Chapter 30
CHAPTER
THIRTY
Grayson
I was a dick. I regretted it the instant I said it. I should’ve bit my tongue or shut my stupid mouth. She’s right. Of course, she’s right. I know I’m throwing myself a pity party. I know it could be worse, but I’m just so sad and discouraged. I worked so hard to get here, and I loved it. I really did and now it’s just gone. It was all one stupid little accident that wasn’t even my fault. That’s the worst part. I couldn’t have done anything to avoid it, and now I can’t do anything to make it better. I hate feeling incapable. I hate knowing that I physically can’t change it.
I’m lit with a fire during physical therapy today, and the therapist notices. He asks some questions about it, but I’m not in the mood to talk. I got the phone call from the director this morning about the movie, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on Quinn. I know that. I didn’t get the chance to show her that I’ve been able to start putting pressure on my leg. The therapist was really impressed by my progress, and I was excited to tell Quinn about it. I vow now to focus more on the positive.
I texted Quinn an apology right after she left, but she didn’t reply. I don’t blame her. An apology text isn’t enough. I’m not cleared to drive yet, so Grady has been taking me to and from physical therapy. He’s been a big help, and I probably haven’t been as kind and grateful to him as I should have been.
A few days pass. Quinn still hasn’t replied to any of my messages, but at least I know she’s been reading the many apologies I’ve sent.
“Hey, could we make a stop on the way home?” I ask Grady after physical therapy.
Grady smiles. “Only if it’s to fix your mistake,” he remarks. I’d told him about the fight with Quinn, and obviously, he was on her side. Even I’m on her side. I know I’m an idiot, especially because her ex said horrible things to her.
“That’s exactly what I need. But I have to make another stop first,” I reply.
I hobble up the sidewalk while Grady waits in the car. I’m still using crutches, but I’m relying on them less and starting to test my knee more. It’s a struggle trying to walk with crutches and carry my apology gift. I lean against my crutch as I awkwardly knock on the door. Quinn opens it, and for a moment, it hurts that she’s surprised to see me.
“Hey,” I say lamely, then I hold up the basket I made her. It has a small floral bouquet, one of the new thriller books I know she’s been eager to read, and a massive chocolate brownie from her favorite bakery.
She eyes it and looks back at me expectantly.
“I’m sorry,” I apologize. The corner of her mouth twitches, so I quickly continue. “I was wrong. You were right. I should never talk to you like that. You deserve so much more. And you’re right about me throwing myself a pity party. I promise that I’m going to be better about focusing on the positive.”
She takes the basket from me and nods. “Apology accepted.”
A silence passes between us, and I realize that even though she accepts my apology, she might not want me here. I stand up straight and get ready to turn around when she laughs.
“You’re an idiot,” she says.
“What?”
“Where do you think you’re going?” she asks.
“Uh, well, I don’t know.”
“Come inside. I’ll drive you home later.” She leans around me and waves at Grady. “I’ve got him!” she calls.
“It’s about time!” he yells back through the window.
I follow her inside, and get hit with the blast of familiar cold air. Gertie is perched in a chair reading a book ,and her face lights up when she sees me.
“Grayson!” She exclaims. “It’s good to see you up and about again.”
“Thanks. It’s good to be back,” I reply truthfully.
I follow Quinn to the back patio. I know this is her favorite spot. She thinks it’s too cold inside. Even though I’d prefer the cold to the heat, I would choose her over anything.
“I really am sorry,” I say again as we sit down.
“I know.”
“I’ve been struggling.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I wish I could help.”
I chuckle. “You actually do help. Being with you is a good distraction. I just need to let myself be distracted.”
She nods and leans in closer. “I can help with that.” She slowly places her lips against mine and I lean into her fully. I slide my fingers through her hair and pull her closer. I feel her body respond, and she slides her hand up my thigh. I desperately want to grab her and pull her closer, but I’m very aware that Gertie is on the other side of the wall.
“God, I’ve missed you,” I sigh.
“I’ve been right here,” she answers breathily.
“I know. Like you said, I’m an idiot.”
She chuckles. She pulls back and searches my face for a minute. I’m not sure what she’s looking for, but she must find it because she bites her lip and says. “I need to tell you something.”
“Okay,” I say, it sounds more like a question.
“I didn’t know when to tell you. It’s never been a good time with the accident and all. I swear I was going to tell you a couple of days ago. That’s really why I came over, but then everything happened, and well, obviously, that wasn’t a good time,” she starts to ramble.
“I’m starting to think maybe there isn’t such a thing as a good time or the right time and that I just need to tell you,” she continues. My brain is swirling as I try to keep up. I honestly have no idea what she’s talking about.
“I’m pregnant,” she says.
It feels like the world comes screeching to a halt.
“I’m 11 weeks along,” she adds.
Now, the world is spinning around me. I think Quinn keeps talking, but it sounds muffled- like I’m underwater. My thoughts are somehow going a hundred miles a minute, but none of them are coherent. It feels like my stomach has dropped out from under me- as if I just stepped off a cliff. I look at Quinn, and she’s watching me with concern.
“Grayson?” she asks.