Page 96 of Saving Grace

“He could. But I’m wiped. Today’s been huge.”

“Oh sure, no problem.” Ruby walks with me to the porch.

“Later, Gracie,” Reed calls out from inside.

“Yup, see you later.”

“Thanks for coming over, and take your time with the painting. No rush. I have been told art takes as long as it takes.”

“Reed?”

“Who else? My plans sometimes lack the finer detail of realistic timelines. Especially when I’m so enthusiastic for them.”

“Can relate. I will do my best to have something ready in a few weeks.”

“Yay!” She folds me into a hug. It’s warm and tight and genuine.

“Thank you, Ruby.”

She releases me. “Of course! This is only the beginning, Grace.”

“I sure hope so.”

She waves me off as I slip into Blue and fire her up. My bag is buzzing. Crap, I forgot to tell Mackinlay I was going here on the way home. He’s probably freaking out. I hunt through my bag until my fingers brush over the smooth, flat surface of my phone. I snatch it out.

And freeze.

Not Mack.

Not anyone I want to exchange words with.

But call it habit, or the part of myself that refuses to accept any sort of self-worth. I slide to answer.

“Hello?”

Static is the only reply.

A breath.

“Say something,” I say quietly.

The line drops out.

I huff and drop my forehead on the steering wheel. Fear snakes up my spine like it hasn’t done since Mississippi. Tears burn my eyes, but I sniff them back. I’m not that girl anymore.

Not ever again.

Tossing the phone onto the passenger’s seat, I slide Blue into gear. She rattles down the driveway.

Don’t give him airtime, Grace.

Not a single second.

Don’t you dare.

Chapter Twenty-Five

MACK

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