She wanted her very own Rob. Why did she always watch romantic movies? “You’re a glutton for punishment,” she answered. She looked over at the door that led to the dining room. Lynn was having a luncheon with a few business partners. Her only job today was to be on hand in case Lynn needed her. So far, she’d only been needed to retrieve the check Lynn had made out for the caterers, and that was well over an hour ago. The rest of her time had been spent watching TV. Behind her, she heard footsteps, but didn’t turn around. Waiters had been coming in and out all day; Grace was in the corner so she wouldn’t get in their way. “Hard day at work?” Like it always did, her heart sped up at the sound of Justin’s voice. She still had all those questions about their kiss, but she’d lost the nerve to ever ask. “I’ve never worked so hard in my life.” She didn’t turn away from the TV, wanting to see Rob teach Grace how to ice skate. She also was afraid that she’d start blushing if she looked at him. “If this whole singing thing doesn’t work out, I know exactly what job I want.” She rolled her eyes, which he couldn’t see, and motioned him to hush up. “What are you watching?” He moved to her side. Seeing the Lifetime insignia in the corner of the screen, he groaned loudly, “What is it with women and Lifetime?” “This is a good movie,” she replied, still watching it. “What’s it about?” Grace opened her mouth to respond but stopped herself. Embarrassed, she couldn’t bring herself to explain the plot. She knew he’d immediately understand why she loved it; he’d know that her chubby little heart wanted a love story like the one in the movie. Even if he didn’t say anything, which he probably wouldn’t, she’d know he was thinking it. To save herself the embarrassment, she changed the subject instead. “Keep your voice down. Your mom’s having a business lunch in the dining room.” She finally turned away from the TV. He looked wonderful today; he looked wonderful everyday. “Oh,” he whispered, “Who’s in there?” She listed the names she could remember. “She’s trying to sign a new artist then. That’s the only reason Mr. Yacata would be there. He’s in charge of talent.” “Shouldn’t you be in there?” He pulled a face. “I try to avoid all the business aspects.” “Then what do you do?” She was probably being too nosy, but until he stopped answering, her inquisitive mind wouldn’t let her stop asking. “Look pretty in pictures.” “If this whole personal assistant thing doesn’t work out, I know exactly what job I want.” “You can have it,” he laughed. He gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder and walked towards the refrigerator. “I’m starving,” he groaned, rubbing his tummy. He shuffled though the refrigerator, emerging with a plate wrapped in aluminum foil, “Leftovers.” Throwing it into the microwave, he poured himself a glass of milk and set it down on the breakfast table. Grace felt her stomach grumble. She’d been caught up in the movie and had forgotten about her own lunch. “Mind if I join you?” “Not at all.” He grabbed his plate from the microwave, wincing at the heat. Grabbing her purse which was doubling as a lunch sack today, Grace sat across from him at the breakfast table. She pulled out her sandwich and a bag of chips. Justin had already started shoveling leftover enchiladas into his mouth. He looked up at her briefly. “Are you gonna pull a rabbit out next?” “Not a rabbit. Dessert,” she replied, pulling a pudding cup from her purse. He laid his fork down on the plate and stood up, “What would you like to drink?” She stood up too, “I’ll get it.” “Milk it is.” Secretly pleased, Grace sat back down. “I could have gotten it myself.” She was pouting; she finally understood why Mindy was usually so annoyed with her. Stubborn people were infuriating. She decided say so. “You’re annoyingly stubborn.” “I could say the same about you,” he set the glass in front of her along with a spoon for her pudding, “but I don’t find it annoying. I like it when you argue with me.” “You’re weird.” She meant it, but she couldn’t help but smile. He took another bite of his enchiladas. “I also like it when you smile. I can see your dimple.” He was staring at her, a smile playing on her lips. She felt lightheaded under his gaze. Unable to look him in the eye anymore, she lowered her gaze. Nervously, she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “You’re wearing the earrings.” She’d worn them everyday since he’d given them to her. He didn’t know that. She’d made it a point to wear her hair down, so he couldn’t see them. “They match my outfit,” she lied. Considering the outfit she was wearing actually clashed with the earrings, she should have come up with a better lie. Justin didn’t comment on it. He leaned closer to have a better look. “They look very nice on you. I knew they would.” His voice was lower, almost a whisper. The air felt different. In only a second, they’d gone from playful joking to something different. She wasn’t sure what. Instinctively, Grace leaned closer. She could feel her heartbeat in every inch of her body. It felt like… like he wanted to kiss her. But that couldn’t be true, could it? She leaned a little closer. She wanted him to kiss her so bad that it hurt. She wanted him to be her Rob. It felt like forever. He wasn’t doing anything, but she felt like he wanted to. She just wasn’t sure. She could be making up everything in her head. He pulled back a little, and she knew the moment was going to pass. In a moment of pure insanity, she decided to just go for it. She still wasn’t brave enough to initiate a kiss, so she whispered, “Kiss me again.” She didn’t feel embarrassed this time; it felt right. For a moment, she thought he would. She mentally pleaded with him to. Instead, he pulled back completely. “I can’t.” He stood up, his fork still in his hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” And with that he left the room. Grace bit her lower lip, begging herself not to cry. Grabbing her purse, she ran from the room and to the front door. She didn’t tell Lynn she was leaving; she just left. She wasn’t sure if she ever wanted to come back. Not after she’d ruined everything. |