Needing Grace

16.

The board of directors never got back to me by the end of the work day and I couldn't be bothered with Roman.

I packed up at five and went home. I had an invite thrown at me by a friend, Macy, about a small party. I sighed. I wanted to, but I knew Roman wouldn't allow it and I couldn't find the strength to argue a no out of myself, let alone give it to Macy.

It was more energy arguing with her then getting all fancied. I had a quick shower and got dressed, doing my hair and make up. By the time I was done, it was after six. From what I've learnt this week from Roman is he gets home around 8pm. I'll be gone by then.

I drove to the club that Macy invited me too and parked in a safe location before getting out and finding Macy by the front entrance.

She squealed when she saw me, running to me with open arms. I hugged her back, laughing. "Good, you made it! I've missed you!" She smiled at me as took my hand.

I followed her inside and heard the music playing and people everywhere. I waved to a group of people as Macy took me to the bar.

"Two rum sunsets." Macy yelled over the music. I've been here before, plenty of times.

"So what's the occasion?" I asked her as she collected the drinks and handed me one. I took the orange red drink in its fancy glass.

"What? I miss you! I haven't seen you since your wedding."

I gave her a small smile. Macy likes to be mischievous.

"Okay. So it's a party."

"I gathered that." That's what the invite said. We made our way through the crowds to a booth.

Then I saw Lee Anne, Bronx and Harry. "Oh my! I didn't know you will be here!" I squealed at them as I put my drink on the table and hugged them. We chatted for a while and then Macy pulled me up to dance.

I followed her with my hand gripping hers as we danced on the floor. I was smiling, laughing, having so much fun. I forgot what this was like. I was going easy on the drinks, but I was still having the time of my life.

We laughed about old times and took a few selfies.

"So, what's married life like?" Macy teased me as she sat next to me.

I shrugged.

"Trouble in paradise?" Macy asked me.

I looked at her. Oh right. She thinks it was a love match.

"I'm not surprised. Look how quickly you got married, you don't even know the bloke. I didn't even know you were seeing someone! No wonder you kept him hidden."

I brushed off her comments to me. Macy can also be a bit opinionated and sometimes, it can hurt.

"No." I lied. "But I've been busy working." I answered her.

"You're still doing all that volunteering?" Lee Anne piped in.

"Why wouldn't I?" I asked her, confused.

She shrugged me off and left the table with Bronx.

Before I knew it, Macy was gone too, off to dance with someone. I was on my second drink for the night, trying really hard to pace myself.

"Is everything alright, Grace?" Harry asked me as he scooted closer.

"Uh? Oh yes. Sorry. I had a very distracting day." I took a sip and finished off my drink.

"Let me." Harry offered as he got up with two empty glasses.

I sat there, watching Macy snake herself up and down some random bloke and smiled. That's usually me. Dancing and jumping. Having fun, talking to random strangers.

What's changed? Why ain't I?

Because, Grace, a voice spoke in my head. You're married now.

But just because I'm married doesn't mean I can't have fun? Surely not!

Harry returned with his and my drinks and gave me mine.

"Thanks Harry." I smiled as I twirled my straw around in the drink before placing it on the table.

"What's been happening?" I asked over the music. I was so out off loop, between getting married, that so called honeymoon and working. And all in such a very short time frame. I've yet have to go to my parents to get the rest of my stuff.

"Nothing much. These parties have been boring without you."

I laughed. "Come on! I'm not the only one that attends them."

I felt my clutch bag vibrate and pulled my phone out. It was only eight thirty. The night was still young.

I saw the message. Roman. I didn't bother opening it and locked my phone and put it back in my bag.

I took my drink and sipped it before putting it down and taking Harry's hand.

"Come dance!" I smiled as I stood up.

We made our way to where the dancing was and I went with the beat.

I laughed over what Harry had said and suddenly I stopped. I looked around, the room looked weird. The sounds were emerging in to one as I heard ringing in my ears.

"Grace? Are you alright?" I saw Harry's face in mine as he looked at me in concern.

I nodded my head and made my way back to my booth, leaning on whatever I could for support. I felt a hand grab me and I spun to see who it was, ready to yell not to touch me. I don't like being touched by some one I can't see.

But my eyes went wide and my mouth hung open as I leaned against the chair.

Roman.

He was here.

He looked pissed.

"What are you doing here?" I slurred at him as I tried getting my arm back. My other hand went to an ear and rubbed it. This ringing is getting louder.

I saw his mouth moving, but I couldn't hear him. I stepped away from him, gripping the chair.

"What?" I asked again. The room was getting fuzzy and I saw Roman turn to Harry.

"um.." I went to talk, I saw their mouths going, but I couldn't hear anything. I felt so hot, like I was too close to fire.

"Uh..." My wrist still in Roman's grip as I tried getting it back.

I sighed as my free hand went to Roman's one gripping me.

"Let," I tried prying my wrist free. "Go!"

Roman stared at me, in a weird way.

I tried standing still. I swallowed.

What the hell is happening? I feel so, weird. I shivered and I felt myself getting hotter.

Roman let go off my wrist and everything went black.