Page 39 of Falling for Grace

The time to tell Brandon the truth is getting ever closer.My number one secret can no longer be just mine anymore. He has a right to know. Ben’s words resonate with me—what he said about how secrets have a price—and I find myself wondering what the cost of mine will be.

I will have ten hours to sit and think about how I’m feeling, toacknowledgethe feelings that I have been suppressing. And I think that’s also why I hate the thought of this flight…the time I will spend in my head.

It’s a dangerous place to be sometimes.

“Paging Miss Bush, can Miss Bush please make herself known to the attendants. Thank you.” I weave between the other passengers as I make my way to the front counter.

“Erm, hi, I’m Grace Bush.”

“Hello, Miss Bush. Can I please see your boarding pass and passport?”

I frown but rummage in my bag and pull them out, passing them over to the attendant. I watch as she checks the name against the passport then looks at me, checking the resemblance in the picture. My eyes widen in horror as I watch her rip apart my boarding pass.

“Don’t panic,” the lady says, smiling, her bright red lips revealing some fairly impressive pearly whites “I have received information that we are to upgrade you.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I ask. “There must be a mistake. I only booked yesterday, and I can only afford economy.”

She taps on the computer and smiles at me again. “No, no mistake. It’s all taken care of, Miss Bush. Here is you’re new boarding pass, and you will be called to board shortly.”

“Thank you.” I’m completely surprised, it’s a first-class ticket and I have one person to thank for it.

Brandon.

I walk back in my shocked state and sit in a spare seat near the boarding area and pull out my phone.

I’ve just been upgraded.

The reply is almost instantaneous, as I was expecting it to be. That girl would have her phone surgically attached to her hand if she could, and with her newfound interest in Rob, she will not leave it out of sight. Just in case.

What? Are you serious? Oh my God I’m so jealous.

I’m just about to send her a response when another message comes through straight away from her.

Well not jealous, because you are going through hell, but you know what I mean. First class, you’ll be able to drink as soon as you get on the plane… SCORE.

I smile. I have never ever been upgraded. I’ve always taken my flights packed in like cattle. Part of me is perversely excited, and I wish I was going back to London in better circumstances.

My phone buzzes and I pick it up again, expecting it to be Theresa, but my heart stutters when I see the contact B appear. Brandon has messaged me.

Mum sent me your flight details, I want you to be comfy. Safe flight x

That was some quick working. I texted Sue the details 40 minutes ago, and Brandon has already arranged an upgrade.

That wasn’t necessary, but thank you x

I haven’t spoken to him since I found out about Danny. I haven’t even texted him, or acknowledged the fact he called me out on national television. I have basically ignored it, because it’s one more thing I will have to deal with that I’m not quite ready to deal with just yet. I’m building up to it…or so I keep telling myself.

What time do you get in?

Ted has given you my details, why are you pretending you don’t already know.

All right, nice to see you’re back to your usual self

My back stiffens. What the hell does he mean by that?

?

Eurgh, I hate phones. I can quite clearly see he’s responding. Three little dots are showing right there on the bloody screen.

---