GRACE
When Connor and I came back from his mother’s place, he was trying so hard to act like everything was alright, and nothing was wrong. But I wished he wouldn’t act that way.
I wanted us to talk, to talk about his mother because as much as she wouldn’t stop me from seeing Connor, I wouldn’t want any of his family member to be against us being together, especially someone as important as his mother.
She was extremely important to him so her opinion should count too when it came to our union, to an extent.
Also, I was trying to understand why Connor had never mentioned anything about my parents’ house to me all these while. I kept thinking about it all the way from Wales to London but couldn’t wrap my head around how strong his reasons could be. Why didn’t he tell me about the house? My parent’s house, the only thing I got from my parent after their death. The same house I had to give up on even though I didn’t want to. I wished every day I had raised my child there.
He never told me any of that, he knew the house was gotten from, Grace Jones. How many Grace Jones was there anyway? I was damn sure he knew it was me and if he didn’t, he should have just simply asked me but he chose to be quiet about it.
When his mother brought it up, I turned to look at him and realized that he wasn’t a surprise at all. He only looked mad at his mother for bringing it up, not shocked as I expected him to be. I wanted us to talk about everything, but I was scared of hearing his answers. Did he approach me because of that? I asked myself for a moment.
Of course not, Connor could buy hundreds of houses that were many times bigger, with better locations and sophistication than my parent’s house. He was that wealthy, I know, but why did he never bother to tell me about it?
Was there a deeper reason behind not telling me?
“Mummy, when is dad coming to get us?” Laurie asked, dragging me out of my retrospection.
“Uhm sweetie, daddy is traveling for business so we won’t see him for some time okay?” I lied, relieved that I had previously warned Connor not to come to the house.
I needed space to think. I tried to think of excuses for his actions but couldn’t bring up one.
”But can I talk to him? We can face time right?” Laurel pushed looking up at me with puppy eyes, and I couldn’t help dropping the laundries I was sorting out to go sit with her on the love seat.
”Of course you can, Laurie, dad would want to talk to you too.” I explained patting her hair, and smiling at her.
I had promised Connor not to keep his daughter from him, so they could always talk whenever they wanted till I was able to sort out my feeling or till he decides to tell me the truth.
It was the price I was paying for not leaving my child back there. But how could he even think of proposing to me while withholding such a big secret from me? What was he going to get out of it?
”Okay, so when are going back? I miss my stuffed toys and granny Thais.” She stared at me with innocent expectations in her naive eyes.
Oh, dear god! I exclaimed in my head, trying to stay as calm as possible. And Laurel wasn’t making it easy for me at all.
”Soon baby, soon.” I tried convincing her but she didn’t look like she believed a single word I just said.
How on earth do kids these days grow up so fast?
I kissed her forehead and got up to continue sorting out the laundries. The room seemed stuffy, so I decided to go open the blinds but as soon as I drew it open, I wished I didn’t.
As I opened it, my eyes fell on the same black car that he got for me few months back. It wasn’t supposed to be here because I had driven it to his mansion when I was going to live with him.
Why the hell was it here? Was this supposed to make me forgive him or go back? He should know by now that his money can never move me. I scoffed and went back into arranging my tiny room and bringing it back to life, while remembering the look in his eyes as I dragged my bag down his mansion stairs.
Was it too harsh of me to leave? What if we had gotten married already? Would I have been able to pick up my things and leave his house just like that? I sighed, dropping my tired ass on my sofa.
“Let’s not think about that, Grace, remember you’re not letting any man walk over you for any reason!” I tried cheering myself up, but was interrupted loud knocks on my door.
Would be no other person than Jody of course, I rolled my eyes and went to open the door. My everlastingly enthusiastic friend pushed her way into the house as soon as the door fell open. Typical Jody.
And after her, NK strode in calmly with an unreadable expression on her face.
“Laurieeeeeee!” Jody sang, rushing to Laurel who ran into her arms happily. “I’ve missed you so much!” Jody shrieked, scooping her up while intentionally ignoring me.
She dropped a white cellophane bag on the couch so she could carry Laurie properly, and I ran to check it, hoping it would contain popcorn, or ice-cream, or waffles or mint-Choco ice-cream flavor, my favorite flavor ever.
However, I was utterly disappointed when I opened the bag and saw packs of tissues instead of the things I was expecting. I raised an eyebrow at NK and then Jody but NK ignored me and took her seat on the sofa, while Jody sat on the love seat, balancing Laurel on her laps.
My friends knew I was trying to act strong because of Laurel when in fact, I was hurting like crazy inside of me.
“Laurie, I bought you a story book. Will you take it up to your room to look it out?” NK soothing voice came out as she brought out a hard cover children’s book and handed it over to Laurie.
My daughter squealed happily, thanking NK before hopping over to the room. I squirmed in fright, knowing they were about to eat me up.
“What the hell, Grace! How could you be so impulsive? I thought you were the reasonable one?” Jody snapped angrily as soon as Laurie close the bedroom’s door.
“Jody… easy.” NK nodded at Jody and then turned to face me, “Honestly, Grace, I hope your reason for being this spontaneous is well thought, because I honestly can’t seem to understand it.”
“Guys,” I sighed, knowing they were doing all these because they cared about me. “Please trust me, I can’t just pick my things and leave Connor without a good reason. I love him, no matter what happens but I really can’t understand what exactly is going on.” I said before going ahead to explain everything to them, how his mother treated me, and what I found out.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Jody smacked her teeth in irritation, “I can’t believe Connor’s mother is one of those stuck up mother-in-laws who vow to make the life of their daughter-in-law miserable. How could she do that to you after her son proposed to you publicly like that? Or didn’t she see the news? It was everywhere! Connor Shelby’s proposal is the top in the search list since yesterday!” she slapped her face in frustration, shaking her head.
“So, is that why you left? Because of his mother? Is she enough reason?” NK asked, folding her arms over her chest.
I raked my hand through my hair, tired of explaining the same thing over and over again to them. “Did you seriously not hear what I said about my parent’s house and how much of a shock it was to me that Connor knew all along and decided not to say anything, is that fair at all?”
“I’m sure he has his reasons, Gracie. After knowing who Connor really is, I trust him more now, so I believe you should too and give him time.” NK therapeutic tone smoothened all my frustrations with her words.
“I agree. Trust him and give him some time.” Jody added, giving me an encouraging smile that caused my heart to warm up instantly. “Hold on a sec, I don’t see your ring, Gracie!” Jody shrieked, leaping from her chair and grabbing my left hand, peering at my fingers like she wasn’t seeing clearly.
“I took it off, ma’am,” I scoffed, dragging my hand away from her grip and bringing out the ring from my jean pocket. “Here it is.” I pointed it at Jody’s face and she snatched it from me as a wide grin spread across her face.
“Oh my freaking god! Grace, this is absolutely gorgeous!” she yelled and showed it to NK whose eyes widened in shock as well, then she lifted it to the light and gasped as the diamond in the middle of the ring sparkled. “It’s real diamond, Grace! It’s freaking real! If I’m ever proposed with a ring like this, I’m not taking it off even though we get divorced.” she laughed, handing it back to me with a scowl.
“How are you, Jody?” I asked, all of a sudden, remembering she was still dealing with her breakup with Marcus.
“Me?” she stared at me with a startled expression. “Today is not about me, Gracie, we were supposed to be celebrating with you!” another laughter ranged out from her and NK scowled.
“Answer the question, Jody, how are you? What’s going on in your life right now?” NK asked her with a stern voice, and I got up and headed to my refrigerator to get us cans of beer.
Jody currently looked like she had a lot to tell us.
“Well, there’s nothing really interesting going on, it’s just that Marcus came to my office today.” her normally sharp voice sounded lower than usual. She took a can from me and took a long swig. NK dropped hers on the table in front of her and continued listening.
“So, what did he want?” I asked sitting beside her and opening my own can. I watched her every expression now.
“He said he wanted me back and he couldn’t do without me anymore, you know the drill,” she drugged and took another swig.
I almost laughed, but she looked too serious. “So?” NK pressed, leaning forward.
“So, I told him I was done with all of that and I didn’t need it anymore,” she continued and I was about to sigh, but Jody wasn’t done yet, “But I called back after he left he office.” she gave NK and me an embarrassed look.
“You called him back? Why would you do that?” NK asked in exasperation. I was exasperated as well, Jody was just too unpredictable.
“I wanted him, I won’t lie. But I promised not to let myself catch feelings anymore. He’s great in bed and makes terrific pastas. I can date someone else if I like and dump him.” She concluded nonchalantly and NK threw her head back with a dramatic sigh.
“Jesus, Jody!” NK groaned, face smacking herself. “What kind of a relationship is that? You’re better that that, girl.” NK grabbed Jody’s shoulders and twirled her to face her.
I stood there, too speechless to speak. I felt stupid, remembering how I yelled at Connor when Marcus did that to Jody.
“Look, Jody. When purpose is not defined, abuse is inevitable. Being in an undefined relationship with a guy like Marcus is giving him exactly what he wants!” NK shook Jody like she was trying to bring her back to her senses.
“You might get hurt again, Jody, it’s too risky.” I said meekly, crouching to her side. “You deserve better than that, dear friend.”
“I know, guys, I just want to be happy. Marcus wants something serious and defined now, but I can’t give him that chance anymore.” she let her head drop as she spoke.
“Then what if you fall in love with him again? What would you do? You said t yourself that Marcus is easy to love.” NK reminded her and she smiled at the both of us.
“Don’t worry, guys, I’ll be fine, I promise.” she assured us and before I could say I didn’t believe her, Laurel ran into the sitting room with my phone on her hands.
“Your phone is ringing, mommy,” she informed me and handed the phone to me before skipping back to the room. I stared down at the phone and realized it was an unsaved number.
I picked it up and a female voice spoke out before I could ask who it was. “Come get your fiancé, Grace. He’s embarrassed himself enough for one night.” the unknown female announced and ended the call.