Now and Forever (13 page)

Eyes downcast and hands clasped together in front of her, the young woman nodded. “I’m having second thoughts. I’m not a model or anything. The only reason I agreed to do the show is because everyone living in the Starting Over house is expected to participate.”

Grace’s mouth formed an O. Despite her frazzled appearance, the young woman was really quite beautiful. Grace could only imagine the trials and tribulations she must have endured in her young life. Although a cheerless expression was etched on her face, a simple smile could easily make her over. Grace held out her hand. “I’m Grace Michaels, owner of this lounge. This is Ava Williams. She owns Diva House. What’s your name?”

Reluctantly, she took Grace’s hand in hers, which was cold and clammy. “Heather Hendrix.”

Heather’s last name made Grace want to think about guitars and amplifiers, instead her bowed head, droopy eyes and slouched shoulders caused Grace to hear violins and trombones. The same instruments which had haunted her after she discovered Kevin’s betrayal. Her heart had been so heavy with the blues. Sad songs had served as her companion on many lonely nights. That is, before she had met Ava and gotten uplifted by her sincere words of inspiration. Not to mention, her friendship. By looking at Heather, it was plain to see a good dose of sisterly love needed to be administered…ASAP.

“Sweetheart, you’re too cute to be walking around with a long face,” Ava said.

Heather tossed Ava a puzzled look. She swiped a hand in front of her. “There’s nothing

cute
about me.”

“Let me guess. Some insecure joker with small, um, assets told you this?”

Grace nudged her. “Ava.”

Yes…no…look at me,” Heather said. Her voice cracked. To their surprise, she opened up. She told them how she had dropped out of college after her first semester because she had met some dude named Jules. He was a good-looking, smooth-talking senior. He majored in business. It was his father’s dream to have him takeover the family’s shoe business once he retired. Jules had proposed marriage to her. He had promised to take care of her emotionally, financially and physically. However, he didn’t return to their apartment one night. One night eventually turned to three months.

She explained how shock had rendered her numb at first. In a zombie-like state, she had lagged around her apartment, clutching her phone. Several calls a day to Jules’ cell phone had been her routine, until she received an automated message stating his number was no longer in service. Her situation continued in a downward spiral. She was evicted from her apartment. Relying upon Jules, she had lacked rent money. “I was too ashamed to tell my parents. So I just dropped out of school.
Been flat broke and busted ever since.”

“Damn.” Ava said.

Heather held up a finger. “Hold on, I didn’t tell you the best part. While I was on campus taking care of loose ends one day, I overheard a guy talking about Jules. It seems he had eloped with a beautiful and wealthy sorority girl. He left me high and dry like it was nothing. I’m such a fool.”

Either laugh or cry. Grace guessed Heather had done her share of crying. Laughter was a distant memory. The young woman’s predicament tugged at her tender side. How many times had Grace been down that road of heartbreak? Maybe her case hadn’t been as extreme, but the pain was identical. “Don’t beat yourself up. We all have a Jules in our past.
Different name, same game.”

“That’s right,” Ava said.

Heather shook her head. “No. I had gotten caught up in fairytales and happy endings. I should’ve known better.”

“I can only speak for myself,” Grace said. “I’ve made colossal mistakes. Some were done in the name of love.”

“Ditto,” Ava chirped.

Disbelief resonated in Heather’s eyes, which were misted. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Grace didn’t mean to judge at such an inappropriate time, but Heather’s clear plastic pink flat shoes really looked uncomfortable. “You two are nothing like me. Both of you have your stuff together—owning businesses and all. But I have nothing.
Nothing.”

Ava placed her hands on her hips. “Honey, I have been down and out. I refused to let that stop me. You need to lift your chin and look forward. Heck, I bet Jules isn’t sitting around, crying over you.”

“He’s moved on with his life,” Heather said.

“So, why waste precious time and tears on him?”

Heather tossed her hands in the air helplessly.
“Because I don’t know what else to do.”

Grace grabbed her hands. “That’s about to change. I promise. Consider us your new BFFs.”

“You can also think of me as your Fairy Godmother. When we leave here, I’m going to take you to my shop and hook up your hair.” Ava said, examining her hair critically.

Heather’s eyebrows lifted.
“Really.
But you don’t know me.”

“Trust me, Kiddo,” Ava said. “We’re all in the same boat. Maybe rocking on a different side, but it’s still the same boat. Women must stick together. We can’t wait for a man to rescue us.”

“Heather, you’re still young. Your life isn’t over, it’s just beginning.” Grace said, firmly. “And don’t give up hope on finding true love. Just remember: One bad apple…”

Ava shot her a glare armed with daggers.

I know, I know
, Grace said with her eyes. Ava was right. It was time to heed
her own
advice. For so long, she’d seen the unhappy expression stamped on Heather’s face whenever she looked into the mirror. How long did she intend to grieve over Kevin and their failed marriage?
Before Tanner entered the picture, forever.
However, joy has been battling to burst forth through her emotions. It wanted to be front row and center in her life because Tanner had brought so much light and cheer and laughter with his presence. Is he really the real deal? Did she finally get lucky?

There’s only one way to find out.

Things are about to change
. Everything would work in her favor.
Sooner than later.
She intended to spill her guts to Tanner. She was determined to tell him the depth of her feelings for him. He meant so much to her. To be able to hold him, kiss him and see his face each and every morning would be a great start. Ah, but she was insatiable when it came to Tanner. She absolutely couldn’t wait to connect with him in a passionate and sexual and hip-locking embrace. Good men were hard to find.
And sometimes hard to recognize.
However, Grace’s eyes, mind and heart had finally been opened. For once in her life, she was going out on a limb. The time had come.

Grace looked up in time to see Ava link arms with Heather, heading towards the door. “Let’s go and do something with your hair.” Over her shoulder, she said, “You don’t mind if we leave.”

“Of course not.”
Grace answered. “Things are going to get better, Heather.”

Heather nodded, wordlessly.

Ava pinched Heather’s waist. “Honey, you need to eat and put some meat on those bones.”

Timidly, Heather responded, “I eat like a horse, but don’t gain a pound.”

Ava’s brows furrowed deeply. “I hate you.”

Heather smiled—wide, bright and genuine.

Yep. Just like Grace
thought
. A smile gave her face a total, glorious makeover.

*

“I think I got it,” Grace said, rocking back and forth.

“I’m having a hard time keeping up,” Tanner said, gripping his instrument with a hint of frustration in his voice. He tried relentlessly to stroke the thing, but his fingers were too clumsy. Click, click,
click
. He couldn’t get to the next level to save his life. A lack of success was making him lose interest quickly.

Grace, on the other hand, was going at it like a master. Her fingers worked with ease. Her body kept time with her finger’s movements. She was a pro. “You need skills to do this,” she said.

“Tell me about it,” Tanner huffed. “Obviously, you’re a fast learner.”

“Babe, I’m just that good,” Grace said, stomping her feet.

“I’ll testify to that.” He plopped down on the sofa, placing his instrument beside him.

 
“I’m out.”

Grace faced him. She made an “L” with her thumb and index finger. “Loser,” she taunted.

“Whatever. I don’t know why I bought this game.” Oh, yeah, Bud. His cousin had convinced him to purchase the gaming system and a few popular games after they had eaten lunch downtown. Bud had claimed he needed a new laptop. So they had dipped into a nearby electronics stores. Pretty soon, the numerous gadgets and doohickeys had gone to Bud’s head. He had stocked up on things he hadn’t needed. In the process, he had persuaded Tanner to buy Guitar Hero because, according to him, it was ‘super cool.’

“Because it’s fun, silly.”

Tanner leaned back and rested against a plush pillow. He watched Grace move on to a harder level. His eyes lit up as he stared at her bodacious body rocking out to an 80’s song with a plastic guitar, wearing nothing but red panties and one of his button-up shirts. When she struck a guitar pose, feet wide apart, he thought his heart was going to leap out of his chest. She writhed and wriggled, playing the notes that appeared on the high definition television screen. He sat quietly, enjoying the view as Grace soared through various levels of the game. Her fist shot into the air after she completed a difficult song.

“I rock!”

“You’re awesome.”

Grace turned the game off. She sashayed over to the sofa and straddled him. She took his face between her hands and placed a whopper of a kiss on his lips. Her sweet scent immediately surrounded him. An itch crept up his long, extended legs. The prickly sensation settled smack-dab in the middle of his pants. His manhood hardened. It threatened to burst clean through his pants and squeeze into Grace, while she sat on top of him with her legs parted like the Red Sea. Her kisses were strong, hungry and hot. Eagerly, she coiled her tongue around his, sending fire to his already enflamed loins. Tanner groaned, running his hands up and down her velvety-smooth, juicy thighs. His fingertips traced her panty line. Heaven knows how bad he wanted to remove the flimsy material and have his way with the tender flesh it shielded.
Boy,
did he ever.

Unexpectedly, she pulled back and stared deep into his light eyes. “Have I ever told you that you’re a great kisser?”

“No. However, I’m only as good as the woman I’m kissing,” he said, placing a quick smack on her lips.

“I must be absolutely fantastic.”

“Absolutely.”

A coy smile played on her lips. She lowered her head slightly and glanced at him through long, fluttering eyelashes. She leaned forward and seductively brushed her breasts against his chest. “Well, you can kiss me anytime you want.”

Tanner’s brows lifted. Funny, that’s just what he had planned to do all along. But to hear her make the offer, blew his mind.

She’s been acting strange all day
.
Strange in a good way.
Strange in a way that delighted the hell out of him.
No, he wouldn’t change an odd and wonderful second of her, uh, new attitude. Still, he wanted to know what gave.

He sifted her hair through his fingers, which was still damp. Earlier, she had suggested they take a romantic stroll around his grounds. During their walk, his arm had been comfortably draped about her shoulders, while her arm had been wrapped around his waist. What a nice pair, he’d thought.
Picture perfect.
Several times, Grace had pushed him against the trunk of a tree in order to plunder his mouth, his face and his neck with kisses. Standing on tip-toes, she had pressed her lips and body to his fervently. She had clung to him like her life depended upon it. Abandon characterized her kiss. Longing described the looks she had tossed his way. They had spent time talking about nothing in particular. But Grace had flashed her pearly whites frequently.

Strange.

Grace’s mood had been so warm.
Easy-going.
Free. It had felt like she really enjoyed being with him. She had led him to believe she valued his company. Engrossed in her warmth and glow, he hadn’t noticed the clouds roll in. He’d been too lost in her eyes. Smile.
Voice.
The changing weather conditions had been the furthest thing from his mind.

Hand in hand, they had run up the hill moments after it had begun to rain cats and dogs. Instead of being peeved about her hair getting wet, Grace had laughed all the way to his patio. He had been pleasantly surprised when she double-dog dared him to rip off his clothes and dance naked with her in the rain. Sure, the idea had struck him as being crazy. But it would have been twice as crazy to miss an opportunity to gawk at her bare skin. Furthermore, he wasn’t chicken. He accepted her dare. For his reward, he had received enough fodder for his fantasies to last a lifetime.

Score.

Grace ran her fingers down his torso. Heavenly sensations followed the path of her touch. Heat seared his skin. Happiness governed his emotions. Every fiber of his being longed to believe Grace had finally crossed over to his side. Her mind, body and heart were in sync with his. Or was it simply wishful thinking on his part? Could he have misread her signals?