by Elicia Hyder
“A little less horrible than I was this morning. Thank you for asking.”
Monica and Zoey walked in behind her. “Hi, Zo. Thank you for coming,” I said, reaching for her.
She came over and took my hand. “I wanted to come up earlier, but we decided you were hopefully sleeping.”
“I was.” I looked at Jason. “We both were. Zoey, did you meet Jason?”
She shook her head.
“Zoey, Jason. Jason, Zoey,” I said.
He walked over to shake her hand.
“Nice to meet you. Thanks for taking such good care of our friend,” she said.
“It was my pleasure.” Jason checked my cup. “Grace, I’m going to get you some more ice, and then take Bodhi out.”
“Thank you.”
“Happy to.”
Monica caught my eye. “Olivia said to give you her love. She had to leave earlier to open the restaurant.”
“Of course.” I looked at Kiara. “How’d it go?”
“I think it’s safe to say that we did more business today than we have since I’ve been working for you.” Kiara handed me the printed receipt from the point-of-sale system.
I choked.
It was enough to cover the property taxes, the rest of what I owed to the fertility doctor, and Kiara’s spending money for New York.
“You have got to be kidding me!”
“This girl is a rock star,” Monica said, putting her hands on Kiara’s shoulders.
“You all are,” I added.
Jason returned with my ice cup. Then he waved to my friends. “If you all aren’t here when I get back, it was very nice to meet you. I hope to see you again.”
They all echoed their thanks, then he called Bodhi to him and left the apartment. When he was gone, Monica flopped down on the bed in his spot. “Oh my god, Grace. I love him.”
“He’s super nice. How long have you been dating?” Zoey asked.
“We aren’t,” I said.
Kiara put her hands on her hips. “Coulda fooled me.”
Monica raised her hand. “Me too.”
I covered my face. “He has seen me puke so many times today. At one point, he even held my hair back.”
“That guy loves you,” Monica said.
“No, I think he was just afraid I was going to die.” Before I went too crazy with the Gatorade, I put it back on the nightstand and settled against my pillow. “I don’t know what I would have done without you all today.”
“It was actually kind of fun,” Zoey said. “I’ve never worked retail before.”
“Really?” Monica asked.
“You’re a natural,” Kiara said. “She helped the customers and Monica rang them up. I took all the custom orders.”
“How many did we have?”
“Forty-seven.”
I choked on the air. “What?”
“You heard me.”
“Forty-seven? Like, three shy of fifty dresses?”
“Yes, ma’am. We’ve got our work cut out for us. I already sent five each to Margaret and Carla.”
I gripped the sides of my head. “They’re not guaranteed by Christmas are they?”
She shook her head. “Oh no. I told everyone that it was a minimum of six to eight weeks, but if I got a hint that they were hoping it could be a gift for Christmas, I secretly made a note of it. I thought we could prioritize those.”
“You’re a genius, Kiara,” I said.
She did a little curtsy. “Thank you.”
“Her boyfriend is pretty adorable too.” Monica propped her head up on her elbow. “He stayed all day, bagging up orders, greeting customers with hot chocolate—”
“As long as the hot chocolate lasted.” Kiara laughed. “I think we need a bigger thermos.”
“True,” Zoey agreed. “I didn’t even get any, and I was here by ten thirty.”
“Really, guys. I don’t know what I would do without you. All of you.” I looked pointedly at each of them.
Monica put her hand on my arm. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better.”
“Me too,” Kiara said.
“Me three,” Zoey added.
Kiara jerked her thumb over her shoulder. “I’ve got to run. Davion went to get the car. I just wanted to tell you the good news.”
“Are you still working tomorrow?”
“Yes, ma’am. I plan on coming in early, if you don’t mind the extra hours. I’ve got lots to do.”
“I don’t mind at all. You can work as many hours as you want. And I don’t have practice, so I’ll come down in the morning.”
“You rest and get to feeling better. And spend some time with Bodhi…and Officer Eye Candy.” She winked and turned toward the door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Kiara.”
“Bye, ladies,” Kiara said with a wave to Monica and Zoey. “It was great to hang with you. You did great today!”
“Thanks, Kiara. Bye,” Monica said.
“It was nice to meet you!” Zoey called after her. When she was gone, Zoey stepped closer to the bed again. “I’m going to head out too, Grace.”
“Thank you so much, Zoey. I owe you one.”
She took my hand again. “You owe me nothing. I’ll see you at the Slammy Awards next weekend?”
I touched my forehead. “I forgot all about it. But yes. I’ll be there.”
“You, Monica?” Zoey asked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
She walked around to give Monica a hug. “OK. See you then.”
“Be safe going home!” I called as loudly as I could as she walked to the door.
“I will!”
“I seriously forgot all about the awards,” I said to Monica after Zoey was gone.
Her nose scrunched. “I’m going shopping tomorrow if you want to go with me.”
“No, I’m spending the day with Bodhi. And I’ll probably still be in bed a lot.” I sighed. “That was rough.”
“I could tell. When I saw you, I was so worried. Oh my god.” She examined my face. “You still kinda look like a dead person, but it’s a little darker in here now, so it’s less shocking.”
I chuckled. “Thanks. I think.”
She rested her head beside mine on my pillow. “Thanks for not dying on me today.”
“You’re welcome.”
The front door opened, and her smile widened when we heard Jason and Bodhi walk back in. “You should invite him to the Slammy Awards,” she whispered.
I sighed. “I’ll think about it.”
“OK. Feel better, Grace.” She pushed herself up, but I caught her hand to stop her. “Do you have any idea how much I appreciate you?”
She smiled and nodded her head. “Yeah, I do.”
“Grace, do we have any dog treats?” Jason called from the kitchen.
“He said we,” Monica hissed.
I rolled my eyes. “No, I tried to stop yesterday, but everywhere was closed. Then today happened. I’ll get him some tomorrow. You can give him some cheese out of the fridge.”
Bodhi barked. He loved cheese.
“Has he been fed today?” he asked.
“No. His food is in the pantry.”
“Got it!”
Monica walked to the door and waved. “I’ll call you tomorrow. If anything happens, even in the middle of the night, you call me.”
“I will.” I straightened in my bed. “That reminds me. I need to check on my niece.” I grabbed my phone off the bed as Monica told Jason goodbye in the kitchen.
There was a missed call from my mother and several missed texts from other people.
Mom: Just calling to check on you. Call me back…if you’re still speaking to me.
Garrett: Hope is fine. They’re giving her IV fluids and sending us home. I’m begging for them to hook me up to some too. How are you?
Olivia: Had to run. Hope you’re feeling better. XOXO
Lucy: Heard you’re sick. Let me know how you’re doing.
And the final message was from Cl
ay.
Wanted you to hear it from me first. Ginny and I are engaged.
Ten
Staring at my phone, I sat there for what felt like an eternity. Finally, Jason walked back into my bedroom. “She’s nice. I like your friends.”
I stared at him.
“What? Are you going to be sick again?” He moved to grab the trashcan off the floor.
Yes. But for a completely different reason.
I handed him my phone. He turned it around to read it, and I watched his face morph from confused to are-you-effing-kidding-me? “He didn’t tell you?” I asked.
Jason shook his head, then sat down beside me and put the phone on the nightstand. “You OK?”
I didn’t know what I was.
Shocked.
Angry.
Hurt.
I dropped my hands into my lap. “Am I that easy to get over?”
“God, Grace. No.” Jason pulled me into his arms, and for the first time all day, I was thankful for my dehydration. I may have been silently crying against Jason’s shoulder, but not one single tear was shed for that asshole.
Jason shook his head against mine, his fingers tangled in my matted hair. “Don’t ever think that.” He turned his face and pressed a kiss against my temple. “Ever.”
“It really doesn’t feel like that right now. Ten years, Jason. We’ve been divorced for a month, and he’s already marrying her.”
“You know he’s only marrying her because of the baby.”
I tossed my hands up. “Is that supposed to help?”
He dropped his head. “I’m sorry. No.”
“Why does she get everything that was supposed to be mine? My husband. My baby. My house. Hell, she even gets my dog.” I covered my face, willing myself not to cry anymore. “I hate her, Jason. I hate him. I hate all of this so much.” My chin trembled.
“Come here,” he said, pulling me close again. That time, I sobbed against his chest. Still no tears, though my eyes did get a little cloudy. Jason rubbed my back and kissed my forehead. He finally sighed. “Want me to go shoot him? I have my gun.”
I laughed through my phantom tears. “Please.”
He held me a while longer. “Want me to call into work tonight? I could stay here with you.”
“That’s so tempting, but no. I need to be a big girl about this. He doesn’t deserve me falling apart over him.” Though I did wonder—for the tiniest of moments—if he didn’t deserve me sleeping with his best friend because of it, no matter if the “sleeping with” involved sex or not.
“No, he doesn’t deserve you falling apart.” He tilted my face up so that my eyes met his. “He never deserved you at all, Grace Evans.”
I wondered then if he might kiss me.
Maybe he would have had I not been spewing my guts out all day.
Because it was that moment, for sure. The one where the relationship scales tipped very certainly from friendship to something else. For both of us.
He took Bodhi out one last time before he left, then promised he’d be back the next day. And I knew before we even said goodnight, it’d be another sleepless night for both of us. Him, because he had to work.
And me…because I’d just fallen for Clay’s best friend.
After tossing and turning most of the night, I woke up to the telephone around nine in the morning. It was my mother.
“Hello?” My throat was scratchy.
“Hey, have you rejoined the land of the living today?”
“Barely.” I rolled over and sat up. Bodhi was flat on his back with all four paws in the air. He looked over at me and blinked. “How are you and Dad?”
“We’re both better. Dad still has a bit of diarrhea—”
I held the phone away from my ear. “La! La! La! I don’t want to hear that!”
She chuckled. “Sorry.”
“Are you trying to make me puke some more?” I shuddered and reached for what was left of the lemon-lime Gatorade. “Have you talked to Garrett?”
“Yeah. They’re all fine now too. They let Hope leave the hospital around seven last night. What did you do about the store?”
I finished off the rest of the drink. “Kiara opened it, and it was a smashing success. She didn’t even need me there.”
“Of course she did.” Perhaps she caught some kind of tone in my voice that only mothers could recognize. “Why would you say such a thing?”
“Because she wouldn’t be the only one who doesn’t need me anymore. Clay’s getting remarried.”
Silence.
“Mom?”
“He’s what?”
“He’s marrying that girl he got pregnant.”
“That little shit.” She didn’t even bother to drop the i. “Are you OK?”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Yes, you will be. Better her than you, I say.”
“Thanks, Mom. On a happier note, will you tell Dad he doesn’t have to worry about the property-tax bill? I’ll have enough to cover it.”
“Of course. That’s great news.”
“It is. For now. I still need to figure out what I’m going to do long-term.”
“I’m positive you will, Grace.”
Bodhi wriggled in the covers beside me until he could flip over on to his belly. Then he stood up on the mattress and nudged me with his snout.
“I need to take Bodhi out. Can I call you later?” I asked.
“Sure, honey. Anytime.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too,” she said and I hung up.
There were more messages on my phone. I was a little afraid to check them after having my heart ripped out the night before, but then again…one might be from Jason.
Yes! He’d texted around six thirty. Off duty and back at home. Going to sleep for a few hours and I’ll come over. Call if you’re not OK, and I’ll come now.
I texted him back and prayed it wouldn’t wake him. Feeling better this morning. About to take Bodhi out.
The next message was a picture from Monica. She’d just sent it. It was of her in front of the full-length mirror. She wore a white dress with big black polka dots. What do you think?
Me: I love it.
I got up and had to stop and grip the nightstand. My stomach still felt a little shaky. It settled after a moment, and I went to the bathroom, then pulled on my UGGs to take Bodhi outside to potty. Monica texted me back while Bodhi marked every blade of grass on the corner. I’m getting it. Slammy Awards, look out!
Me: LOL Is the party very formal?
Monica: Yes. Didn’t you see the pictures from last year?
Me: Would I ask if I did?
Monica: It’s formal. Are you sure you don’t need to go shopping?
I frowned. I’ll figure something out.
Monica: I’m sure it will be fabulous. As usual.
Me: I woke up with a hot man in my bed this morning.
Monica: ????!!!!
Me: Literally hot. His normal body temp is about 102.
Then I sent her a photo of Bodhi lifting his leg on the street sign’s post.
Monica: Aww… But I was really hoping for a real man in your bed. Could be the best way to thank Officer Eye Candy for the weekend with Bodhi.
Me: Oh geez.
Monica sent back the eggplant emoji.
My head fell to the side. I texted her back. WTF?
Monica: Ask Officer Eye Candy what it means. I’m sure he can explain it to you.
I rolled my eyes. Whatever. Something did happen last night, but I’ll tell you about it when I see you.
Monica: Something sexy?
Me: Something with Clay.
She sent back a puking-face emoji.
Me: We’ll talk about it later.
Monica: How are you feeling this morning?
Me: Much. Much. Much better. Thank you.
Monica: Good. Gotta check out. Chat later?
Me: Yep. Bye!
Bodhi and I went back to my apartment, and I cleaned up the m
ess from the night before. It was frightful. I spent half an hour just scrubbing the bathroom. I also changed the sheets on my bed, though I considered leaving them because the spare pillowcase smelled faintly of Jason.
When the apartment was livable again, I went to my closet to find something to wear to the Slammy Awards. There was the gown I’d made for Clay’s sister’s wedding. Nope. There was the dress I’d worn on my last anniversary. Hell no. At the back of my closet was a black halter-top dress covered in red roses. I’d actually made it in college. I held it up in front of me and looked in the mirror hanging on the door.
Thanks to all the skating, and the puking of the past twenty-four hours, it looked like it might actually fit.
I hung it on the back of the door. “Bodhi, want to go see Kiara?”
He wagged his tail.
I dressed in real clothes for the first time since Thanksgiving and carried the dress downstairs with Bodhi on his leash. The front door bells jingled as I walked inside. “Hello, hello!” I called.
Kiara was measuring a young girl around the middle. There were several other customers already in the store, and it had only been open for about twenty minutes. The little girl squealed at the sight of Bodhi. “Look, Mommy! A puppy!”
Her mother turned, looking horrified at the sight of the dog in the store. Her face quickly recovered when she saw me.
“Hey there,” I said, tightening Bodhi’s leash around my hand.
“Oh, hi. You must be the owner. I recognize you from the paper.” She walked over with her hand outstretched.
I draped my dress over my forearm and shook her hand. “I am. Grace Evans, nice to meet you.”
“Amy Abrams. I believe you know my sister-in-law, Meredith.”
I racked my brain for anyone I knew named Meredith.
She touched her forehead and pressed her eyes closed. “Wait, what’s her derby name? Jackie something…”
“Full Metal Jackie?”
“That’s her!”
“Yeah, she’s great.”
“It’s really nice to meet you, Grace. I love your store.”
“Thank you.” I paused by Kiara before walking to the back.
She stood and patted the girl on the top of the head. “You’re all done, Callie. Mrs. Abrams, I’ll be right back and we’ll ring up your order.”