Page 117 of Muse (Fighting Fate)

My hands fidgeted on the steering wheel as I drove down Jace’s street. I was so excited I could barely stop myself from bouncing in my seat.

It had been a week since I got my memory back, and during that time I’d made a lot of decisions. First I had to convince Mom that they were good choices, but once she was on board, she helped me deal with all the research and requirements, then we sat down and talked to Mr. Thomas.

I’d been worried he wouldn’t agree to it and crush my plans with one word, but he actually agreed it was a good idea and said he would take care of all the necessary arrangements.

Next was convincing Aiden. I didn’t think he’d be a problem, but you never knew with Aiden sometimes. Thankfully, all I felt from him was relief. Now he was just as excited as I was.

My last hurdle was convincing Jace. It’d been hard keeping my plans from him over the last week, but I hadn’t wanted to get his hopes up if it didn’t work out the way I wanted. At least I hoped he’d be excited about it. I didn’t know what I’d do if he didn’t agree to it.

Pulling up to the curb, I shut off the engine and took a deep breath. With a quick check in the mirror, I jogged up the front path and knocked on the door.

Jace’s Mom answered the door, holding a curious Ruby in her arms. She smiled when she saw me. “Mia. What a nice surprise. How are you?”

I don’t know why. It was stupid of me, but I hadn’t been anticipating the whole meet the parent thing. I mean, I knew I’d met Natasha before, but this was a little different. This time she knew Jace and I were girlfriend and boyfriend.

“I’m good. It was a pretty rough week, but thankfully it’s over now.”

I glanced at Ruby quickly. She was frowning at me in thought. It had been a while since I’d seen her. Maybe a year or so, and I was surprised by how much she’d grown. There were so many of Jace’s features in her too. Like her stunning blue eyes and dark hair.

It was obvious she didn’t remember who I was by the way she was studying me so intently.

Natasha smiled down at her. “Do you remember Mia? Aidy’s sister?”

Ruby’s eyes widened a little. I still don’t think she remembered me, but obviously my association with Aiden made me a friend. “Hi, Ruby. Wow, you’ve grown so much since I saw you last. How old are you now?”

She held up her hand and tucked her thumb against her palm. “I’m four!”

I let out a soft laugh at her excitement.

“Are you looking for Aidy?” she asked.

“Mia is Jace’s girlfriend, so I think she might be here to see him,” Natasha said to her in a slow, explanatory way.

Ruby’s little face just showed acceptance at her mother’s words. “Yes. You’re pretty.” Then turning to look at Natasha, she smiled. “She’s pretty, Mommy.”

Natasha smiled down at her daughter. “Yes, she’s very pretty. Maybe she’s a princess like you.”

Ruby seemed to like that idea.

“Why don’t you show Mia where Jace’s room is?” Natasha said.

Ruby wriggled in her arms until she was put on her feet, then she took my hand. “Come on, I’ll show you Jace’s room.” She pulled me away from Natasha like she was in a race. I smiled back at Jace’s mom, letting Ruby take the lead. “It’s down the end. His room is biiig. He has three guitars, and sometimes he sings to me. I like it when Jace sings to me. He has a really pretty voice. Do you sing?”

I tried not to laugh at her constant chatter, but she was so cute. “No, I don’t sing.”

“Why not?”

“Ah…well, I haven’t really tried,” I said, hoping that answer would satisfy her.

She slowed her steps and I noticed we were at Jace’s door. Ruby stopped and gave me a pointed look. “You have to knock before you go in. It’s a rule.”

I gave her my best serious face. “Oh, okay. That’s a good rule.”

She nodded like she agreed then knocked loudly, three times. The door opened and Jace looked down at me with surprise before breaking out into a grin. “Hey.”

His happiness was contagious.

“Mia is your girlfriend,” Ruby declared beside me.

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