CHAPTER TWENTY

Grace

Standing in the same spot, I watch the door close behind him. I let the breath out I’ve been holding in a gasp. In a way, I was hoping he was going to say he didn’t want to go and wanted to stay here with me but that was just wishful thinking. I’m just not enough.

The air between us was stifling, the way he kissed me last night I thought we’d had a breakthrough - maybe this is going to be harder than I thought but I’ve got this far, I’m not about to give up now. You can do it Grace, hold strong.

I turn back to the kitchen and pour the coffees down the sink. I slump on the couch, pull my knees to my chest and hug them to me, then rest my head on the cushion behind me. The seat dips nest to me as Meaghan take a seat and rests her head on my shoulder. “You look terrible are you okay?”

“No, I’ve been sick.”

“Did you make that appointment? she nods weakly as I ask her the question.

“Yeah I did but can’t get one till Monday so I need to take the morning off but I’ll tell the headmaster I’ve got a tummy bug and have the day off instead.”

“I’ll see if we’ve got some dry biscuits.” Looking in the biscuit barrel I find some rich tea, I don’t know whether these will do any good? I hand them to her and she takes small nibbles while I go back to my self-pity.

“What’s up?” She asks as she takes deep breaths.”

“Never mind me.”

“Oh god I’m going to be sick.” She springs up from the couch with her hand covering her mouth and runs to the bathroom. Note to self: Don’t buy Rich Tea biscuits when I go shopping.

She returns a few minutes later as white as a ghost, so feeling sorry for her I get up so she can lie on here, I’m going for a shower to drown my sorrows, literally. “Here lie down on here I’ll get you some water then I’m going for a shower.” She flops onto the couch and lays her head on the cushions then closes her eyes. I haven’t a clue what she’s going to do about the baby. I don’t know whether she’ll keep it or maybe have an abortion, I suppose we’ll see what the doctor says first and how far gone she is. If it was me I’d want to cut all ties to Ross, the regret of being with him, how he treated her should be enough. 

 

Stepping from my relaxing shower I wrap myself in a towel and head for my bedroom. During my shower I’ve cursed myself, berated myself thinking I could have handled the situation with Owen much better but in all honesty, I don’t think I could. This is down to him at the end of the day - if he’s not ready I’m not about to push him into anything with me that will just make him hate me.

Throwing on the first pair of leggings and a baggy t-shirt that I see, I brush through my hair and leave it down then go back to see how Meaghan is doing.

On the way past the there’s a knock at the door, making me jump. “I’ll get it!”

“Ugh, who’s that? Tell them to go away if it’s anyone for me.” Meaghan tells me weakly. Instead of looking through the peephole like I always do I just pull open the door. When I see it’s Ross, I get that familiar feeling of hatred for the man and after what he’s done to Meaghan, it’s much deserved.

Pulling open the door, I stand with my hand on my hip and tap my foot on the floor waiting for him to speak.

“Oh, hello Grace.” He takes a step over the threshold but my hand on his chest stops him.

“Whoa. Where are you going?” I ask him, frowning.

“I’m coming in to see Meaghan.”

“No, you’re not. It’s my flat too and I’m not letting you in. She doesn’t want to see you.”

“Yes, she does and I can’t see you stopping me. Have you seen yourself you weigh around five stone wringing wet Grace!”

“You really do think you’re someone special, don’t you? Well, you’re not. You’re just a cheating little toad and she’s better off without you.”

“You think? So why is she texting me saying she needs to talk and she loves me.”

“Because she’s needy and clueless right now. After what you’ve done to her I’ll make sure she’ll never need you again!”

Walking closer to me he eyes me up and down, “What’s up Grace, you want a piece? Are you jealous?” Jealous my arse! My emotions are still a little high from earlier with Owen, I don’t need his shit too.

Stepping closer towards him, I look up. “Get out of my face, off my doorstep and go back to your girlfriend because Meaghan is done. There are so many things I could say to you right now!” Shaking my head at him, the words are failing me - I have enough going on, he’s just not worth it. Before I can close the door, Meaghan drags herself up and comes to stand with me.

“Ugh you look like shit.” Taking a step back he looks at her again screwing his nose up. My blood boils, my temper rising. “Is it contagious, I don’t want to catch nothing.”

“Funny I said that to her about you.” His furious gaze cuts to mine. Behind Ross, I see Owen walking up and start to wonder why he’s come back but before I give it too much thought Ross speaks again.

“I’m glad I dumped you, you’re just a cheap slut anyway!” Meaghan turns from the door upset, I spin back to face him but before I can stop myself I’m pulling back my fist and it’s connecting with his nose. “Ugh, for fucks sake Grace. What was that for?” Owen walks around Ross quickly and stands between us.”

“You are a dirty, cheating little toe rag and I’m warning you to keep away from her! Next time I’ll kick you so hard in the balls it’ll take a Doctor to retrieve them. NOW LEAVE!”  “Grace, calm down. Owen grabs me around the waist lifting me from the floor and walks me back into the flat away from him. Ross stands holding his nose. Owen puts me down gets some tissue and hands it to him.

“I don’t know what’s going on but I think you should leave Ross.” Owen says sternly.

“I’m going!” He holds his nose and turns away.

I swing the door after him, I don’t see if he’s out of the way but it slams shut anyway.

“What was all that about? Trust me to come back at the wrong time or right time whichever way you want to look at it.” Owen jokes following me back in.

Pacing the floor, I try to get my temper under control. Meaghan goes to her room upset, I’m not sure if I’ve just made things worse but I’ll speak to her later. Owen walks up to me slowly and stands in front of me. “Hey there, Rocky.” He smirks.

“Don’t push it.” I grin.

“What happened?”

“He said some things I didn’t like. I wasn’t in the mood for it this morning.”

“Remind me not to upset you.” Owen says with a crooked smile. I can’t help but smile back but I’m wondering why he came back.

“Why are you here?” I ask him in a small voice as the smirk falls from my face. He looks at the floor before looking back at me. His eyes are sad, apologetic.

“I’m sorry. The last thing I want to do is lead you on. My head is all over the place and this morning I thought after getting everything out it would help but it did the opposite, everything was a reality again.” He holds my hand loosely, “I just needed to get my head together that’s all.”

“And, where does that put me? I’m not pushing - I swear, I’d just like to know.” I ask him nervously. He steps closer until we’re touching.

“I’d like to try…. If you still want to? I’m not saying it’s going to be easy but is anything?”

My head shakes as I feel a small smile appear on my face. “No, it’s not.” Owen’s head dips as he brings his lips to meet mine. Softly, tenderly, they touch, my hands resting on his chest while his hands cup my face and push into my still wet hair as he pulls me toward him until I can feel our bodies pressing against each other and the pressure on my lips increase. His tongue presses against the seam of my lips asking for entrance and I comply instantly, his tongue slides against mine, slow, sensual, I’ve never been kissed like this, ever. I push up onto my tiptoes and slide my arms around his neck pulling him closer still. I can’t get enough of him now I have him. I know this isn’t going to be easy but I’m going to give it a damn good try.

He releases me way too soon for my liking but smiles as he gazes at me just holding me close. “I don’t know how I’m going to tell Ella.”

“Let’s take it one step at a time, we don’t have to rush anything.” I tell him as I pull him towards the couch and sit down pulling him down with me. His arm goes around my shoulders as he tucks me into his side and sighs.

No more words are spoken as I lay against him feeling contented, happy. I don’t know how long this will last but the way I’m feeling right now I intend to cherish it.

Meaghan enters the room looking a little better but confused as she looks at us. “What’s this? Are you two like together now?” I nod proudly.

“Yes, we are.”

“Does he know?” Owen looks between us as we talk in code.

“No. That’s up to you.”

“I’m pregnant. I don’t know how far I am though I’ve been throwing up this morning.”

“Sounds like you’re at least six weeks. You’ll want some ginger biscuits it’s good for morning sickness, keep them by the bed and eat one when you first wake up.”

“Are you a doctor?”

“No, a financial advisor.” He smirks.

“How do you know then?”

“My wife, had a lot of sickness when she was having Ella.”

“Ohhh. Thanks.” Meaghan frowns and looks between us again. I shake my head slightly hoping she gets the message to shut her mouth before she decides to engage her brain. “Well, I’ll leave you to it then. Thanks Owen.”

“So, she’s pregnant then? What she going to do. I take it it’s Ross’s?”

“That’s way too many questions, why don’t you just kiss me instead.” Without any more instruction, he grins as his lips cover mine in a searing kiss and I hope it never ends.