Page 92 of Falling for Grace

Lucy hops off and mutters under her breath, “I’m not an idiot.” She swings around quickly. “I know this is about Brandon. She’s the girl, isn’t she? The one you told me about.”

“Lucy!”

She holds up her hand. “Okay, I’m going, I’m going. Jeez.”

Ava looks back at me and takes a deep breath. “Sorry about that.”

“No problem.”

“So, anyway, are you ready to go? Otherwise I’ll be the reason she’s late again.”

I place my glass in the dishwasher, not making the same mistake as Lucy.

“Yep, let's do this.” I sound confident, but inside I’m screaming. What the hell am I going to say to him?

Chapter 33

Iget out the car and stand in front of the driveway. Large wooden gates block my view of the house.

“Good luck, Grace!”

I look behind me to see Lucy climbing over Ava, waving.

“I hope he answers. He probably just got fed up with Ava.” She grins.

“Would you sit back in your seat? Jesus!”

Ava pushes her back, and Lucy’s little face disappears into the shadows of the car.

“I’ll be back soon.” Ava smiles reassuringly.

The door closes and Ava’s face is hidden by the blacked-out window. I watch, suddenly feeling very vulnerable, as the car pulls out, leaving me standing alone in front of the enormous gates. I press the buzzer. The noise sounds aggressive in the peacefulness of my surroundings.

No answer.

I press it again.

Nothing.

I look up and contemplate climbing over, but the wood is smooth, with no place for a foothold. I pull out my phone and dial Ava.

“There’s no answer, but I am going to try and get in. How many digits is the code?” I ask as I look at the numbers on the panel.

“Five. Lucy, stop it. Sorry, Grace.”

“No, it’s fine. Talk soon.” I hang up as the bickering of aunt and niece continues.

Five digits. It can’t be that hard. I know Brandon. Let's start simple. Birthdays.

I type in his birthday. Nothing.

Ted’s. Nothing.

Sue’s.

Danny’s.

The doors remain closed. I sigh.

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