bsp; I pull in a deep breath, compose myself, and pull the door open. From her expression, she’s just as surprised to see me as I was her. Her pretty light blue eyes are wide and her mouth is slightly parted.
“Hello. Can I help you?” I try my best to sound cordial, but I’m not sure I pull it off.
She clears her throat. “Umm…, I’m not sure if you remember me. I’m—”
“Grace. Yes, I remember.”
She nods, her short blonde hair swinging forward and hitting her cheeks. She licks her lips and darts her eyes around nervously, looking as if she’d rather be anywhere but here.
“I’m so sorry to disturb you,” she says timidly, her voice trembling. I frown when tears appear in her eyes. “I was wondering if I could see Emo for a moment. There’s something I need to tell him.”
I don’t know why, but seeing her on the verge of breaking down pulls on my heartstrings. In all honesty, she’s done nothing wrong. She simply fell for a man who didn’t reciprocate her feelings. As far as hitting him with a belt…. Remi’s words come back to me.
“Sometimes we hurt the ones we love when we know the alternative is a lot worse.”
I don’t want to think about what Aziah would have done if he didn’t have the outlet Grace provided for him. Him being beaten by a belt is horrible, but there are so many worse things that he could have done. Remembering what it felt like down in the basement when he had me hit him still haunts me. I can’t imagine doing it more than once. If she cares about him half as much as I do, I have no doubt it haunts her too.
I soften my expression and take a step back, gesturing for her to come in. I’m just closing the door when Aziah steps into the room, wiping his hands on a dish towel. His confused eyes lock on Grace’s.
“Grace,” he states, stopping a few feet from her. “What are you doing here?”
Her eyes flicker to me and she shifts from foot to foot.
“I’ll just go check on dinner and give you two a minute.”
I really don’t want to leave them alone, but it’s the polite thing to do. They have history together.
“No!” Grace calls. “I’d like for you to stay, please. This’ll only take a moment.”
I pause, indecision warring through me, then nod once. “Would you like to sit down?”
“No, thank you.” She smiles kindly before moving her eyes to Aziah.
“Is everything okay?” he asks, his voice laced with concern. “Did something happen?”
“My dad’s back in the hospital. He had a stroke. I’m leaving to go be with him after I’m done here.”
Aziah frowns. “I’m sorry. Let us know if there’s anything you or your dad need.”
“I will. Thank you.” She looks down at her hands a moment before lifting her head, her expression mournful. “I’m going to stay in San Antonio indefinitely.”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “There’s no need to do that, Grace. We’ve already told you, you could bring your dad here.”
Her head turns my way and her eyes briefly meet mine before looking back at Aziah. “I think it’s best if I just stay in San Antonio.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want?” Aziah rumbles, regarding her with concern.
“Yes.”
He gives her a clipped nod. “Okay. It still stands if you or your father need anything.”
“Thank you,” she whispers. Using her thumb, she swipes beneath her eyes. “Could I have a moment alone with Rella?”
I’m momentarily stunned, and my eyes widen in shock. Why does she want to talk to me alone? Aziah’s eyes meet mine, and he looks about as confused as I do.
“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea, Grace.”
“No.” I hold up my hand to him. “It’s okay.”