Saving Grace #Wattys2016

Chapter Five

LEE THOMPSON YOUNG AS DANIEL STEWART (R.I.P)

Did I hear those words right, I wondered because it sounded like he said he was taking out of town to Houston.

"Houston, Hardy? I can't go to Houston!"

"Why not? It's an hour ride and you said you would like to see the outside world. This is as far as I'm taking you. For now." He saw the shock on my face and laughed. "You're think I'm gonna kill you and dump you on the side of the road, right?" He grinned.

"The thought crossed my mind a few times in different degrees." I clutched the seat trying to calm myself. I never did something this crazy before. Traveling with a hot, rich white man to a town I've never been to was something that definitely not on my things to do list but it kinda worked.

"Grace," He said in a soft tone, taking his eyes off the streets. "We don't have to go. I just thought it would be a nice surprise for you. I'm-"

"No!" I piped up. "Let's go. If I had a choice of anyone taking me, it would be you." Hardy's chest rose and he put his hand through my hair. Why, was all I wanted to know. Why did God lead me to him, the hot rich white man that I could never have in a million years? All these questions I would love to be answered with no one to answer them. "So, what's it like? Houston?"

"It's big, loud, but welcoming. They love outsiders." Hardy hopped off the streets and onto the highway, where he floored it, grinning at the speed he was going. I couldn't believe I was out of town, exploring. Daddy was definitely on my side today.

"Crap." Hardy sighed. Up ahead was the town checkpoint and mini toll into

Houston.

"You need money?" I misunderstood, reaching for my purse.

"No." He grabbed my hand. "These guys are gonna hassle us 'cause you're in the car." Right, having a black person in your car made it hard to travel around.

"Just act normal, honey. Find something good to play." I fiddled with the radio station and found an old favorite, Bitter: Sweet's Heaven and laid back, attempting to relax till I heard Hardy's seductive baritone voice overlapping the airy female's.

"How do you know this?" I asked, marveled.

"My sister, Emma, the one in college, likes this kind of music. She plays

Bitter: Sweet all the time." It was amazing how in the world a guy like this dropped right in front of me just because we bumped into each other on a crowded street. We were next up in line and as the officers looked back, they did a double take at our car. Hardy squeezed my hand again and stopped where they told us to.

"Afternoon, folks." One said through Hardy's window, but looked straight at me.

"Heading out?"

"Yes, sir." Hardy smiled even though I could feel he wanted to punch them out.

"Nice city drive, maybe look at some shops, how 'bout that, darlin'?" Even though I knew this was an act, I still had butterflies in my stomach.

"If you're willing to pay for it." I smiled at him.

"That's if you're willing to pay me back tonight." He leaned in, pulled my chin towards him and gave me a soft kiss. Aw crap, why the hell did he do that? I wonder if the cops saw the look of shock on my face.

"So, you two are together?" The other officer asked in shock. The couples that were together like how we acted to be rarely came out especially to the authorities; that caused trouble. "Okay," He laughed and shook his head. "Y'all have a good day."