The remnants of Grace Brennan

6| New Friends

New York City, August 11, 2017

Grace stood in front of the bathroom mirror, examining her reflection for the fourth time that morning. She wore light blue jeans paired with a black tank top, attempting to conceal the dark circles under her eyes with what little makeup she had left. She knew that relying on Sergio to pick out concealer would be futile. Reluctantly, she had to leave the apartment to avoid another awkward conversation with Sergio about feminine hygiene products. Her period was approaching, and while she despised the anxiety of venturing outside, she detested even more the discomfort of explaining to a mafia man that she didn't need super plus tampons.

"Getting ready for another murder?" Frank's ghost taunted, appearing behind her in the mirror.

"I have a lot to do today, Frank, so kindly fuck off," she retorted, rolling her eyes before exiting the bathroom. She grabbed her bag from the bed and headed to the living room, with Frank trailing close behind.

"Ready to go?" Sergio asked, sitting in black attire on the beige sofa, waiting for her.

"Yes," she nodded briskly, eager to get it over with.

"Who were you talking to in there?" Sergio inquired as they left the apartment.

"No one, just checking that I have everything I need," Grace lied.

"Liar, murderer, you're well on your way to becoming your husband," Frank scoffed beside her.

Grace disregarded his irritating voice as they made their way to the car. The drive remained silent as Grace gazed out the window, admiring the city. Surprisingly, being outside the apartment felt liberating, despite the less-than-pleasant odor compared to the clean, salty ocean air of New Port. Sergio silently followed behind as Grace completed her shopping. If he hadn't been there to foot the bill, she would have easily forgotten his presence altogether.

After two hours, of battling through traffic and crowded stores, they began their journey back. Grace closed her eyes during the ride, only to open them when the car came to a stop. To her surprise, they were parked in front of a grand building.

"I have something to take care of," Sergio announced, exiting the SUV. He opened the door for Grace, and she glanced at the sign that read "New York Public Library."

"At the library?" she questioned, puzzled.

"Da," Sergio nodded. "Come," he beckoned, walking ahead. Grace followed, entering the expansive building and ascending the stairs until they reached an area with red couches nestled amidst bookshelves. People sat around, engrossed in reading and writing at small tables. The silence enveloped the room, so profound that Grace could hear a pin drop.

"Sit here, don't move. I'll be back in an hour," Sergio instructed.

"Okay," Grace nodded swiftly before Sergio disappeared between the bookshelves.

"Where do you think he's going?" Frank's ghost irritatingly asked.

Ignoring him, Grace rose to her feet, exploring the shelves surrounding her. An hour would feel like an eternity if she didn't occupy herself.

"So, you're just going to ignore me then?" Frank prodded.

"You're not real, Frank!" she snapped, louder than intended, attracting disapproving looks from strangers. Ignoring their gazes, she continued perusing the books until one caught her eye—a black book with a chess piece on the cover. She selected it and returned to the couches, settling down to read, hoping to quiet her mind.

"Excuse me?" a voice interrupted her. Grace looked up to see a bashful, brown-haired man with warm almond eyes standing before her. He wore a shy smile as he asked, "Do you happen to have a pen I could borrow?"

"I don't," Grace smiled shyly.

"I thought I would try my luck," he replied, flashing a smile that caused her cheeks to blush. The man was undeniably handsome, although she might be biased, considering Victor's unparalleled attractiveness. Victor was by far the most handsome man Grace had ever encountered. "I'm Chris," he introduced himself, extending his hand.

"Grace," she replied softly, placing her hand in his, and he gently kissed it.

"It's lovely to meet you, Grace," Chris smiled. "I know this might be inappropriate, but would you like to get a coffee with me?"

Grace looked into his honey-colored eyes, realizing that if she left now and Sergio returned, he would surely lose his temper.

"I'm sorry, I'm waiting for someone," she declined.

"Your husband?" Chris asked, noting the diamond ring on her finger.

"No," she whispered, toying with the ring.

"Maybe next time, then," he smiled before walking back the way he came.

Grace sighed, settling back into her book. "You dodged a bullet, Chris," Frank's ghost called after him. "Literally," he chuckled darkly, causing Grace to roll her eyes before resuming her reading. Surprisingly, she found herself captivated by the romance novel. Romance was never her genre of choice, but the more she read about the forbidden love between an ordinary girl and a formidable mafia boss, the more she recognized the parallels in her own life.

"Koroleva, it's time to go," Sergio stated, appearing out of nowhere.

With a sigh, Grace stood up, returning the book to its shelf and marking her page before following Sergio out of the library and to the car. She felt a bit better for the first time since Vincent's visit, although she knew it wouldn't last long.