| Chapter Twenty-eight |
| Grace sat alone on the beach, running her hands through the sand. She loved the way the grains felt as they grazed her skin. For the first time that night, she felt completely comfortable. She’d long ago removed her shoes and rolled up her sleeves, and it probably wouldn’t be long before she let down her hair
When Olivia had left, Grace had spent a good deal of time thinking over everything she’d said, but she eventually realized that she wasn’t going to figure everything out in one night. After she came to that realization, it occurred to her that she should return to the party, but that idea was quickly discarded. She knew she’d have to return eventually; Justin was her ride home after all, but there was no rush. For now, she was content to be on the beach, listening to the waves. Behind her, Ron’s beach bash seemed to going strong. The music was so loud that she could almost make out the lyrics, and if she listened closely, she could almost make out the sound of people talking and laughter on the deck. Of course, she was trying her hardest not to listen. As much as humanely possible, she wanted to block it from her mind. She wanted to feel miles away as if none of that existed. Most of all, she wanted to pretend like Justin and all the drama that came with him didn’t exist. The beach was a Justin-free zone. She was enjoying her time alone when she heard the distinct sound of footsteps approaching. She didn’t turn around. Somehow, she knew it was him. “Fancy meeting you here,” his voice was playful as if he’d just found her during a game of hide and seek. She absentmindedly brushed sand from her hands. “Hey.” He took the last remaining steps towards her and hesitantly sat down. He was quick to pick up on her mood, and when he spoke again, his voice changed considerably. “I’m sorry about earlier. I honestly thought I’d only be gone for a few minutes.” She could hear the sincerity in his voice. “On a scale of 1 to 10, how mad at me are you right now? One being ‘not so much’ and ten being ‘the cops will never find your body’.” Despite her best efforts, a small laugh escaped her lips. She hated to give in so soon, but she knew that he felt guilty. “I think you’re safe for now.” Crisis averted, his stance relaxed. “I really am sorry,” he began, “I know I’ve been a complete jerk.” She didn’t argue with that assessment. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ve spent the better part of tonight meeting everyone Ron knows including the friends from high school he put on speak phone. I met so many people. I think I may I have agreed to perform at someone’s wedding. I can’t be sure.” He seemed so genuinely befuddled that she wasn’t sure if he was joking. She normally would have felt sorry for him, but it secretly pleased her that he’d been miserable too. “I guess that’s not how you planned on spending tonight, huh?” His response was an odd half laugh, half grunt. “You can say that again.” With absolutely no grace at all, he plopped back onto the sand. He stared up at the starless sky momentarily before shutting his eyes. “This isn’t so bad though,” he sighed, already sounding as if he was half asleep. He looked as relaxed and content as she felt in that moment. She took the opportunity to unabashedly stare at him. It was funny how sometimes Grace forgot just who he was. She no longer saw the world famous musician; he was just her friend and deep down she knew that if he let her, she could love him. “Justin,” she murmured his name almost wishing he couldn’t hear her. “Huh?” His cocked his head in her direction but didn’t open his eyes. She was glad for that. She thought of their friendship and everything Olivia had said. Summoning all the courage she could muster, she made her voice clear and strong, “I like you.” Simple words, but they summed up everything she felt. He remained unmoved, but she saw his breathing hitch momentarily. Slowly, his eyes opened and fixed on hers. “I like you too.” His voice was noncommittal. It was possible that he was simply referring to their friendship and nothing more. Maybe it was the salty sea air or the glass of wine she’d had earlier, but Grace was suddenly caught up in her need to make him understand. She could give him a long speech detailing exactly what she felt, but she chose to be as straightforward as possible. Without a word, she bent down and pressed her lips to his. He was shocked at first, and for a moment, it felt as if he was going to turn away. She felt him hesitate, and it scared her beyond belief. Suddenly, his arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer. She felt his free hand, rough from the sand, graze across her temple. It tickled, and she wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. So wrapped up in her joy, Grace didn’t notice when his body suddenly became rigid. It wasn’t until he pulled away and turned his head, unable to look at her, that she realized that something was wrong. She’d been so lost in their kiss that it took her a moment to remember where she was. She was mortified to realize that she’d been sprawled across his body, her weight pressing into him. She quickly moved away, and to her dismay, he didn’t protest. “We shouldn’t do that.” He still wouldn’t look at her. His words stung. “Why not?” Finally, he turned to face her. His eyes were tender. ”Look, Grace, you’re an amazing girl, and I love being with you...” She knew what was coming next. She couldn’t meet his eyes. “But.” ”But I think that we’re better off as friends.” Her lips began to form a response, but no sound came from her mouth. She didn’t know what she could say to that. He seemed so resolved in his words that she knew any argument from her would fall on deaf ears. “It’s not that I don’t like you. We have an amazing friendship, and I don’t want to ruin that. You’re someone I trust and feel comfortable around. You don’t know how much that means to me.” She couldn’t take it anymore. “You don’t have to do that.” Grace was willing herself not to cry. She could almost hate him for all the times he’d brought tears to her eyes. “Do what?” He appeared genuinely confused. “Try and make me feel better. I understand.” She hated the bitterness in her own voice. She would have tried to hide her emotions, but after everything he’d put her through, she couldn’t suppress it anymore. “You’re mother told me this would happen. I should have known. I mean, why would you be interested? I don’t know what I was thinking.” She was talking more to herself than him. “What are you talking about?” “You know what I’m talking about. I was so stupid. I actually thought I had a chance with you. How crazy is that?” “Why is that so crazy?” She emitted a half groan, half sigh, “You know why.” “No, I don’t. Why?” “Because…,” she gestured to herself, “I’m not exactly your type.” “And what exactly is my type?” His voice was growing increasingly irritated. “Not me.” “Why?” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “You know why!” “No, I don’t know why. You’re a wonderful, beautiful woman. I would be lucky to be with someone like you.” She heard everything he was saying, but none of it resonated with her. Despite everything he said, there was one plain and simple truth, “But you don’t want me.” Her voice sounded lifeless even to her own ears. His reached his hand out to comfort her, but she recoiled. “Grace, please. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just thought-” She interrupted him. Taking a deep, calming breath, she summoned all the strength she had. “It doesn’t matter. I know you said that you want to stay friends, but right now, I don’t think that’s going to work for me.” There was a look of absolute shock on his face. Her self-pity was quickly replaced by anger. Did he honestly think that they’d still be friends after her rejected her? Did he think that he could just kiss her like that and everything would be okay? She had to put an end to things, or he’d just continue to walk all over her feelings. “Grace…” She stood up and dusted the sand from her clothes. Her heart was breaking, but she did her best to project a calm and collected attitude. “I’m sorry, but it has to be like this. I can’t do this anymore.” “Grace.” She ignored him. “I’ll call Mindy to pick me up.” Her voice had started to crack, and she knew that if she didn’t leave, she’d start crying. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She started to walk away determined to get far away, but on instinct, she turned when he called her name again. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. She nodded her acceptance but couldn’t say a word. She left him sitting there alone. She felt awful, but on some level, she knew it was for the best. Maybe now she’d finally be able to forget about Justin Timberlake. If only she didn’t have to see him every day |