Page 72 of Hidden Depths

Sara nodded and looked past Grace out the window, hoping for a glimpse of Tom, but he would be staying out of sight.

“You ever been?” Grace asked.

Sara focused back on the woman. “Been where?”

“Georgia.”

“No.”

“Looks like it was tough to say goodbye.”

“What?”

“I don’t mean to pry. My daughter tells me I’m too familiar with strangers. I saw you before you got on the bus. The hug.” When Sara balked, Grace added, “I wasn’t trying to be nosy. Just looking out the window. You were right there. Looked like you were close. Is he your brother?”

“No.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No, definitely not.”

“That was a strong declaration. I bet there’s a story there, but don’t worry, I won’t ask.”

“Thank you. I’m not much of a talker.”

“Noted. I can be too much of a talker sometimes. They should have signs on these buses. Seats for extroverts and introverts.” Grace smiled, waiting for her to agree.

“Yeah.”

“You’d be in an introvert seat, right?”

“I don’t mean to be rude. It’s not that I don’t want to talk to you. I’ve just had a rough day, and I’m tired.”

“I completely understand. I’ll leave you to yourself. Oh!”

“What?” Sara looked down at her shoulder where the woman was staring.

“Is that blood?” Grace reached out and scratched a fingernail on the spot. “Don’t let it sit too long. Not that there’s much you can do about it here. I hope that shirt’s not one of your favorites.”

Sara had stopped listening. The sight of the blood brought her past flashing back.

“Whoa,” Grace said, lifting Sara’s chin so she was looking into her eyes. “Focus on me, K? Look at me. If I knew you had an aversion, I never would have mentioned it. Everything’s okay, but if you have to faint, that’s okay too. I’ll keep you safe. I won’t let you bang your head on anything.”

Sara blinked back the memory and nodded. “I don’t know what happened. I’ll be okay.”

“You were obviously never meant to be a doctor or a nurse. I had a cousin who would faint at the mention of an injury, so you’re doing well. Here—”

Grace pinched Sara’s sleeve and rolled it up to her shoulder, covering the stain. “All gone. I’ll let you get the other sleeve if you’re OCD and like things to be even.”

Sara laughed. “Thank you,” she said, fixing the sleeve so it matched. It was easier than explaining that she was okay.

“Any time. Now, I’ll leave you to your thoughts, but let me know if you want to chat. I’m free anytime.” Grace giggled, then turned toward the window.

Sara focused on the fabric backing of the seat in front of her, feeling confident she was right where she needed to be as the bus door hissed closed and the engine rumbled, dragging itself into motion.

But she still had to push back her disappointment at losing Tom. Bowing her head, she thanked God that he’d been there to save her when she needed it. And even though she still wanted to stay and help, she knew Tom was right. God hadn’t seen fit to close the door to her leaving.

Despite her grief, a small smile played on her lips when she remembered the kiss.

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