Grace.

Chapter 6

Daniel was home when I got back from school. I ran to hug him like a kid!
"Where was all this energy a few days ago?" He chuckled.
"I was jet lagged, okay?" I lied.
"Liar. You're just genuinely happy to see me." He smirked.
"Yes," I admitted in defeat.
He was in the kitchen drinking some beer when I walked in. I poured myself orange juice from the fridge and joined him.
"And where is the love of your life?" I quizzed.
"Still at school. She told me to wait here for her."
"Mmh. How'd your test go?"
"She told you everything, huh?"
"Yep. I hope you're not mad at her." I checked.
"I could never be. It's relationships...they're complicated. But, my exam went really well." He smiled.
Daniel Marino was a cool guy. I would know because him and I have spent a lot of time together. He's been with Ria for years and our parents loved him. He had become like a brother to me. He was studying Architecture at the same university as Gloria. Now that I mention it, those two have been inseparable over the years. Same high school. Same college. Sheesh. He's been to the house more times than my friends have, I think. Not that I'm complaining! He makes the best pasta dishes! The best!
Daniel is reserved and dorky and mature. He is   handsome and he wears glasses, wears shirts, pants and carries a messenger bag all the time. A brown one.
He is quiet tall too and really so romantic. He'd take Ria out for dinner twice a week. He'd bring her flowers on some days, drive her to school or the hospital sometimes. And he visited — a lot. The perfect boyfriend, really. Sometimes he'd come over just to hangout with dad — they were really close too. Daniel loved Ria so much. I sometimes wonder if my sister saw that.
Him and I talk a lot. We have conversations about almost anything. I love our little chats. We also love Twilight. I think we'd watched it a thousand times. One of the shadiest reasons we love it so much was because we both agree that Bella had more chemistry with Carlisle than she did with Edward and Jacob. Talk about drama!
Daniel is so intelligent and inspiring. Perfect fit for Ria. I couldn't imagine my sister with any other guy. She's very organized and goal- orientated. I honestly think her and Daniel are a perfect match! Both focused and ambitious.
"Are you going to marry my sister?" I blurted out.
It was as if I punched him in the face! But his expression quickly softened when his mind had registered what I had just asked.
"Of course. I'd marry her right now even," he cooed.
I couldn't help but blush.
"And if you're lucky, you can plan our wedding," he winked at me.
"Ria would never let that happen!" I laughed. "But on a serious note. If I'm lucky, will I still get a chance to sit back, relax and watch Twilight with you?" I realized.
"You're so funny, you know that? But on a serious note, yes. Anytime. We're still going to be friends you and I."
"Brother..."
"Anything you want, sister. I think this moment deserves a rewatch of New moon," he smirked.
"I'd love that! But I'm going out in a few minutes," I told him, draining the last sip of orange juice from my glass.
"Wait, didn't Gloria tell you not to anymore?" He frowned.
"She did."
"C'mon, Grace. You're better than this," he sighed.
"Can we please not talk about this? Please?" I begged.
"Okay. But promise me something?"
"Sure."
"You call me. Whenever you need help, someone to talk to or you need a ride. Call me, Grace. You promise?" He stressed.
I looked into his eyes and my heart sunk. Was I being difficult? I didn't really pay much attention to Ria but Daniel...he made me realize how serious it was. But why were they so worried and over protective? It's not like we'd do anything to get us into trouble. We were just having fun. But I should've known better than that.
"You'll be the first person I call." I assured him.
"Cool. Can I drive you to wherever you're going now?" He offered.
"I'd like that. Let me just go get some things upstairs then we can go."
I rushed upstairs and took longer than I had told him to wait. I had to take a shower and change my clothes. I remembered that Naomi didn't know that we would be meeting at Lucy's place so I sent her a text to let her know. I knew she was with Austin and a part of me was worried. But the thought of seeing her happy put me at ease. After getting dressed and doing my hair, I went back downstairs and found Daniel on his phone, typing.
"I'm just sending a quick email. Did you manage to do everything you wanted to do?" He spoke, eyes glued onto his screen.
"Yes, I did. I took a quick shower and changed. I hope you don't mind?" I checked.
"Not at all. Don't worry about it," he smiled, eyes still on his phone.
My phone rang and I answered it while waiting on Daniel to finish.
"Lucy."
"Hi, Grace. Are you at home?" She asked.
"Yes. Why?"
"Great! We were just thinking that since Naomi is busy getting some, she obviously won't have time to go home and change. Can you bring something for her?"
Wow. How thoughtful of Lucy. Very thoughtful. Shockingly. Surprisingly. It's not one of her traits.
"Oh, sure! Of course! Definitely! What would you like me to bring?" I asked.
"A jacket or your black mini dress?"
"I'll bring both!"
"Thanks, baby. See you in a few?"
"I'm on my way."