16. Matt
Today has been one of those core-memory days that will go into a special Grace Box. I finally relaxed and didn’t have a care in the world. The media can step on a Lego barefoot for all I care, and it is all because of her. She saw how stressed out I was with that article and took it upon herself to do the one thing that I didn’t even think she knew I enjoyed aside from racing. Being on the water is the one place I don’t have to be on all the time.
Stepping up to the house and opening the door, I let Grace go ahead of me, and my phone pings. I look down to see Ryan calling.
“Hey, man. What’s up?” I ask.
“Hey, Tinley wants to know if you and Grace want to go out for dinner. She’s been trying to reach her, but she hasn’t answered. She was starting to freak out when I said I’d call you.”
“Hang on, let me ask the little missus.”
“Grace, Ryan wants to know if we want to meet them for dinner tonight. Said Tin’s been trying to get a hold of you.”
“Yeah, I saw my text messages from her,” she says, laughing, then she appears back in the living room after changing out of her bikini.
“Sure, we can go. I guess I owe her a drink since she was freaking out with me not responding.”
“Yes, man, we can go. Meet you in about an hour at the burger place around the corner.” Hanging up the phone, I head toward the bedroom to get changed so I can take my girl to dinner.
Walking into the restaurant an hour later, I see Ryan and Tinley already at a table out on the patio, away from everyone else.
“Hey, thanks for grabbing a table. Sorry, it took us a little longer than we said. Someone just couldn’t get enough of this body,” I tell them, smirking as we sit down.
Grace’s face turns a light shade of pink, and it’s fast becoming one of my favorite things. I noticed that she only blushes when we’re in public. In private, she’s a lioness with me.
I scan the menu for what I’m in the mood for, and my phone vibrates in my pocket. Reaching to see who texted me, I’m puzzled as to who it could be, considering the one person I talk to daily is sitting across from me.
Clint:
Good job on the win last night. See your balls finally dropped and you came out swinging. (Laughing emoji)
Me:
Thanks, man. Guess I just needed some motivation, and Grace did just that.
I’m laughing at myself as I wait for the reply to come from Clint.
Clint:
Also, saw your IG post. You know she’s going to kill you when she sees it, and if you’re replying now, she’s not received that notification yet.
Me:
Got to show off what’s MINE to the world. Especially since the press think otherwise.
Clint:
As long as you’re good to her, then you have my blessing. Jamie Cort are getting on board too since I told them you’re a stand-up guy. Don’t make me regret it.
Clint:
Tell Grace to text me later. She’s coming up to Boston next week to see her dad.
Me:
Will do. Have a good week.
Clint:
You too. See you next weekend, and I’ll beat your ass this time. (Laughing emoji)
I’m looking down at my phone, thinking about what Clint texted. Grace hasn’t mentioned that she’s going to Boston next week to see her dad. This draws out my anger, but I’m not even sure I have the right to be angry about it. Granted, we haven’t talked much about anything since we crossed the line after my win this weekend. After getting home and then spending the day relaxing on the boat, we just haven’t talked. Now we’re having dinner with Ryan and Tinley. But once we get home, I’m going to find out what’s going on and why her dad’s summoned her home while I would be out of town.
We finally order our food, and I enjoy catching up with Ryan, but I’m on edge. The more I think about the idea of her going to Boston, the more it doesn’t sit well. I don’t know her dad, but just from the way she acted after only one phone call with the man, I wonder if he’s always accustomed to getting what he wants. I’ve known Jamie and Clint for a while now, and they are good people, and the more time I’m with Grace, the more I see that behind that sassy mouth, she’s got a big heart. I’m chipping away at it slowly, but I can see it there.
We pay the bill, say goodbye to Ryan and Tinley, and head back home. We don’t live far from the restaurant, so we decided to walk. The North Carolina air is just perfect. The breeze coming off the water makes it have a light chill in the air, showing that fall might just be here soon and my days of wakeboarding after a race weekend are ending.
She was quiet on the walk back home and headed straight to her room as soon as we walked in the door. Knowing that we have a few items to talk about, I make my way to her room. I knock softly and wait for her to call out before I enter.
“Hey, I was just getting ready for bed. What’s up?” she asks before she picks up my T-shirt and heads toward the bathroom to brush her teeth and change out of the flowy dress she wore to dinner.
“Come on out here, Red. We need to talk.”
Peeking her head out of the bathroom, she sees me standing in the middle of her room, hands in my pockets. I’ve never been a serious guy, but I can turn it on when I need to, and right now, that’s what I’m going to have to do.
“Ummmm okay, what’s up, Matt? You’re kind of freaking me out a little, I gotta say.” She comes to sit on the side of her bed.
“Heard some interesting information tonight via text from Clint, and I need some clarification on some things.” I go to sit beside her on the bed, making sure to put some distance between us so that I’m not tempted to grab her and put her on my lap. Because since yesterday, that’s where I want her at every waking moment. Right next to me.
“Okay, what did he have to say?”
“He just pointed out to me that while I am gone next week, instead of you being with me, you’ll be in Boston with your dad. Care to explain that?”