Page 45 of The Corner of Heartbreak and Forever
“Mm-hm.” Her mother handed her a piece of a carrot. “And?”
“It just bugs me. You know I’m not embarrassed by you guys, right?”
“Ah, there’s thebut.” Her mother set down the knife, and her expression turned serious. “Grace, you’ve always wanted more than what this town had to offer, but that doesn’t mean you wanted a different family or that we’re not good enough for you. We know that, honey.”
She let out a relieved sigh. “Thank goodness.”
“But…” A small smile curled her mother’s lips. “People change, honey. Just because you have what you thought you always wanted doesn’t mean you always have to want those same things.”
“I love producing.” She heard the lack of enthusiasm in her own voice and knew her mother had, too. She’d already pissed off the director she’d wanted to hire by telling him she didn’t want to use the script he’d presented. And now she was back at square one, trying to figure out which script had the most potential for funding and the best chance at sought-after actors. Even the thought of dealing with entitled actors who might have once been driven by their passion but whose passion had become twisted and driven them to be some of the most annoying people on the planet made her less enthusiastic about pouring her heart and soul into each production.
“If you say so.” Her mother began chopping again. “If you want to talk about it, I’m here.”
“I know. Thanks, Mom. Do you mind if I stay at Reed’s tonight?”
That earned the brightest smile she’d seen since Reed had picked her up for their first date. Her mother set the knife down and wiped her hands on a dish towel. “Mind? I’ll help you pack.”
Grace laughed as her mother grabbed her arm and dragged her toward her bedroom with the dogs on her heels.
“I can’t believe you’ve waited this long.” Her mother went to the bed and picked up the big stuffed bear. “Are you taking Greedy Boy?”
She’d told her mother she’d given the bear that name because Reed had greedily eaten the majority of their popcorn at the fair. Her mother had bought it hook, line, and sinker. Now she wondered if she really had…
“No.” Grace opened her smallest bag and began packing. “He’d take up the whole bed. I’m not moving in. I’m just staying for a night or two.”
“Mm-hm.”
Grace’s cell phone vibrated. She snagged it from the nightstand and read Reed’s text.I’ll be right over.
“I assume that’s your man?” her mother asked.
“Yes. He doesn’t know I’m bringing an overnight bag. I wish I could be there when he reads this text.” She typed out a reply, unable to quell her grin.Wait there. I’m packing a few things to stay overnight. I’ll meet you at your place.Her phone rang seconds later.
“Oh! Someone’s happy,” her mother said. “I’ll leave you alone to chat.”
Grace mouthed,Thank you, and answered Reed’s call. Before she could say a word, he said, “You’re staying over?”
“Unless you mind?”
“Does a bear mind hibernating in the winter?”
She tried to tamp down the thrill skittering through her. She couldn’t afford to get caught up in a fantasy, but she refused to let her temporary stay keep her from enjoying every minute she could with Reed.
“Well, make room in the cave, because I’m just going to take care of a few things, and then I’ll be on my way.”
REED WAS PACING the porch when Grace pulled into the driveway. He’d spent the last two hours getting ready for their date, and knowing she was staying over offered the perfect end to what he hoped would be an incredible evening. When she stepped from her car, he lifted her off her feet, kissing her as he twirled her around.
“Tell me you’re staying again,” he said, but before she could answer, he kissed her one more time.
“I’m staying.”
“I think I’ve waited my whole life to hear you say that.” He brushed his lips over hers and realized hehadbeen waiting, but he wanted a lot more than a night. “I’m actually going to wake up with you in my arms tomorrow?”
“For as many tomorrows as you want until I go home.”
He was torn between elation and heartache, knowing their relationship had an end date. Or at least apausedate. One look in her loving eyes and elation won out. He set her down and led her to his truck.
“Where are we going?” She hurried to keep up in her high heels.
