Grandma Kayla taught me a lot of things, and one of them was that when things got rough and seemed to spiral out of control, it was time to take a good look at the facts.
And that’s why I’m in my car, driving up to my childhood home. Being away from Miami is exactly what I need right now.
My phone starts ringing again, and I regret turning it on after the flight. I haven’t spoken to Logan all week, so why the hell does he think I’ll answer his calls? Ignoring him is the best option.
A text dings, and I’m pleasantly surprised to see it’s from Bizzy, ten minutes ago.
Bizzy: Your voicemail is full. Can you call me as soon as possible?
I park the car and call her, waving at my mom who’s waiting on the front porch.
“Grace, where are you?” Bizzy asks breathlessly.
“In Thomasville. Are you okay?”
“Yes! I was rushing to answer before Nick seized my phone.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Logan called and said you took off. Then you haven’t been answering your phone. We were all worried.”
“Well, Logan is a douchebag, and I sent him an email before leaving. I flew home to my parents’ for the weekend.”
“You’re not coming to the game?”
“No.”
“Why didn’t you tell anyone?”
“Who was there to tell?”
There’s a mumbling on her end, then the sound of a door closing. “Grace, I don’t know exactly what’s happening here, but I’m your friend, no matter what Logan said. Don’t shut me out.” She sounds so sincere, I feel guilty.
“I’m sorry, Bizzy. It’s been a horrible week.”
“I know. I’ve heard. Nick isn’t himself. He says you two needed space, which sounds like bullshit to me.”
“It’s his call. He thinks I lied to him, he thinks I gave up an opportunity for him, and before all that, he freaked out. I’m not the kind of woman who begs for a man to love me, so I’m taking some time to myself.”
“He’s an idiot. I’ll try to talk to him, get more details.”
“Don’t you have that ESP thing?”
“Yes, but mine is messed up lately. I’ve been feeling off a lot. I think I caught something at the hospital last week, so I don’t even have the energy to fight with Shaw about being overbearing.”
I smile to myself, picturing Shaw’s irritation at Bizzy still taking PRN shifts at the hospital.
“Anyway, can we have lunch next week?” she asks.
“I’d love to. Pick a day Claire’s off and let’s do it, but promise me something. Talking about Nick is off limits. I’m not sure my heart can take it.”
“Hmmm…” I hear her fingers tapping on the phone. “I promise I’ll try. How’s that?”
“The best I can ask for. I need to go. My mom is waiting in the cold for me to come in.”
“Okay, let me know when you get home. Be safe.”
“Bye.” I power my phone back off, drop it in my purse, and get out, rushing to my mom’s outstretched arms.