“You don’t have a choice. Or you’ll regret it.” I scoff. He still thinks I’m the same scared girl he once manipulated to meet up with him.
“Fuck off, Ethan.” I hang up without hesitation and hand the phone back to Olivia. She blinks at me, unsure what to do.
“He said–he just asked me to,” she mumbles. Again, I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before.But where?
“I’m giving you until the end of the day to hand in your resignation. I don’t care what he told you. You don’t get to stand in this building and report back to him.” Olivia’s mouth opens, but no sound comes out, her face tightening as she grips the phone.
I pick up my copies and walk to the door, stopping. “This is my life, and you don’t want to find out how far I’m willing to go to protect it.” I open the door and storm out without looking back.
Back at my desk, I bury myself in work, pushing Ethan from my mind like an old nightmare I no longer believe in. At lunchtime, Johnny and I head to Seviche, a nearby seafood place. Gracie, the only one of us not working today, says she’ll meet me there.
“Johnny, do you mind sitting at the bar? Gracie and I have some girl talk to do.”
“Sure thing, Aria, but I feel used now that you’ve got company,” he teases. “Just tossed to the side.” Gracie arrives a minute later, but she’s not alone. Evie is with her, her tiny hand clasping Gracie’s.
“Gracie, this is a surprise,” I arch a brow. After the disaster with Lucilla, I can’t help but wonder how she ended up with Evie and whether Lucilla even knows.
“Hey, Aria. I hope you don’t mind. I brought a guest.” Gracie smiles down at Evie, who beams, her gap-toothed grin glowing.
“Of course not. Especially since you brought my favorite little person to see me.” Gracie helps her settle in by the window, and Evie looks up at me with sparkling eyes.
“Auntie Aria! Miss Gracie and I are having a super fun girls’ day! We went to the zoo ’cause I wanted to see the hippos, but they looked all funny, not like Mimi! I wish Rocky could’ve been there.” She holds up her stuffed hippo. “Miss Gracie gave her to me. Mimi’s so pretty.”
“Yes, just like you, pumpkin.” I grin as she lights up.
“Miss Gracie, I’m hungry. Can I have some French fries?”
“I’m not sure if they have fries here, but if not, I’ll find something just as yummy, okay?” Gracie ruffles her hair.
“Okay. Can I have my tablet while we wait?”
“Sure, honey.” Gracie pinches her nose, and Evie giggles. I watch them, and something tugs at my chest. There’s a softness in the shape of their smiles, the same delicate curve at the edges of their eyes. Thomas really does have a type. Gracie pulls out Evie’s tablet and headphones, helping her get set up.
The waiter arrives with a basket of warm bread rolls and a smile. “Are you ladies ready to order?”
I scan the menu. “I’ll have the blackened salmon with citrus salad.”
“And I’ll take the London fish and chips platter, and extra fries, please. Also, an empty plate,” Gracie adds with a wink toward Evie. The waiter leaves, and I can’t hold it in any longer.
“Okay, spill.” I lean in. “How are you out with Lucilla’s kid? That woman hates you.” I drop my voice and glance at Evie, who’s still absorbed in her cartoon. Gracie lets out a shaky laugh, tearing off a piece of bread and buttering it before handing it to Evie.
“When I got up this morning, I walked in on Thomas begging Rosa to watch her. Lucilla was passed out drunk. Thomas had a big meeting. Rosa had a doctor’s appointment. So I offered.” She pauses. There’s something vulnerable and raw in her eyes. “Thomas was my best friend before we were anything else. A good friend helps... right?”
“Yeah, sure.” After what I heard last night, I know Gracie has an enormous heart. I don’t know if I could’ve done the same. Gracie shifts in her seat and looks longingly at Evie, who’s staring at her tablet, and sighs. “About Lucilla, Thomas and me... It’s a long story. Here’s the short version: Thomas and I were together. I met Lucilla at New York Fashion Design College. She became my best friend. When I found out I was pregnant, she was the first person I told.” My stomach twists, and I hope I’m schooling my facial expression. “A week later, on my way to meet Thomas, I got hit by a car. A hit-and-run.” Her voice cracks. “I was three months along when I lost the baby. Thomas never knew about my pregnancy or our loss. But Lucilla knew.”
I squeeze her hand, my throat tightening. “Hey, you don’t have to tell me anything. I’m so sorry I asked.” But inside, my chest aches. The thought of Gracie carrying that secret alone, of Lucilla knowing but not Thomas. It’s unbearable. I blink hard, willing away the sting in my eyes. Loss like that leaves scars no one else can see.
“It’s fine, Aria. I want someone besides my therapist and Lucilla to know Peanut existed.” Gracie glances at Evie again. “After the accident, I spiraled, becoming very depressed and grief-stricken. Thomas and my relationship went into a rough patch. While all this was happening, Lucilla slept with Thomas.” Gracie’s voice drops. “She became pregnant.” I can’t hold back my tears as she lets out a shaky breath, exposing wounds time never heals. “Now Lucilla’s living with the man I thought was my soulmate, and I’m still bitter,” Gracie whispers. She wipes at her eyes with a napkin and lets out a small, bitter laugh. “Sorry, I ruined your second bachelorette party yesterday.” Her eyes fall to the breadbasket, avoiding my gaze.
Dabbing at my eyes, I realize I would’ve locked myself in my room if I were in her place.I keep my secrets, but they don’t haunt me like this.My heart swells with empathy. “Gracie, you ruined nothing. I’d have done the same.”
She gives me a grateful but sad look. “You know, Aria, I regret bringing Lucilla into my life every day. I trusted her. Now she has everything I want.” Her gaze lands on Evie with such longing. “And I’ve lost everything I loved. I still love him, you know. Thomas. I never stopped. I just can’t seem to stop, no matter how much I’ve tried. You must think I’m pathetic.”
I take a deep inhale, pushing down the anger building on her behalf. “No, I don’t. You love who you love. But... how are you, really? I mean, having to watch her today?” Gracie looks over at Evie, her expression softening.
“I thought it would break me, if I ever saw her. But she’s... There’s something about her. I love kids, and she made this morning better. My therapist says to find the good in the bad. I think Evie is the good.” She looks over at the little girl, who’s engrossed in whatever she’s watching.
“Gracie, you’re an amazing person. We might’ve just met, but I already consider you a friend. Since you trusted me with your secret, will you accept mine?”
