Page 46 of Holding Grace

“When’s your birthday?”

“In about a week and half.” I told her the date, which was a couple of Mondays away.

“Go ahead and go. There’s nothing urgent that needs to be done today, right?”

I thought over my to do list for the day. “No, it can all wait.”

“That works fine, then. I’ll be out of the office most of this afternoon, anyway. You go get that taken care of and I’ll lock the office up when I leave.”

Happy to be able to get it over with, I agreed. When we got to the corner by my apartment, I split off one way and Mercy split off the other.

I stopped up in my apartment for the car keys, then headed for the DMV office. I took care of what I needed to there, leaving with a brand-new license sporting the typically awful photo of me, then made a stop at the grocery since I was out anyway.

I was scanning over the loose apples, looking for a few to add to my basket, when I caught myself humming.

In the middle of the produce section. Humming.

I glanced around hoping no one had heard me. What the heck?

Then it occurred to me.

I was happy. Truly happy, for the first time in, well...a long time.

In the back of my mind was the fact that Ellis had somehow tracked me down in Bluelake Springs. It wasn’t that I’d forgotten or was ignoring it. I just felt strong enough and safe enough to face him down if he showed up here.

Like I’d promised Michael, I wasn’t going anywhere. I had a great apartment, a great job with a great boss, and a great guy friend who was an even better kisser.

And we hadn’t even gotten down to serious kissing business yet.

I fought the urge to fan myself as I thought about what “serious kissing business” with Michael might be like.

Then laughed at myself for thinking dirty thoughts amongst the apples and avocadoes and strawberries.

When I got back to my apartment, I put away the groceries, started a load of laundry in the stackable washer/dryer that was one of my favorite things about the apartment, then checked the time.

It wasn’t quite happy hour rush yet. I plopped in my chair and did one of my favorite things – texted Michael.

Me: How’s your day?

I put down my phone and picked up my book knowing he probably wouldn’t be able to text back right away. A few minutes later my phone buzzed, and fizzy bubbles exploded in my chest knowing it was Michael.

Michael: Better now. You?

Me: Good. Mercy let me take off early to go to the DMV, then I stopped at the grocery store.

Michael: Wow, you know how to have a good time.

I grinned as I tapped out my response.

Me: It’s true. Some of us have all the fun.

Michael: I’ll say. Everybody knows a trip to the DMV is a laugh a minute.

Me: Not sure about that but it wasn’t as bad as I remembered. Is the pub busy?

My text went unanswered for several minutes, which was an answer in itself.

Michael: Sorry. Yeah, it’s getting there. The apps buffet we’re trying out during happy hour is saving our asses right now, but I swear these people eat like locusts. If I never see another stuffed mushroom or spring roll again it will be too soon.

---