Page 54 of Forbidden Kisses
“Of course.” Grace stood and headed to the kitchen. She pulled down a glass from the cabinet. It was a good thing that Jack hadn’t stayed with her tonight. Although, in Noah’s drunken state, Grace probably could’ve convinced him that he was hallucinating. “So why my place?” she asked as she handed the glass of water to Noah.
He took it and drained it before answering. “I came here because I need to know how to make things good with Krista. She’s my best friend, but lately I just piss her off. And I don’t want to piss my best friend off.”
Grace sat beside him. “Well, for starters, if you two have plans to have drinks together, don’t be late.”
“Krista’s my friend, though. If I was having a drink with a guy friend, he’d have understood. Chicks before dicks, or something like that.”
Grace laughed. “Just apologize to Krista tomorrow. Tell her you were wrong and it won’t happen again. She’s pretty forgiving.”
“Yeah.” Noah set his empty glass on the coffee table in front of him. “She’s a lot more forgiving than I am. When I’m mad at someone, I’m mad. I don’t just forgive and forget.”
Grace swallowed. “What if there was a good reason behind whatever made you mad, though?”
Noah shook his head firmly, then winced. “Ouch. I can already tell I’m going to have a hell of a hangover tomorrow.” His gaze slid to Grace. “There’s never a good reason. People usually just do things to make themselves look good. It’s never about the person they’re screwing over.” He rubbed his temple as he slurred. “I need to go home,” he finally said, struggling to stand. “I’ll go see Krista in the morning.”
“Wait. How are you getting home?” Grace asked. He didn’t even have a car with him, not that he was in any state to drive.
“Krista’s brother is circling back for me. He’s a good guy. Just like a brother.”
Grace gave Noah a hand to help him balance his legs under his body. “I hope you’re paying him.”
“I always do. He still needs to make rent, right?” Noah took a wobbly step outside her apartment. “Thanks for the advice. That’s two times in a week.”
“She’ll forgive you,” Grace said.
Noah nodded. “See you, sis.”
In the parking lot, Grace could see Joey’s cab pull up to bring Noah home. She closed the door behind her, locked it, and blew out a breath. She headed back to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water, too. Drinking it down, she felt wide awake. She doubted she’d get any more sleep tonight. Instead, she headed to her desk in the corner and opened her old laptop. She hadn’t checked her email all day. Maybe Garrison Tomlin had responded to her inquiry about theBeatrice. If he hadn’t, she’d just have to plan a trip to go see him in person.
There was one email waiting in her inbox. Grace sucked in a breath, said a prayer, and clicked.
Dear Miss Donner,
The boat is not for sale.
G. Tomlin
All the air spilled out of Grace’s lungs. The night had just gone from bad to worse. Of course the boat was for sale. If she won the tournament, she’d have more money than it was worth. Ithadto be for sale.
She sat back and blinked tearfully at the screen. Buying back theBeatricewas how she was going to smooth things over between her family and the Sawyers. It was the key to making things work for real between her and Jack. TheBeatricewas her only hope.
No way was she giving up without a fight. There was too much at stake. She’d just have to pay Mr. Tomlin a visit.
Chapter 14
“What’s wrong?” Krista asked Grace over a muffin on Monday morning.
Grace picked at her muffin’s top. “Nothing.”
“Oh really? Is that why you’re neglecting your dessert?”
“I thought this was breakfast,” Grace said, looking up.
“Breakfast. Dessert. Same thing.” Krista took another happy bite of her own muffin. After a moment she followed it with a sip of coffee and scrutinized Grace with a stare. “Guy troubles?” she asked.
Grace shook her head.
“So you’re going to tell me this has nothing to do with Jack?”
