| Chapter Twenty-three |
| Lynn pulled into the driveway a half hour after Justin and Grace had decided to be just friends. She'd been sitting on the stoop, waiting while he polished his car. He would look over at her every once in a while with a pensive look, but that would be quickly replaced by a smile. Lynn walked up to Grace, and then right past her. "I'd like to talk to you." Timidly, Grace followed. She heard Justin yell from behind, "Nice knowing you." She wanted to flip him the bird, but since that wasn't very lady like, she ignored him. Grace walked into the kitchen with every intention of making excuses for her behavior from the day before. "If you're quitting, tell me now and get it over with." Grace was dumbfounded. "I'm not quitting. I promise." Sighing, Lynn nodded. "Okay. Just checking." She went to the refrigerator and poured herself some orange juice. "You don't want an explanation?" "As long as you won't let it happen again, it doesn’t matter." "It won't happen again." "Okay." Lynn listed today's agenda which Grace diligently took down. She was beginning to believe that confusing her was a family hobby. "Grace, honey, can I ask you something?" "Yes, of course." "Is there anything…going on?" "Going on?" Clearing her throat, Lynn clarified, "Between you and…Justin?" Did the whole world know? "He's my friend." "I know, but…is that all? I'm just asking. I want you to know that this doesn't affect your job at all." "Just friends." Unfortunately. "Oh, okay. Just asking." She finished reading off her list, "I have a suit that needs to be picked up from the drycleaners. I'll need that done before this afternoon." "Yes, of course. I'll get that done as soon as possible." She put a star next to drycleaner in her planner. "Well, that's it for today. That should keep you busy all day." "I'll come to you if I finish early." "That's fine." Lynn puckered her lips in thought and suddenly said, "Grace, don't let him break your heart." "Excuse me?" There was sadness in her eyes, like a worried mother, "Don't let him break your heart. Girls fall in love with him, but he doesn't always fall in love with them. He doesn't mean to hurt anyone, but he's such a flirt. I don't even think he knows what he's doing. You're a very sweet girl Grace. I don't want to see you hurt." Lynn was like the little voice in Grace's head. They both were saying the same thing. He was going to hurt her. Not intentionally but he was. "I'm fine. Really. Thank you for your concern." "Okay. I'll see you later." She was frowning as she went back to work. She left Lynn and headed outside. Justin was still taking care of his car or "baby" as he called it. "Good to see you're still in one piece," he said when he saw her. "Yeah." He smiled at her, looking gorgeous of course. He was going to break her heart. Worse, she wasn't sure she could stop him even if she wanted to. |