She gasped.
“I did need space, but not because of anything you did. I should have said more, but I wasn’t thinking straight.”
Grace was quiet. I finally snuck a glance at her and her brow was pinched. “Where did you go?”
“I went home. Or what used to be home. Mom was awake and we talked for a while. I needed that, and now it’s my goal to work through that fear.”
I thought that Grace would be relieved. Everything was okay now and we could move on, but instead, her teeth sank into her lip. “I—that’s incredible.” Her quiet voice startled me. “I just wish I knew this was happening.”
“You were tired and you needed sleep. I didn’t wanna wake you up for this.”
“But I wanted you to. I may not have known exactly what to say, but I could have gone with you to your mom’s.”
“Grace, it’s too much to carry even for me. I can’t put that on you.”
“But you can take onmyissues?” she asked.
I felt like I’d been sucker punched. “That’s different.”
“Not for me. My version of love isn’t one person taking on everything. I’ve done that before and it’s not what I want. I want you to be here for me, but I also want to do the same for you. Life is messy and heavy, and I don’t wanna go through thatalone anymore. You’re the first person I’mmewith, even if it’s not perfect. Please let me see the same thing.”
“But I—it’s not ...” I paused, not knowing what to say. I wasn’t sure why I wanted to hide the hard parts of my life from her, but I could remember when she tried to do the same to me.
“You said we were a team,” she reminded. “Doesn’t that apply here too?”
I nodded. “You’re right. I know you are. It’s just a habit to do it.”
“It was a habit to hide everything from everyone, but it makes sense that the fears are the hardest thing to let go of.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I hate that I fucked up on day one.”
“Don’t,” she said softly. “We’re just trying to get this right. I’ve messed up and you’ve forgiven me. And I’ll do the same for you.”
“Ineverwant to hurt you.”
Her smile was kind. “You can’t always be perfect. No matter how hard you try. Trust me, I know.”
“You handled this really well,” I said. “Seriously, you’re incredible.”
“Don’t give me too much credit. The girls smacked some sense into me, and I needed it.” She reached out and poked my shoulder. “Next time, I want it to be you, though.”
“Trust me, Mama, it will be.”
39
GRACE
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:Any update on Dean and Grace? I heard they already had a fight!
Comments:
Tammy Jane:Men. Ya can’t trust ’em.
Hu Gh:He was all out of breath over her. I bet he resolved it.
Kerry Winsor:I need DETAILS.@Mollie Wilson @Wren Hackett @Jade Clark