My Perfect Soulmate

Chapter 16 (Part 2)

My eyes grow a bit wide at her apartment. It's lusher than Aaron's, but definitely doesn't compare to what Colton's parents have. It's open concept and modern. It's bright with natural light entering through the large windows lining part of the kitchen wall. Dark hardwood covers the floors and a stone accent pillar between the living area and kitchen somehow ties the entire place together. There's two closed doors to the left and an opening to a hallway to the right that leaves me unable to tell how many bedrooms this place has. Aaron's apartment is nice, but it's old and run down as one would expect from a college student's budget. But Grace's apartment looks as if she's already set up in a well-paying job and has her life together. How can she possibly afford this place?

"Sorry, we're running a little late." Grace says as she fixes her sweater. "Story of my life since having Sophie. It's amazing how many extra steps are added to your day when you have a child."

"Take your time." I reassure her still taking in her apartment. "There's no rush."

"Vicky?" I hear Sophie's voice. One of the doors to the left opens and Sophie runs out with her hair a mess and wearing only a sweater and underwear. She jumps into my arms and wraps her arms around my neck in a hug

"I sweetheart." I greet her as I hug her back.

"Sophie, please hurry and put your pants on. I still have to do your hair before we can leave."

"Can Vicky do it? I want it like her hair." She takes two handfuls of my hair and lifts it just to release it and let it return to my shoulders.

"Vicky, do you mind?" Grace looks at me apologetically. "I'd do anything to make her move faster."

"Sure. It's no problem." I laugh at the situation. "Come on Sophie. Let's get you ready."

After finally getting Sophie dressed and seeing everything there is to see in her room, we leave. Sophie walks in between Grace and me as she holds our hands.

"Shopping, shopping. We're going shopping." She sings to herself, lost in her own world.

"Thanks for your help this morning." Grace says. "I wanted to make a good impression for our first time hanging out, but it was just one of those mornings."

"No worries. Honestly, any time with her is cherished. Even if it's struggling to get her dressed and listening to her go on and on about all her toys." I laugh. "She manages to make my day a little brighter."

"You must have missed her over the last couple of years, huh?"

"Of course. I tried not to think of the past too much, for obvious reasons. But I would wonder how she was or what she looked like. I never thought I'd see her again, but now that I have I can say she's surpassed my expectations. You and Aaron are doing a great job, given how busy you two are."

"We try our best." She shrugs. "Things would probably be a disaster if Aaron and I hadn't put aside our differences. He's changed a lot, you know. I think we all have."

We've each grown more in the last couple of years. Grace seems like a responsible adult and mother. I could actually see us becoming friends now. While Aaron has grown more responsible too, I can't help but think he's living in the past. He wants us to try again and go back to the way things were. We're too different now for that to happen.

"He told me what happened last night." She continues. "He's torn up about it."

"Wow, you guys have really become close." I say. "You two talk about everything?"

"He's one of my best friends." She shrugs. "And when he's not in a good headspace, Sophie can't get the attention she needs. So yes, we talk about everything. Why won't you give him another chance?"

She expects me to give him a second chance too? How could she ask me to do that when she was part of the problem two years ago? They're even closer now, which makes me even more skeptical. I don't trust him. I can't trust him after seeing just how close he is with Grace now. The chances for another heart break is too high.

"We're too broken." I answer. "Things can't go back to the way they were. Things weren't good back then anyway."

"Then can I make a suggestion?" I'm sure if I say no she'd give it to me anyway so I nod. "Let him go. He's still in love with you. He has been all this time. But it was easier for him when you weren't in his life. It's hard for me to say this since Sophie loves you so much, but it's best if you stayed away. Things were better before you showed up. I think you're sweet and have no intention of hurting anybody, but that's what's happening. It's not good for anybody. But it's your choice of course. Just think about it."

She looks at me with apologetic eyes and I get the feeling this is the real reason she wanted to hang out today. I'm not sure if it's because she wants Aaron for herself, or whether she's worried about Sophie. Whatever it is, I can't help thinking she's right. Not only did I come into Aaron's life giving him false hope, I've probably given Sophie false hope as well. Not to mention the moment Aaron came back into my life, things with Colton and I started going downhill. After all, Aaron is the reason I lost Colton's trust in the first place. I wish I could have seen my future and stopped myself from going into the café that day.

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I'm a day late, but here is part two.  What are your thoughts on Grace? Do you think she's looking out for Aaron or plotting her own agenda?

Picture of Victoria!