He sat back up on the couch. “She passed years ago.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” He gave me a somber expression, so I changed the subject. “What book are you going to read before bed tonight?”
He smiled again, although weakly. “I’m currently reading a Norse-inspired fantasy series. There’s a war going on, a unique magic system, betrayal, and of course an epic love story because a book is not considered good without a little bit of romance.”
I chuckled. “You may be right there, but I do love me a good historical fiction now and again.”
“What are you currently reading?” he asked.
“I’ve moved from sports romance to small-town romance. I’ve been in a romantic mood lately.”
“I wonder why,” he said with a wink.
I rolled my eyes. “I think I need to start getting to bed, or I’m going to be unbearable to be around tomorrow.”
“My sister’s the same way.” He laughed tiredly. “Goodnight, Serenity. Thank you for the dinner date and talk, it’s hopefully what my dreams will consist of tonight.”
“Always the shameless flirt. Goodnight, buff boy.”
“Goodnight, sad girl.”
We hung up, and I couldn't stop smiling. I had never been as vulnerable with a man so fast before. He was validating and not judgmental. I only hoped Grant would become as comfortable showing his vulnerable side to me and share more aspects of his life and feelings he hasn't been able to share with anyone—at least anyone as intimately.
I heard the front door slam, followed by Emma crying. She ran to her room, slamming her bedroom door, too. I stood up from the couch to check on her.
“Em, do you want to talk about it, or do you need space?” I asked through the closed door.
“You can come in,” she said. “But you’re not allowed to mention how bad my face looks because I already know.”
I opened the door slowly to see her sprawled out on her queen-sized canopy bed with her arm bent over her face, covering her eyes. I sat in the white rocking chair in front of her bed. “What’s going on?” I asked cautiously. “Is it Vanessa?”
Vanessa was Emma’s on-and-off again girlfriend for the past six months. They had been more off as of late, but I’d never seen her shaken up over it.
“We’re done. For real this time,” she finally said. “She doesn’t trust me for shit, and I’m so over it. She’s convinced that you and I are more than friends and wants me to move out but doesn’t want me moving in with her.” She sat up and wiped the tears off her face. Her eyes were puffy from prolonged crying, and her mascara ran down her face.
“Did you tell her how we’ve been friends since we were eleven?” I asked, surprised.
She sighed. “Of course, but she wouldn’t listen. Honestly, I thought dating a woman after the dumpster fire relationship I had with Alex would prove to be different, but maybe I’m doomed either way. I guess I’ll go back to dating men.”
“Trust me, they’re just as dramatic—if not more.” We both laughed.
“You’re not wrong there.” Her eyes went wide. “Are things with Grant not going well?”
“Quite the opposite,” I said with a smile. “We had a virtual pizza date tonight and talked about some of our past stuff. We still held back, but it was nice to be real with someone other than you.” I paused. “Sorry, I don’t mean to sound like I’m bragging when you’re going through a breakup.”
She shook her head. “I appreciate that, but I want to live vicariously through you, so tell me everything.”
I recapped my date with Grant with as much detail as I could muster.
“Serenity,” she said my name with purpose.
“What?” I asked incredulously.
“I think you might have found your actual soulmate.” She winked.
I knew she was referring to my high school boyfriend, Shawn. I convinced myself he had to be the person for me. I’m glad I was wrong because as we grew older, we became quite opposite in many areas of our lives.
“But in all seriousness, he really does sound so different from anyone you’ve dated or been in a relationship with before.” She paused. “You have never really been around any man so kind, honest, or validating.” I looked down. “Your exes did help you believe you deserve so much more from someone than you’ve been settling for.”
