Saving Grace

Chapter 12

"What do you think? Too much?"

Colt was planning the party when I went over to his house on Wednesday. All of the decorations were scattered all over the house, but not put up. Looks like he went for purple, my favorite color, and polka dots. Not bad for a dude.

But yes it was slightly too much for my tastes. I didn't tell him that though. Instead I told him, "It's perfect. Thank you so much."

We were supposed to be working on a biology project, but that wasn't due until next month and all we had to do was create a report on anything we'd like. Most people chose chemical reactions so that meant paper mâché volcanoes. We decided to be different and do what makes plants grow better or worse. We started it yesterday and all we had to do was wait a while. The perfect project.

Colt was still set on taking me out for dinner at some fancy Italian restaurant called RivaBella on Saturday.

Friday night came sooner than expected. Before I noticed I was in "Layla's Salon" getting ready for my party. My friends I had made in the 2 weeks I'd been here were coming, and then some because like I said, I'd only been here for 2 weeks. My favorite part: Stella had no idea and as far as we knew, she wasn't coming either.

I just wish I could be celebrating the sweet sixteen with Emma and Tanner.

"Am I good to go? Colt will be here soon."

Layla had me in a black mini skirt and blue silk flowy tank top. I had on the black ankle booties and a denim jacket. My hair was straightened and my makeup perfectly fit for a party.

"Yep. You're definitely ready. And for Mom's sake, don't get carried away-"

"Layla!!!! I'm 16 not 20! Don't worry about me. I've gotta go."

"Sureeee. Bye Grace! Happy birthday!"

"Thanks!"

My family and I were going out for lunch tomorrow before my dinner date with Colt. Then on Sunday I would finally take my driver's test for my license.

"Hey Gracie, you look nice. Happy birthday." He kissed me on the cheek as I got into his car.

"Thanks Colt. So when's the party supposed start?"

"Not until 8:00. We have a couple of hours. I have a surprise for you waiting at my house."

"Oh c'mon Colt! You can't tell me about a surprise and not say anything about it."

"That's what makes it a surprise."

We joked around like that for the rest of the ride. The outside of his house was absolutely stunning. Lights were strung all around the trees and a banner hung over the main entrance that read HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!.

"Wow, you went all out didn't you?!"

"Too much?"

"Just enough."

Before I could say anything else I heard footsteps coming from upstairs.

"OMG! No way! Colt, I don't know what to say!"

Standing now in front of me, was Emma and Tanner. This couldn't have gotten better.

"Hey Grace!!!! Happy birthday! Wow, you look stunning." Emma exclaimed.

"Thanks, LA changes ya, I guess. Tanner!"

"Hey Gracie. How have you been? Happy birthday." He said nonchalantly

Colt left to give us some space I assumed and thank The Lord because I still haven't explained to Tanner about what happened.

"Great, you guys?"

"We've missed you tons. And sorry again for not being able to say goodbye."

"Ugh, enough with your sorries. I forgive you, okay? Don't ruin my special day by making me or yourself or anyone for that matter feel bad."

He laughed. "Okay Gracie. Oh speaking of special day, I got you something."

"Um Tanner, we agreed that she would open my present first." Emma shoved a bag towards me.

"Yes, but I'm her boyfriend sooo."

Crap. He thinks we're still dating? What is wrong with him? Doesn't he know that long distance relationships never work out?

"But I'm her best friend."

"Guys! I'm doing presents later. Just go put them on that table or something. How long will you guys be here?"

"We got here this afternoon and we're staying until Sunday morning."

"But Em! That doesn't give us nearly enough time to catch up." I pouted.

We sat on the couch and talked like that for a while. Then, people started showing up, giving me gifts, then went off elsewhere.

This night was sure to be exciting.