The Affectionate Player - Part2

Chapter 7

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" I watch as she sips the amber liquid and almost feel the burn in my own throat that must be hitting hers right about now.

"Better?" She nods again before draining the contents of the glass.

"It's my parents."

"Are they ill?" I ask, though I can guess that's not the reason for her distress.

Rising, she makes her way to the sideboard and pours another drink, then taking a deep breath she turns to face me.

"How did you feel when you realised that your dad had lied to you about why your mother left?"

I say nothing. I don't know why I'm shocked that she's asked me this especially when she was the one person who watched me go through hell over it.

"How did you feel, Max?"

"Pissed off, but you know this, Gracie."

"What else?" she prompts.

"Let down. Angry."

"Lost? Did you feel lost, Max?"

"What?" Wounded brown eyes stare at me. Does she feel lost? Is that what this is about? I watch as she pours a glass for me, prompting me to go to her. She's waiting for my answer and given how strong she was for me when I needed it, I owe it to her to be honest. Gazing upon her fretful face, I breath a sigh.

"Yes, beautiful. I was lost for a while. It felt like the longest time but I had the love of a good woman to see me through it." I'm certain I see her cheek twitch but she offers no words.

"I understand why he felt he had to do it. Doesn't mean I liked it though." Taking a sip from her glass, she ponders my words, the threat of her tears imminent.

"I think my parents have lied to me my whole life." Her lip trembles stirring me, and seeing her struggle makes me desperately want to hold her. Maybe I should just ask. Before the words pass my lips, my phone vibrates on the mantel but I don't move, instead I pause for her cue. Wiping the tears from her cheeks she sniffles and I know the moment is gone.

"You should get that before it hits the hearth. It could be important, Max." She's right. The last thing I need is a broken phone, especially when DI Brooks and Scarlet are due to call. Grabbing it I can see already that it's Soph.

"Hi sis. What do you need?" I sound arrogant and juvenile, likely from frustration because the last thing Gracie and I need right now is disruption. I listen as Soph confirms she's minutes away from the house, and how she and Josh are taking the kids for the night – no arguments. I want to say 'no way'. I want to say they're staying with us and that the only place I know they'll be safe is here. I start to make excuses and almost decline but as I turn to Gracie and witness her distress, I know I must let my sister help. We need time alone and Gracie needs to talk.

                                                            ***************

Pacing the landing for God knows how long, I realise I'm tense as hell. I'll need to wash my hands again at this rate if Gracie doesn't hurry up. She's been in the bedroom for over an hour getting ready and half of that was spent in the bathtub. How can it take a guy all of ten minutes to shower and shave, and five to dress? What could be taking so long?

I make my way to the bathroom to do just that, realising first I'm bursting for a waz. Relieving myself, I stand before the mirror with the tap running and catch a glimpse of my reflection.

What the hell are you doing, Jacob? She said she doesn't want you. Don't you dare touch her, tonight!

I don't want to hear the truth from my subconscious nor can I bear seeing it in my eyes. But it is just two friends going out for a birthday dinner, after all. It's not a date, though if my nerves are anything to go by, it feels like one. No. Tonight is all about Gracie and bugger all to do with me.