Grace's dream was a career in the fashion industry. But while she's finally pursuing that dream, her personal life remains a nightmare. Will she be able to escape an abusive relationship? And will she be able to find happiness and maybe true love?
"So, your parents' names were Pete and Katherine, right? Wait, isn't Katherine your middle name?"
"Yes and yes".
Rúben and I are getting ready to travel down to London to meet my parents which is very nerve-wracking. They've spoken on a videocall a couple of times, but the last few times they could visit me, Rúben was away. So this is going to be the first time they meet in person.
They've only ever met another boyfriend. And we all know how well that went.
"Should I take this shirt?"
When I look back at Rúben, I see him holding a horrible shirt. What even is that pattern?
"No".
"Oh", he says, looking at the shirt he's still holding. "You never react like that to my clothes".
"Because you usually wear nice things. That", I point at the shirt, "needs to be burned".
I see him putting it back in his closet and then thinking better of it and throwing it in a random drawer.
I sigh, letting myself fall on his bed. "I don't even know why I'm so worried. You're great. They'll see that and be happy I found someone like you. But still...".
He kneels down near the bed, so we are at the same eye level.
"It's normal to be nervous. But I'm also sure it'll be fine. Parents adore me".
I snort at his comment, but I don't doubt for a second he's telling the truth. I mean, what's not to like?
**
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Gracewells: London bound with rubendias ❤️
-Rubenandgrace: is that his cap?
-Gracewells: yes. Does it look better on me?
-Rubenandgrace: yes. Sorry Rúben 😂
-Gracewells: 😉
-Bellsbells: have fun my loves!
-Gracewells: miss you and Luni already ❤️
**
"Mum, dad, this is Rúben".
"Very nice meeting you", he says, with his best good boy voice.
"The pleasure is ours", says my dad. "Let's go home so you can rest a bit before we go out for dinner".
"You'll love the place we've chosen, Rúben. Everyone is talking about how good the food is there", says my mum, who's gotten in the middle of Rúben and me. Ok...
"I'm sure I'll like it, Katherine", he says smiling at my mum and trying to charm her.
When we get home, my dad shows Rúben the house quickly before leading him to a room that isn't mine.
"You can put your things there. Grace will be across the hall if you need anything".
"Oh...ok".
He clearly didn't expect us to be sleeping in separate rooms but is trying, and failing, not to show his disappointment.
"I'm sorry, Rúben", says my dad. "I know you two are adults and have your own apartments where you can share a room but I'm a bit old-fashioned, I guess. I'm just asking for that small rule to be followed".
"It's ok, Pete".
My dad leaves to let us get ready for dinner and before heading to the shower, I go visit Rúben in his room.
"Sorry about this", I say, motioning to the room.
"I'll miss you", he says, hugging me and kissing my forehead. "I feel like it's either your place or mine lately, but we always spend the nights together".
"Yeah", I half laugh. It's true that I only sleep alone when Rúben has away matches.
"Let's get ready. I have parents to impress".
"Even more?"
"Don't be jealous", he says, hugging me tighter. "You're still my favourite Wells".
"I thought that was Luna".
"Shhh, I'm trying to reassure you of my love for you, Grace".
