An Unexpected Love Story

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

"Do you think I'm awful?" I asked snuggling closer to Drew's neck.

His hand came up to stroke my shoulder and down my back, I heard the smirk in his voice as he said, "Babe, I think I'm a bit biased."

I chuckled, "Can't you suspend your disbelief for a moment? I really need your honest opinion."

"How can falling in love be wrong, Grace? You can't help who you love."

"I do love you. So much. I'm just wondering if I'm awful for falling in love. I feel like it was a conscious choice."

Drew laughed, "If it was anyone's choice, it was mine. I had to drag you through stages to get to this point."

I blushed. This point was so much farther and more intimate than I had ever been. "Well, I'm glad I am here. No matter the outcome."

"There's the spirit, beautiful. Are you hungry?"

"Not really, what time is it?"

"Close to six. Should I take you home?"

"We should definitely head that way. It's a good thing that you live so much closer now."

"I have to say I enjoy the benefits. Extra time to hold you," he said with his face behind my ear. I squirmed, but enjoyed the feeling.

I pulled my t-shirt over my head and went to get ready. Drew stopped me. "What?" I said.

"You look so cute in that t-shirt."

I blushed. My t-shirt was bright pink with Pebbles and Bam Bam on it. It barely reached my belly button. I loved this shirt. "Thanks."

I found my other belongings and straightened my appearance. I leaned into Drew for one more kiss and then headed toward the door.

"Are you leaving, Gracie?" Dorothy, Drew's mother said as I reached the stair case.

I glanced back at her with a warm smile, "Yes ma'am. I hope to see you again soon."

She nodded with a smile and wandered back into the kitchen. I really liked his parents and they seemed to like me too. Drew moved back in with them while I was in Illinois. This was only my second time interacting with Dorothy, but she didn't make me feel awkward or unwelcome. I felt at home here, for some strange reason.

Drew came up behind me and placed a hand on the small of my back. "I'll be back a little later, Mom," he called over his shoulder as we walked down the steps.

"Okay, honey," she called back.

I smiled at Drew and cooed, "Awww, look at mama's little boy."

Drew scowled at me and nudged me with his elbow, "Shut it."

I laughed lightly as we walked out to his car. Our afternoons together made me extremely happy and I hoped this would never end.

** -- ** -- ** -- ** -- ** -- **

"Grace!"

I turned as I heard my name being called. I was in a bit of a trance as I walked through the halls of school, but smiled when I saw Sarah bounding towards me. "Hey, Sar," I said.

Sarah smiled, "How are you?"

"I'm great," I said. "How are you?"

Sarah's smile faltered a bit, "I'm okay. A bit worried about Max, but overall I'm doing fine."

Max was a man that came to play hockey at the ice rink Sarah and Emily worked at. Sarah had been in a semi relationship with him for some time now. I knew when or if I came out about my relationship with Drew that she couldn't really say anything. Max was 35 years old. He was old enough to be Sarah's dad. He was pretty moody for an adult. But who was I to judge.

"Are we hanging out tonight?" I asked Sarah with a smile. We hadn't had a date night in a while cause of my crazy night shifts. I needed some Sarah in my life.

She looked at me incredulously, "What kind of crazy question is that? If you aren't closing tonight and you don't have date night with me I will be quite offended."

I laughed and slung my arm around Sarah's shoulders. I loved this crazy obnoxious girl. "Sar...." I said slowly.

Sarah raised an eyebrow, "Grace?"

"I think Emily is working this afternoon. Would you mind giving me a ride to work?"

Sarah snorted, a very lady like sound, "Sure, come on."

It had been about three weeks since my trip to Illinois. Things couldn't be better between Drew and I. He was such a great guy. He understood my reluctance to tell my parents about our relationship and supported that decision. His parents were totally okay with us together. His dad was hilarious, his mom was the sweetest, and his grandmother was coming to visit next week. I couldn't wait to meet her. I loved grandparents.

** A/N ** Picture of Matt on the side :)

Thank you sooooo much for reading!! :)