| Chapter Thirty |
| It took Lynn a few hours to fully comprehend Grace's announcement. Grace could understand Lynn’s confusion. It'd come out of the blue for the both of them, but once the words had left Grace’s lips, she’d felt a weight lifted from her shoulders.
When the truth finally dawned on her, Lynn refused to go down without a fight. She started begging even going as far as offering an exorbitant amount of money that Grace couldn’t accept. Desperate, Lynn went though a list of reasons why Grace couldn't leave beginning and ending with "I can't survive without you", but as much as she wanted to change her mind, Grace knew it was for the best. On some level, Lynn understood where Grace was coming from, and eventually, she accepted Grace’s decision although she was quick to mention that Grace was welcome back anytime she wanted. The only thing Lynn asked was that Grace stay on for at least two weeks to find a replacement. Realizing that Lynn honestly couldn’t survive without some help, Grace agreed deciding she owed Lynn that much. However, two and half weeks later, Grace was reconsidering it. The ads were in place but finding a replacement was proving harder than she imagined. Most of Grace’s work now included creating lists and manuals for her replacement. Her job seemed simple enough when she described it to friends, but there were so many things her successor would need to know. That was if they could ever find the right person. There were numerous applicants, but only a few were truly qualified. She'd met with a few that seemed hopeful, but none of them were a good fit. Lynn needed someone responsible but not too responsible like the British girl from earlier that week. She was more like a prison guard than assistant. By the time Grace ushered her out, the young girl was ready to make time charts for Lynn's day. Of course, there were also the applicants more interested in the free swag than the actual work. Grace usually crossed them off the list long before they could ask about the celebrities they’d meet. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay,” Lynn would ask nearly everyday growing weary of the employee search. Lynn never asked Grace why she was leaving, but Grace had a suspicion that Lynn knew the reason. There was a remorseful look in her eye every time his name came up. Luckily for Grace, that wasn’t often. In fact, Justin was quickly becoming a distant memory. He no longer lived with his mother choosing instead to stay at his home and work in his private recording studio. Grace, for a moment, wondered if his choice had something to do with her, but she learned that he often did this when the mood struck him. “It could be days or weeks before we see him again,” Lynn gloomily noted. With Justin gone, Grace rethought her decision to leave, but she had to admit that she was looking forward to the change. When she started with Lynn, she’d only planned on staying for a few months, hoping to get experience for her real passion: party planning. In fact, the one reason Grace had gotten the job was because of her interest in the field. If there was one thing Lynn wanted in a personal assistant, it was an interest in party planning. She had some applications out with companies, and although she hadn't heard back, she had a good feeling about it especially after Lynn’s shining recommendation. Lynn was always sure to mention the magnitude of Grace's planning experience listing off guest lists that sounded more like an Oscar party than a business luncheon. It was almost a month later before Grace found a decent replacement. Lydia came highly recommended from her previous employers, a movie producer and his wife, and although she was a few years younger than Grace, she got along famously with Lynn. For the first time, Lynn didn't seem so worried about Grace's departure. On her last week with Lynn, Grace spent most of her time working closely with Lydia. She answered questions and basically showed Lydia the ropes. Lydia was such a quick learner that by the middle of the week, Grace was doing less and less work. Lynn, for her part, tried to shift more of the work to her new assistant, but she still counted on Grace for the big projects. She wasn't quite ready to let a complete stranger take charge. On Thursday, Grace found herself sequestered in Lynn’s office, typing emails. She was staring to get a pain in her stomach knowing that she’d soon be gone. It was hard to leave someone she'd gotten to know so well. They would keep in touch, but it wouldn't be the same. Lynn obviously felt the same way seeing as she could barely look at Grace without bursting into tears. She felt tears threatening to spill from her own eyes as she typed a letter to one of Lynn’s business associates. It was a boring business email, but Grace could help but think it was the last type she’d type a letter for Lynn. Pausing in her typing, she picked up her pencil and added on to her list for Lydia. She jotted down, "Always CC Mrs. Darby (his secretary) when emailing Mr. Johnson" followed by "Mr. Johnson can't see very well, so use large font". She was constantly making lists for Lydia. There were so many things that needed to be done especially when typing a letter to one of Lynn's business contacts. She was putting the finishing touches on her email when she heard a soft tap at the door. “Come in,” she called assuming it was Lydia. She looked up expecting to see the timid brunette, but instead she met Justin’s eyes. "Oh," she breathed her back straightening on instinct. "Hi." His voice was low and rough sounding as though he would soon lose it all together. He looked haggard. His skin was pale like he hadn't seen the sun in weeks, and his hair had grown a little. There was a disheveled quality to him that still didn't deter her attraction. "Hi." They stared at each other. There was still that lingering pain in the pit of her stomach as she heard his rejection over and over in her mind, but at the same time, she felt older and more mature. Soon, he would be nothing more than a passing fancy. Just a brief moment in her past. "It's been a while." He leaned into the doorframe pressing his full weight into it. She nodded. “I’ve been working on my album,” he added in case she hadn’t heard. She nodded again. “Your mom told me. How’s it going?” He instantly brightened. "I think it's going to be great. It's like nothing I've ever done before,” he gushed, “I had a couple of people come in and listen to a few tracks, and they're really excited about it too.” His excitement made her smile. “That sounds good. I'm really happy for you." Despite everything, she wished him all the best. He acknowledged her remark with a nod of his head. "You should come by and listen. I'd love to get your opinion. I know you’ll be honest." Only a few weeks ago, she would have jumped at the chance, but she was smarter now. "No, I don't think that’d be a good idea." He seemed genuinely surprised by her answer, “Yeah, you’re right.” He tapped his finger on his leg, glancing at his mother's office as though he'd never seen it before. "I hear you're leaving." “Tomorrow’s my last day." "That's what I heard. My mom's heartbroken. I think she was ready to adopt you." Grace smiled, "She's a very sweet lady. I'll be sure to keep in touch." "She'll like that," his voice sounded distant as though he was thinking of something else. She nodded. He ran a hand over his head, skewing the tuft of hair growing in. "The only thing she didn't mention was," he paused, trying to find the right tone, "she didn't say why you're leaving." Grace's body stilled. She had a few reasons for quitting, but there was only one real reason. She just didn't want to tell him. "I don’t know. I just thought it was time. I can't be a personal assistant forever." He nodded, and she relaxed thinking he would drop the subject. "Why now?" She didn't have a ready response for that and stayed silent for a long while. He took her silence as the answer he needed. "Grace," he started like he always did before some long, regretful speech. She didn't want to hear anything he had to say, "It's not because of you if that's what you think." Her voice was overly sharp. "It occurred to me." The casualness in his tone annoyed her. "I wanted to move on with my life. It’s not a crime. The timing is just a coincidence." He didn't appear at all convinced. "Don't do anything because of me." "Don’t worry,” she bitterly spat out, “I don’t plan my day, let alone my life around you.” Why could he leave her alone? She was doing so well. He looked ready to drop the topic, but she was too caught up in her outrage and anger to let it go. “I can’t believe your ego. Honestly, you think you’re so great that I’d leave my job because you hurt my feelings?” “I get the point.” He sounded hurt. “No, I don’t think you do,” she paused, “It was fun and exciting while it lasted, and yes, I wanted something more. I made that clear to you, and you did me a favor by throwing it back in my face. I’m over you now. There are more fish in the sea.” She inwardly cringed at her last sentence hating the use of a cliché. He pushed away from the door frame and squared his shoulders. "Well, I'm glad to hear that I don't have to worry about you anymore." "You don't," she huffed. His voice was thick with formality. She wasn't quite sure how, but she'd managed to offend his feelings. "I guess I should be going. I won't be around to say goodbye, so I guess I'll say it now. Good luck with everything." She opened her mouth to give her equally civil response when Lydia hustled in holding her cell phone as though it was the Holy Grail. "It's Lynn," she whispered sounding panicked. Grace reached for the phone, but Lydia pulled it away. "No, it's for him." She cast a glance at Justin, who didn't seem at all phased. Without a word, he walked over and grabbed the phone. Grace and Lydia exchanged confused glances as Justin spoke with his mother. "I was talking to her about the menu for next week, and I mentioned that he'd shown up. She wanted to talk to him about something, so she told me to bring him the phone," Lydia whispered. "She hasn't been able to get him on the phone for days." Grace frowned inwardly at Lydia's gossiping. She'd have to warn her about the pitfalls of gossip when you worked for someone famous, but for now, she indulged her own curiosity and listened to Justin's conversation. "Are you kidding? Today?" He paced around the room. "Yeah, I could get there. It'd be great, but it's short notice." He gave an overly dramatic sigh, "I had my phone off. I always have it off when I'm in the studio. Yes, next time I'll keep it on in case you need me." The last was said in a monotone voice as though he was repeating some mantra Lynn was forcing on him. He glanced at his watch, "If I leave now, I could probably make it." His eyes darted to Grace, "I don't know. I'll ask. Hold on." He pulled the phone away from his ear, "Grace, I need a ride to the airport. Do you mind?" After their recent exchange, she was so caught off guard that she blurted out, "Why me?" "I have to get there soon. I can’t take my car and leave it at the airport, and no one else can get here in time." He looked to Lydia, "Do you have a car?" Lydia's eyes widened and her jaw fell open. Grace could only imagine what was going through the young girl’s mind. "I'll do it," she blurted out, imagining poor Lydia falling under the spell of Justin Timberlake. She wouldn't subject her to that. "Grace will drive me,” he announced into the phone, “I’ll call you when I get it.” He hung up the phone and handed it to Lydia saying “Thank you.” Lydia's response was a low, "your welcome" before she rushed out of the door without a second glance. "She's shy," Grace said, feeling the need to explain Lydia's behavior, "but she's really good." He shrugged as though it didn't matter all that much to him. "I'm sure she'll do great." Grace nervously chewed on her lower lip and stood, pressing her hands on the desk. She did her best to appear casual, "My car's in the front." He nodded and extended his hand indicating that she should lead the way, which she did. She felt a pang of regret at having worn her most unflattering pair of jeans. They had a tendency to slip and bunch up giving her rear the appearance of being five times larger. They walked in silence down the stairs. Justin always stayed behind her where she couldn't see him. She could feel his presence at her back. "I'll be right back. Call me if you need anything," Grace called out to Lydia hoping that wherever she was, the young girl could hear her. When they reached the outside, Grace saw Justin’s Escalade parked in the driveway. "Are you going to just leave that here?" She gestured to his monstrous car. "It's easier that way," he surveyed his pride and joy, "We can take it if you want." Grace had an image of herself trying to maneuver his car and hitting something. She could never afford to fix any damages. "I think we'll take mine if you don't mind." She almost expected him to refuse to ride in her outdated car, but he simply shrugged. She was somewhat embarrassed by her means of transportation especially after riding in his customized luxury vehicle. Unlike all the other times they'd been together, he didn't offer to open the door. Instead he went to passenger side, climbing in as though he'd done it millions of times before. She almost chuckled seeing him so cramped in her car. He looked mildly uncomfortable but didn't say a word. He pushed the seat back and reclined the seat until he finally found enough space to please himself. He smiled brightly at her as though he'd achieved some great feat. She rolled her eyes and started the car, carefully backing up so not to hit his monstrosity blocking more than half the driveway. "Some people should learn to park," she grumbled under her breath. He chuckled lightly in response and watched her progress probably worried about his baby. Once they were out on the open road, he reached for the radio, but on instinct, she slapped it away. "Driver's rights," she called, switching it to her favorite station. They rode in silence. Ever so often she'd hear him quietly singing along, but no one said a word. She appreciated the quiet. It helped her forget his presence. She was so close to leaving and never looking back. If only she could get through today and tomorrow, she could forget all about him. His phone started to ring, and with an apologetic look, he turned down the radio and answered it. "Hey." Grace tried not to listen, but she was so close to him that it was impossible. "Yeah, I'm on my way to the airport now." "Tampa." "You should fly down. I'll be there for a few weeks. We can definitely work on some things." "Sounds good. I'll talk to you later. Yeah, bye." He hung up the phone and shoved it back into his pocket. Now that the silence had been broken, Grace felt like she should say something. "You're flying to Tampa?" He looked surprised like he hadn't expected her to ever talk to him. "Yeah. There's a producer down there I want to work with." "For your album?" She couldn't believe the stupidity of her question. He nodded, "I've known him for years, but we've never worked together. I sent him some of the stuff I've worked on, and he's got some great ideas. He only has a few days free though, so I have to fly now if I don't want to miss my chance." She could hear the passion in his voice. He was so excited about his work that it made her smile in spite of everything. "It sounds like it's going to be great." "I hope so." There was a hint of fear in his voice. "I know it will," she turned away from the road to give him a kind smile. She really did believe in him. He may not be the easiest person to understand when it came to emotions, but she knew that anyone as passionate as he was would be successful. He thanked her. Somehow the tension had crept up on them bringing back the awkwardness. They rode in silence until they got closer to the airport. He gave her directions to a smaller hanger that housed a private jet. She drove down the winding path, her heart pounding. Despite everything, she really didn't want him to go. It felt so final. A little part of her would always wish things had turned out differently. She parked the car and saw a line of people waiting for him. She saw a man she recognized as Justin's bodyguard from this birthday party. There was another equally large man that she assumed was another guard. There were also a handful of beautiful women and two men all dressed in blue uniforms. They were all watching as Grace’s car approached, waiting patiently to spring to action. When the car stopped, Justin turned to Grace looking as though he wanted to say something. “Thank you for the ride,” he finally said, reaching for the car door. She considered driving away as soon as he exited the car but realized she should wait and make sure he took off. Turning off the engine, she got out of the car in time to hear one of the men approach Justin and introduce himself as the pilot. The pilot took the time to go over a few flight detail with Justin before gesturing to a woman who quickly ran over with a duffle bag. The man explained that Lynn had a bag sent over assuming that Justin wouldn't pack anything. Lynn’s planning ahead brought a smile to Grace’s face. "I'll give you a moment," the pilot said, his eyes darting to Grace. He rushed back to the line of people, and like a button had been pressed, they sprang to life to start preparing for takeoff. Justin turned to Grace approaching her slowly. “I guess this really is goodbye then.” “I guess so.” He scratched his head, one of the many nervous gestures of his, “About earlier-“ “We don’t have to talk about it,” she interrupted, wanting not to dwell on it, “Let’s just forget it.” He thought for a moment before nodding. He held out his hand, “Good luck with everything.”’ Their hands met for a brief moment, their eyes locked. She looked down, unnerved by the emotions swimming through her. “You too.” There was an air of finality in their demeanors. The tension was thick as they stood there, waiting for someone to say something more. He laughed nervously, “I feel like I’m shipping off to sea never to be heard from again.” She saluted him, “Ahoy matey.” She giggled lightly glad to have the tension lessened. “I’m going to miss that witty humor of yours.” “You’ll make do,” her smile was genuine. Despite everything, she liked hearing that he’d miss her. It made her feel special. He turned his head momentarily to watch the plane’s staff scurrying about. He turned to her. His eyes bore into hers, “Come with me.” He searched her eyes, trying to gauge a response. She was caught off guard. "What?" "Get on the plane with me. Go to Tampa. "Why?" She was at once confused and angry. Why couldn’t he let things go? His gaze deepened, "Because I want you to." He reached for her hand, capturing it for only a second before she pulled it away. She shook her head violently, "No, you don't." Her response amused him, "Really? Because it feels like I do." "But why?" Her voice was bordering on whiny. She didn’t understand anything at that moment. He considered her question for a moment, but unable to come up with a suitable answer, he shrugged his shoulders, "I don’t know. Because you want to, and I want you to?” It was a reasonable answer, but it infuriated her nonetheless. “That night,” she broke off, shaking her head hoping things would fall into place and make sense. Without any further information, he knew what she meant. His voice grew soft. "I am so sorry for what happened that night. I was stupid. You scared the hell out of me.” He leaned into her car, tired and defeated. “Grace, I don't know what I'm doing right now, but I know that when I get on that plane, we’ll probably never see each other. I don’t want that to happen." "But you rejected me,” she prodded, “I told you how I felt, and you rejected me." He threw his hands up. She’d never seen him so frustrated. "What do you want me to say? I was stupid. You surprised me, and I reacted badly. I'm sorry. I've been thinking about you these last few weeks, and I've realized that despite everything, there’s something there. I can’t help the way I feel. God knows I’ve tried to fight it, but it’s there.” Those last words caught her attention. "Why were you fighting it?" He was surprised by her question. "What?" "Why? Why did you fight it?" In her heart, she knew the answer. "I don't unders-" She wouldn’t let him get off so easily. "If you did feel something for me, why would you fight it? What was wrong?" It was there in his eyes. "Grace-" "You always do that. You always say my name like that when you don't want to say something. Just say it." "What do you expect me to say," he demanded, angry at being backed against a wall. "The truth,” knowing he wouldn’t say it, she did it for him, “It's because of the way I look." "Why do you always say that? There's nothing wrong with the way you look. You're beautiful." "Why do you always say that" she threw his words back in his face, "You say I’m beautiful, but you don’t mean it. I’m sure you’re not repulsed by me otherwise you would have never kissed me, but I'm not like the girls you date and that freaks you out." "You're right.” It cut through her to hear him admit it. “You're nothing like the girls I’ve dated. They were all perfect looking. Hell, you've seen Olivia and Sadie." He sounded angry and offended, which only further aggravated her. She was the one being insulted. "Is that what you wanted to hear?" "Yes." "Well, good,” he pushed away from the car until he was standing inches away from her, “Now you can listen to what I have to say." He waited until she was looking up at him. "I think you're beautiful, and I don’t give a damn if you believe me or not. No, you’re not perfect, but who cares? I’ve spent the last few years of my life with perfect women. Beautiful, amazing women that meant nothing to me. I didn’t talk to them like I talk to you. Never for a second did they make me feel as comfortable as you did in the first few minutes of knowing you. I’m myself with you. Do you think that happens with just anyone? Trust me, it doesn't.” He took her hand, relieved when she didn’t pull away. His voice lowered, “You're so damn naive you think I should be this prince sweeping you off your feet, but truth is, I'm just like every other idiot guy. I don't know what I'm doing here. I make a lot of mistakes, as you well know, and I'll probably make a lot more, but don't ever think that I for one second looked at you and thought you weren't good enough for me. If anything, I feel like I'm not good enough for you. You're so innocent and sweet. You look at me sometimes like I'm a hero in a movie. How can I ever live up to that?” She remained silent for a long time. She wanted nothing more than to go with him, but despite all the wonderful things he’d said, her common sense prevailed. “What happens if I go with you,” she asked finally. “What do you mean?” “If I get on that plane, what happens? We spend a few days in Tampa, and then what? What about when your album come out and you have a tour?” After his long speech, he hadn’t expected an inquisition. He searched his mind for the right answer, the response that would get her on the plane. He was all out of flowery words and declarations. He settled on the truth, “Grace, I don’t know what’s going to happen any more than you do. We could find out that we’re better off friends, or maybe, just maybe, we’ll discover that we have something here. I don’t know. I can’t make you any promises.” The uncertainty in his voice solidified her decision. She’d spent too much time waiting for him, wondering how he felt. She wasn’t going through that again. “That’s not good enough for me,” she took a deep, calming breath, “You say so many wonderful things, but what about tomorrow or next week? You were right when you said I was looking for prince charming. I’m just not sure if you’re it anymore.” She expected him to be angry or hurt, but instead he laughed. “I should have known you’d be stubborn until the end." He squeezed her hand before letting it fall, “I feel like I went 10 rounds in a boxing match and lost.” She smiled, "So do I." The sound of the plane engine filled the air. One of the bodyguards was standing a few feet away. He was doing his best to stare off in space and ignore their conversation. "You sure you won’t change your mind? I can be very persuasive." He comically lifted his eyebrows suggestively. There was still a hint of uncertainty in his eyes, but he was trying his best to make the best of the situation. “If you touch me, I’ll kick you.” He shook his head in disbelief. “You’re going to be a hard woman to forget, Grace MacGregor. “ Not wanting to touch the remark, she ignored it. “Have a nice flight.” “Thanks. Maybe I’ll see you around when I get back.” Her smile was false when she agreed, telling him that she’d be around. He said goodbye again not bother with a handshake or hug. As he walked away and greeted the staff, she felt a pang in her heart. She would miss him. Once the plane took off, she never wanted to see him again. She'd been strong enough to protect her heart today, but she wasn't so sure she could do it again. |