Saving Grace

Chapter 21: Grace

I ran my hand down the mid-length white and black floral dress I had on, tugging it down just a bit more before looking myself over in the mirror with a satisfactory smile. Mark's work colleagues were starting to fill up the apartment in celebration of his promotion. My mom and Frank would be there any minute, and I was looking forward to spending some time with my mom.

I heard the door click open and I turned to see Mark popping his head inside the room. "Come on out here Grace, you're missing out on introductions."

I smiled politely and grabbed the hand he offered me as we walked out into the spacious living room. Mark introduced to me one colleague after another, until soon, their faces blurred together. Every time I would start a conversation with one person, I was being swooped over to meet someone new. It was overwhelming to say the least.

I assumed Mark was just nervous to make a good impression and excited for me to meet everyone. Of course, I had already met a few through the years, and once Mark was done tugging me around, I gravitated to those I knew with him to enjoy a conversation.

My mom and Frank had showed up not long after, but I barely had time with my mom from being dragged everywhere with Mark. So once things settled down more and Mark became occupied with a group of colleagues, I looked around for her.

I heard Frank's boisterous voice through the tidal wave of people, and I peered around to see he had just left my mom's side. She waved me over to the appetizer bar we had set up with a smile on her face and a drink in her hand.

"Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"

"Once or twice mom." I shook my head with a grin.

"Well good, I just want to make sure you know. You look absolutely stunning, and I bet you're so proud of Mark. He has done wonderfully in providing you this life."

I forced a smile, because while I knew she was trying to be complimentary, it hit me differently. I held my own success and the life we had was not solely due to Mark. I worked incredibly hard as a Chef, and in the beginning, had even brought in more money than Mark. Not that that was ever an issue with me, unlike it had been with Mark anyway. But it seemed no matter my successes, they were buried beneath the need to appease Mark.

"I am proud mom. He has worked hard to get to where he is, and I'm so happy for him."

I grabbed the martini I had finished pouring and popped in an olive before taking a drink. Instead of the proper sip, I didn't stop until it was all gulped down, nearly swallowing the whole olive in the process. I glanced at my mom out of the corner of my eye to see she was looking at me as if I had personally offended her.

"Can I tell you something mom?" I asked, wiping the corner of my mouth.

"Of course. You can tell me anything. Does it have anything to do with why on earth you just chugged that martini like it was your last salvation?"

I glanced over to where Mark and Frank were exchanging words and then looked back to my mom.

"Truthfully, I'm not so sure of this life we have built anymore. I don't see a future here in these walls."

My mom audibly gasped and covered her mouth immediately following.

"What are you saying Grace? Do you not love Mark?"

"Of course mom. It's just, something is missing. Honestly, being back in Wyoming brought up old feelings, and I don't know if I see myself having a life in the city anymore. At least not in this penthouse of an apartment. And I don't know...I'm not sure if I see myself having this life anymore." I whispered the last part, cautiously tasting the words aloud on my tongue.