Page 35 of Grace of Spades
Ace was hot, don't get me wrong, but there's no competing with a girl like Grace. I still can't believe I managed to get her new number. It must have been my lucky night.
Now, I'm on the hunt for a party this Saturday. I need to see her again and it's not just because it was the best sex of my life. Although, I wouldn't fight her on it if she asked.
No one knows about any parties downtown. There's one on my end of town though. She said her friend was bringing her so maybe that's where she's going. I'll have to find out.
"That Oliver guy is here for the drop-off," I tell dad taking the duffle bag off the desk.
"Perfect. Let him in." Dad commands. I don't like this guy. He looks so familiar but I can never place him. He falls into the background too well. I know that's why Dad uses him but there's just something about him that doesn't add up and at a time like this, everyonebetter add up.
I watch Oliver bow to my dad respectfully before doing the same to me and taking the bag and leaving again without a word. Nope, I don't like him but I can't think on it too long. Dad turns to me again and steeples his fingers against his mouth.
"You still looking for that girl?" He asks.
"No, I found her." I smile.
"Good. I still say Ace would make a good wife but the heart is stubborn." He smiles softly, probably thinking of Mom.
"Ace is great, Dad but Grace is..." I shrug. There are no words for Grace.
"I know the feeling. Where are you off to tonight?"
"I'm going out with Tai. I get to watch him get turned down by a bunch of college girls." I laugh. Dad nods with a smile.
"Alright. You boys have fun."
I head outside to my car, an electric blue Bugatti, and make my way to school. I'm studying business and economics so I can run the business when dad steps down.
Stopping at a red light, I watch two girls beside me on a black motorcycle. I chuckle to myself when I see the helmet of the girl on the back says "bitch" in pink cursive
Grace
After a thorough workout and I have my head on straight again, I head to the kitchen. I wipe the sweat off my face with the bottom of my shirt.
"Holy shit, Grace. What the hell happened to you?" Andras says looking in horror at my now-covered stomach.
"Oh…um...I..." I stammer. I don't know how to tell him about my childhood. I know he knows it's bad but I don't think he knows just how bad.
"I'm sorry. You can tell me when you're ready. I was just shocked." He apologizes looking at the ground.
"No, it's fine. I just... don't know where to start." I shrug. "Do you want to pick one and I'll see if I remember?" I suggest. I lift my shirt to my ribs and suddenly I'm ashamed of myself. I see what he must see. A victim. Weak. A punching bag. An unloved doll. So much for feeling better after my workout.
I take a deep breath as Andras points to the collection of little scars on my hip.
"Broken bottle. One of Dad's friends threw a bottle at me and it smashed beside me." I explain remembering that asshole. I was ten when that happened. I needed Mom to sign a form for school. She wasbusywith Dad's friend. I was later locked in my room as a warning not to tell Dad about it.
"What about this one?" He points at a long curved scar across my stomach. Well shit. I would have asked about that one too. It looks intentional. Itwasintentional. But how can you tell a guy that his sister sold her daughter for the night to a fucking psycho for her next high? You can't. I can't.
"I can't tell you that one," I say looking at the floor.
"That's okay. Thank you for telling me what you could. I would really like to know more about you." He smiles gently but it doesn't meet his eyes.
"Right back at ya. Did you want to come to the fight tomorrow? You can meet Ray." I offer.
"What time?"
"My fight is at nine."
"I'll see what I can do. I may have to meet you there though." He smiles apologetically.
