Page 47 of Holding Grace

I laughed, then felt bad.

Me: When I was working at Barney’s it was the funnel cakes. What diner serves funnel cakes as a dessert? Barney’s does. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to eat a funnel cake again.

Michael: And that is tragic. Can I call you later if I get a few minutes? It might be late.

Like I’d say no to that?

Me: Of course. Late is okay.

Michael: Hopefully I get a chance. Thanks for texting me.

Me: You’re welcome. Talk to you later.

Michael sent back a “fingers crossed” emoji. As I set my phone aside and picked up my book again, I revised my thought from earlier. Any contact with Michael was my favorite but talking to him won out over texting him and being with him was the best of all.

There didn’t seem to be any hope for that in my immediate future, so I’d be happy with whatever I could get.

Chapter 16

Michael

I didn’t get to talk to Grace that night or the next.

I texted her, apologizing, and she was sweet as always. Finally, the evening after that, I got a few minutes to breathe. It was Friday night, oddly enough, but there was an unusual lull right around nine pm that gave me the chance I’d been waiting days for.

I went out the pub’s back entrance for a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Without thinking I tapped Grace’s number. It wasn’t until the phone was ringing that I realized I should have texted first to see if she was up for a call.

“Hi, Michael.”

That soft voice of hers got me every time, like the stroke of her fingertips across my skin.

“Hey, Grace. I got a minute free and thought I’d call. Sorry I didn’t text first.”

“No, that’s fine.” I heard some shuffling. “I know you have to grab the chance when you have it. Though I’m a little surprised you have it at nine on a Friday.”

“Yeah, me, too.” I wouldn’t have long. “What are you up to?”

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