Grace (The Family Simon 5)

Grace’s head jerked up and she looked at her cousin in disbelief. “Don’t take this the wrong way Coop, but you’re the last person I’d expect to give any kind of relationship advice I’d actually listen to.”

Cooper took another sip of ale. “I know my track record sucks.”

“Sucks? You’ve never been in a serious relationship, at least not that I’m aware of. It’s not a secret. Everybody knows that.”

Grace fell silent, and she studied her cousin. He looked serious. Dead serious. There was something in his eyes that told her things were a hell of a lot more complicated than what she knew.

“Some people are better at hiding their scars but that doesn’t mean they hurt any less. Doesn’t mean they don’t cut just as deep. What it means is that some of us take longer to deal with stuff. And if you know someone like that…”

His meaning was clear and Grace’s eyes dropped.

“You might need to decide whether they’re worth the wait. Whether the pain they caused is worth the wait. And if they are, and if it is, you’ve got to be patient.”

Grace grabbed her straw and swirled the electric blue drink around the glass. She took a sip and settled back into her chair, watching her cousin closely.

“You started out saying some people and then you said, some of us.” Cooper didn’t look away. “You said some of us take longer to deal with stuff. Are you still dealing with…stuff?”

Cooper glanced away. He caught sight of the couple, still caught up in each other. And then he grabbed his mug and held it up. “I am. Maybe one day I’ll find someone who’s patient enough to deal with my shit.” He took a good, long drink and Grace did the same. “Maybe I won’t.”

Grace finished her drink. “I hope you do,” she said softly, reaching across to squeeze his hand.

He didn’t reply. He ordered another round and the two of them fell into an animated discussion about the gala. He had some great ideas and she was sad to learn he’d be unable to attend.

“I didn’t know you had a place in New England.”

“No?” Cooper grinned. “That’s good. It’s a secret, so don’t go spreading it around.”

She frowned. “You’re not staying with Maverick?”

“Nah. My place is just outside of the town he lives in. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be with family for the holidays.” He paused. “What about you? What are you plans?”

“I’ve got the gala on Christmas eve. Betty Jo and Beau are going to be there and so will Mom and Dad, at least for a while. They’re leaving just before midnight for the south of France to join Tucker and Abby.”

“You’re not going?”

She shook her head. “No. Wasn’t feeling it. I told Mom I’d be with Betty and Beau—they’re heading back to Michigan, but the truth is I’m staying put. Matt will be in New Waterford and I’m not sure I could handle seeing him just yet.” She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tell Mom because she won’t let it go and I’d rather be alone than stuck with a bunch of people who are in love and complete and, ugh, nauseatingly happy.”

“I get it. I won’t say a thing.”

Cooper kept Grace’s mind off of the sad state of her personal life for the rest of the evening, and it was nearly eleven when his cab dropped her off at her brother’s apartment building. She hugged her cousin fiercely.

“Thanks,” she whispered. “I needed that.”

Cooper kissed her forehead and then gazed down at her. “I don’t know what Matt Hawkins’ deal is. But I do know that he’s got to be a decent guy or Betty Jo would never give him the time of day. Now, knowing that doesn’t change the fact that he might not ever get his shit together. He might not ever deal with whatever it is that’s got him spooked. And that’s not on you. That’s on him. Got it?”

She nodded. “Have a great Christmas, Coop, and tell Rick I said hello.”

She watched the car until it disappeared and then headed into the building. The doorman, Davis, gave her a big smile and a wave and for the first time in days she answered in kind.

She entered her brother’s apartment and wandered through the silent rooms until she stopped at the large window overlooking Central Park. She pressed her heated cheeks against the cool glass and stared down into the darkness, wondering where Matt was. What he was doing? Was he happy? Or was he as miserable as she was?

Christmas lights twinkled from below and she squeezed her eyes shut. What was that she heard? Grace held her breath and concentrated. Music? Someone singing?

She listened carefully and a slow smile spread across her face as she began to hum along. It must be coming from the apartment next door.

I’ll be home for Christmas...

The words sank in. Their meaning sank in. And with a start, she jerked back from the glass. What the hell was she doing? She thought back to her mother’s words and felt a jolt of electricity roll through her. No way was Grace going to let Matt dictate her actions. She had some things to say and he was going to listen. Even if she had to tie him down and stick a damn cloth in his mouth.