“Oh, I’d forgotten about that. And I think I swore never to color my hair again. Oops,” she chuckled.
“Since I’ve gotten over the shock, I think I might like it,” said Emily. “What did Horatio say?”
“Uhmm... I think he’s fine with it,” said Gr
ace.
Emily’s voice shrieked, “Grace! What is that ring on your finger?”
Ben followed Emily’s gaze to Grace’s hand. There was a large diamond ring—at least a carat and a half, maybe two carats.
Grace pulled the ring off and stuck it in her pocket. “It’s nothing, really. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Did Horatio give it to you?” Emily asked. “I thought you just started dating.”
Grace hesitated, glancing at Ben. “We’re not serious. It’s not an engagement ring.”
“That looked like a honker of a diamond,” said Ben.
“His mother bought it,” Grace said, as if that explained everything.
“He sounds like a real winner.” Ben relished the way Grace blushed at his sarcastic response. “I can certainly see why you would want to date Harry Toe instead of Brad.”
“Horatio,” she corrected.
“Horatio,” he repeated. “How long have you two been dating? I’m surprised you’d actually date someone else behind Brad’s back.”
“I didn’t,” said Grace. “We haven’t actually gone out yet, not according to the rules.”
“I’m sorry, Grace. But if he gave you a ring, that counts as paying for something,” Emily said.
“No,” said Ben. “I guess that technically means Grace went on a date with Horatio’s mother.”
“Please, can we not talk about it?”
Ben softened at her pleading eyes. “Fine. I won’t tease you anymore. At least for a while.” He winked at her.
“Are you hungry, Gracie? I made fajitas, and the game’s about to start. Just grab a plate.” Spencer turned on the television.
*****
Brad was rather astonished to find their tickets were behind home plate in Yankee Stadium, but he was still determined to pay for his ticket. His feelings were hurt, but in his heart he knew he still loved Grace. He wasn’t about to have an “official date” with Kara on his record. It might interfere with his plan to get Grace back. And that was definitely his plan. Only one week since their breakup, and he’d hardly gone an hour without thinking about her. He’d even dreamed about her. Josh was right—he’d made a mistake when he considered giving up on the relationship simply because Grace had gotten cold feet. He was going to win her back, even if he had to eat humble pie to do it.
“So how much do I owe you for the ticket?” he asked Kara.
“I got them for a bargain price—a friend of my father has season tickets.”
“How much?” he insisted.
“Only five hundred.”
“Five hundred dollars? Each?”
“Yeah, but you don’t owe me anything. I wasn’t expecting you to pay. I’m just glad to have your company.”
“No, I’m paying for my ticket.”
“Whatever makes you happy.” Kara grasped his arm and pushed herself against him as she leaned in to whisper in his ear. “This is so much fun.”