“That’s different,” Kyle scoffs.
“How?” Allison asks, scowling. “I hurt you. I pushed you away. Grant forgave me for that. Why do you get to hold onto the grudge when it has nothing to do with you?”
“Because it does,” Kyle says seriously. He looks me in the eye. “Grant is one of my best friends. He’s been there for me when n
o one else was. I can’t forgive you for hurting him like this, not until you make it right.”
It takes me a moment to realize what he’s saying. When his words penetrate the fog around my mind, I sit up straight.
“Make it right?” I repeat.
“Yeah,” Kyle says gruffly, and Allison draws back, blinking. “I don’t know how or even if you can. But I won’t fucking forgive you if you don’t even try.”
Allison…your guy is one in a million, I can’t help but think, staring at Kyle. He hadn’t said all that to be deliberately cruel. This entire time, he’s been goading me into doing something about this situation before it’s too late.
“You’re going to do some serious groveling,” Kyle says, looking embarrassed at the way the three of us are staring at him. “And I’m not helping you this time. You’re on your own.”
“Right,” I say.
I feel a little dizzy. The sudden sensation of not feeling so depressed anymore is strangely odd. I swallow the lump in my throat.
“Not alone,” Allison says stoutly.
“If you need any help, just ask,” Georgia says to me kindly. “My friend, Ethan, went through something like this, and he probably felt some of the same things Grant felt. But, the difference here is that you’re trying. So I’ll help you.”
A tear slips down my cheek.
“Thanks,” I say, and I glance at Kyle. “All of you. I don’t know…but I’m going to do something about this. I just want Grant to be happy. I’ll figure out how to make that happen, I promise.”
“Good enough,” Kyle huffs, looking away.
“Big, scary teddy bear,” Allison teases.
Laughter bubbles up in me as I watch Kyle try to shoo Allison away grumpily. Suddenly, I feel very light. There’s the smallest spark of hope in me too. I don’t know what’s going to happen next.
But it’s got to be better than what’s already happened to us.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jessica
The next morning, I wake up with a plan in mind. Today is Sunday, which is Grant’s scheduled visit, but I haven’t heard from him yet. Is he even coming?
It doesn’t matter if he’s decided not to. One way or another, I’m seeing him today, even if I have to take Owen around to his apartment and beg to be allowed in with our son.
I bounce out of bed. I still don’t have a solid plan beyond “make it up to Grant somehow,” but I’m not going to squander this one last chance. I can’t mess up this time. Everything is now out in the open. There are no more secrets. This is my last shot before Grant leaves my life forever.
I take my phone off charge and search in it until I find Grant’s number. Then I ring it and wait impatiently.
Surprisingly, though, Grant picks up in the second ring.
“Morning,” he yawns.
Maybe it’s just because he’s tired, but he sounds more open. Maybe he doesn’t realize I’m the one phoning him. Still, it feels like it’s a good omen for how today is going to go.
“Grant,” I greet. “You’re coming today.”
I don’t phrase it like a question, and I’m sure he notices. He goes very quiet at the other end. Then…