“I didn’t say a word,” Olivia declared, lifting her chin.
“Spencer told me,” said Hannah. “We had lunch at Papa’s Place today.”
“Why wouldn’t you tell us, anyway? You always tell us when you break up,” Claire asked.
“I think this time is different,” said Hannah. “I think Grace is in love with Brad.”
“No I’m not!” said Grace. “I’m the one who broke it off.”
Claire squinted at Grace. “Why did you break up with Brad? He seemed perfect for you.”
“Because... Because he got fresh with me,” said Grace.
Hannah shook her head, making her auburn curls bounce. “Nope, I’m not buying it. Brad would never do that.”
“How do you know?” asked Grace, as she felt the heat seeping into her face. She bent over to retie her tennis shoe, allowing time for her blush to fade while her face was averted.
“He’s just not the type,” said Hannah.
“I agree,” Olivia said. “Brad would never do that. Maybe you got fresh with Brad.”
Grace began, “Olivia! I can’t believe—”
“I’m just kidding! I know you didn’t do that. But I don’t think you’re telling us the truth. I think Hannah may be right, and you’re actually in love with him.” Olivia shared a smirk with the other two sisters.
“I think I would know if I was in love with him. And why would I break up with him if that were true?” Grace couldn’t keep the shrill note out of her voice as she felt her stomach tighten. Why did people keep accusing her of being in love with Brad? It couldn’t possibly be true. She was always careful to guard her heart and keep her emotional distance when she dated.
“That’s a really good question,” said Claire. “In fact, that’s the question I asked you. Why did you break up with him?”
“I... There’s another guy. His name is Horatio.” Grace was wondering if she could keep this subterfuge going long enough to have an imaginary breakup with her imaginary guy before anyone insisted on meeting him.
Hannah crossed her arms over her chest. “You gave up Brad for another guy?”
“Why is that so hard to believe?” asked Grace.
Hannah’s eyebrows flew up, “Are you kidding me? Brad is the sweetest guy you’ve ever dated, and he treats you like a queen. And I’ve seen him in a swimsuit.”
“I have to agree,” said Olivia. “It’s hard to believe you met a guy who was better than Brad.”
Grace opened her mouth to argue when her cell phone rang. The caller ID flashed Brad’s name, and her heart began to pound. She turned her back to her sisters and answered in a soft voice, “Hello?”
“Hello Grace. I’m returning your phone call.” Brad’s voice was flat and emotionless.
Grace glanced over her shoulder at her sisters who were eavesdropping shamelessly. She took a few steps toward the kitchen, and they followed, ignoring her glares.
“I... I wanted to tell you... I wanted to apologize...” She heard dead silence on the other end of the phone. “Uhmm, Brad?”
“Yes, I’m here. What are you apologizing for? Are you sorry you broke up with me? Or are you sorry for how you broke up with me? Are you sorry you’re dating someone else? Or are you sorry you ever started dating me?”
“I’m s-sorry that... Did you get my card? Or the flowers?”
“No Grace, I didn’t get a card or flowers. But if you want to be absolved of guilt, I forgive you.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Grace, hurt doesn’t even begin to describe it, but this really isn’t making it better. Why did you call me?”
“Josh told me I should call. He said...”