Chapter 59: FROZEN IN BETWEEN

CHAPTER 59

GRACE'S POV

FROZEN IN BETWEEN

I think I'm miserable at this point. Because since Jeremy's father collapsed, I've not seen much of him. He's been avoiding me and it's heartbreaking, I'm finally happy and open with someone that's when tragedy strikes.

He's been juggling hospital and the station, I've shown up at the hospital and still nothing. I saw him but he's with the other woman Lana, she's holding his hand, whispering to him and bringing him coffee.

I watched both of them from a distance, and I could've sworn that her eyes met mine. It was cold, proud and triumphant.

When I tried to approach both of them, because I'm tired of this cold attitude. Lily comes between them waving her finger around.

“No, he's angry. Just give him time.” she says concern filled her face.

Jeremy barely noticed his surroundings or even me, I guess he's exhausted and I don't blame him.

I quietly left the hospital tired and in pain. I felt like he'd replaced me with Lana. I can't compete with her because she's better than me.

We both walked back home because it was late. I just wanted to go back home, and stuff my face with ice cream.

“Lily, do you think I stand a chance with her?” I asked her dejectedly.

She looked at me and stopped. “I knew it, you're threatened by her. She's sophisticated and rich, but you're Grace and I'm rooting for you.”

I smiled in the midst of my pains. “I knew you'd say that.” I said in a hoarse voice. “Are you saying this because you like me, Lily?” I asked her like a fool.

“Girl, look everyone doesn't have to walk with a stick up their ass.” she said holding my arm. “I know Jeremy really loves you. He's just burned out and angry.”

“I don't deserve you.” I said searching her face.”

“Grace, you need to eat. You've lost weight.” Lily says to me.

I laughed and we both walked into a neon lit Korean barbecue place by the corner. “We are getting a meat drink tonight.”

I let her drag me inside this place, this grill place sizzled loudly a contrast to my aching heart. Lily ordered pork belly, marinated beef, kimchi, and lots of soju. And all these without asking me.

“You're cooking.” I muttered weakly.

“I know,” Lily said, flipping the pork with a tong. “And you're eating, and drinking too. Forget he exists for two hours please.”

I swallowed hard, blinking rapidly. “I'll do that for free. He's been ignoring me, like I'm invisible. And Lana she's always with him, like a watchdog that refuses to leave.”

“Do you wish to cry? Maybe about him or for being stupid?” Lily asked bluntly.

“No, I don't.” I replied as a lone tear fell down my cheek.

Lily poured a shot of soju for me. “Now drink up.”

And I drank it. Everything made sense, the room was cozy, warm and too bright for me. The meat tasted smoky but rich, Lily's laughter was louder than usual. My heart has become too big for my body.

“Maybe he hates me,” I muttered after my fourth shot. “Maybe it's all Mrs Harley's fault, she tricked me.”

That thought hurt like a slap square in the face. By the time I staggered up, my legs felt wobbly. Lily ordered a cab for us, but somehow I maintained, I wanted to speak with Mrs Harley. I guess I could blame it on the alcohol, it gave me confidence.

Before we could respond we were at Mrs Harley’s front door, and we were both knocking aggressively.

The door opened and Mrs Harley looked between us.

“Grace, Lily.” she says and pauses. “What are you doing here?”

“You lied to me,” my voice cracked and I pointed to my chest. “You lied about everything. And now Jeremy hates me.” I cried loudly.

Lily looked around because she wasn't drunk. “Stop crying, you're embarrassing me.”

“No, no. She ruined everything.” I cried again.

Mrs Harley’s face softened but there was pain too. “Come on in.”

I collapsed on the nearest couch, breathing hard and reeking of alcohol. Mrs Harley sat across her fingers knitted to her beads.

“I never lied, Grace.” she said quietly. “I just never said everything to you. I had two sons.” her voice trembled. “one died after discovering his true origin. It broke him, he killed himself. The other wanted to know his father. And I couldn't stop him, and I never had a husband. And I still don't.”

I stared at her, and I sobered up instantly. “Mrs Harley i……”

“There's more,” she whispered, bracing herself. “So much more, but….”

A sharp ringtone rang out, and Mrs Harley looked towards her phone.

She answered and listened intently, and her face dropped.

“You can't just demand that of me.” she said calmly.

She touched her forehead, closed her eyes and exhaled deeply. “What if I don't want to be there?”

She dropped her phone, dejected and exhausted.

“Mrs Harley, are you okay?” Lily asked.

She nods weakly before responding. “It's Jeremy's father. He want us to come for dinner tomorrow night. He says it is important.”

My eyes widened but before I could speak, footsteps echoed from the hallway.

Her son from the other day appeared leaning against the doorframe. His stare slid over to me, slow, intense and hungry to say the least.

“I'm going mom,” his lips curving. “You know we can't refuse him.”

“Richard, I don't want to face your father. You almost made his weak heart give out.” Mrs Harley pointed out.

“I don't care, he survived. Besides I want to meet my big brother again.” he says looking at me.

“I think he's right. You can't run away from him forever.” Lily added.

“I like her mom. She's an interesting woman.” Richard added.

“Fine, I'll go not because I want to. But because it's necessary for you.”

I think I've been sober for a while now. But Richard didn't break his gaze from me. I swallowed hard something about his stare, scares me.

Something dangerous loomed in his eyes.