Page 21 of Diverge

“They only had small cups.” Grace walks over to me, handing me my coffee. We met at a local coffee shop because she texted me an SOS text. Generally, with Grace, anything can be SOS.

“Are you going to explain what happened?” I ask as we sit at a small table inside the shop.

Throwing her hair back over her shoulder, she bites her lip. “Don’t judge, okay.”

Rolling my eyes, I sigh. “When have I ever judged you?”

“Okay, okay. Michael called.”

“...andddd...” I wave my hand for her to continue.

“He wants to meet.” She hesitates. “Tonight.”

I stare at her blankly, waiting.

“I’m scared if I say yes, we are just going to fall back into the same trap. The sex is great, it’s wonderful, but I’m terrified that we’re going to end up like my parents, B,” she confesses. “I don’t want to be living separate lives while still married, how fucked up is that?!”

There it is.

Her true feelings as to why she broke off her engagement with Michael. Grace’s parents run a huge law firm, and ten years ago, her father set his sights on opening another law firm overseas, hence why he went to live there. Her mum chose to stay in Australia and raise her daughter, as well as take care of the law firm here in Melbourne. Both being lawyers, they were used to not spending much time together, but Grace always found it quite unsettling in her younger years, and I guess it’s manifested in an irrational fear or trauma. I would also hate to live a separate life while still being married to someone, so I see where she is coming from.

“Is that really a reason to avoid someone you love?” I take a sip of my coffee.

She looks down at the table. “It shouldn’t be. I just don’t want to mess it up again. If I do, he’ll never forgive me.”

“Then do everything in your power not to mess it up. Go all in.”Yeah, I’m one to talk.

She thinks for a moment and shakes her head. “Anyway, I’ll figure it out.” Sipping her coffee, her eyes timidly meet mine. “What happened with Finn?”

“I can’t believe you gave him my address, Grace.”

“You need to speak to him. Although what’s happened in the past has happened, it’s in the past. Leave it there and move on.” She’s right, and god, I hate it when Grace is right. “I believe he has something important to ask of you anyway. So please talk to him?”

Sighing, I nod. “Fine. I’ll talk to him.”

“Great!” She smiles and waggles her eyebrows. “Now tell me about Nate.”

A small blush fills my cheeks as I think back to a couple of nights ago where we almost had sex but were rudely interrupted. “There’s nothing to tell really. We just started hanging out, and I feel comfortable around him.”

“Yeah, I bet. Comfortable enough to fuck him?” she says openly.

“Grace!” I look around the café hoping no one heard her.

“What? He is so fine. I’ve been telling you to talk to him ever since Riley introduced him to the group. I’m glad you’re having fun again. You need it, you’re always bloody working.” Her phone rings, and she swiftly answers it as she gets up and excuses herself to walk outside.

Is that what I am doing, though?

Having fun with Nate?

I’ve had some fun with other guys before, so it’s not like I don’t know what to expect, but it feels different with Nate. Maybe because he knows my brother and my friends? Unsure of this feeling in my stomach, I take another sip of my coffee and wait for Grace to finish her phone call.

*****

Thank God it’s Fridaybecause I have just about had enough of this week. Picking up my phone, I text Finn.

ME

Instantly, the phone buzzes in my hands.

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