Living A Lie

Chapter 16

It was about 30 minutes later when Grace finally had the courage to return to the store. She walked out cautiously, aware that she may have bruises. Those that she herself could not see due to the lack of mirrors available. Her phone was also in Jane's possession. In the past, she has obtained bruises easily. That's why her mother insisted that she tan. Darker skin didn't bruise as easily. At least she could put on a brave face. Her skin, though hot was no longer wet and she hoped her eyes weren't either. She ran her fingers through her long dark brown hair. She was ready. 

She wasn't prepared for what she saw when she exited the back room, however. Two people dressed in Business suits stood in front of Jane. What caught her attention the most was the badge clipped to the trousers of the male officer and the badge attached to the shirt of the female officer. Jane looked visibly upset which in turn made Grace's heart race. 

Sure she was previously upset and they had that whole unpleasant encounter in the back room, but this was something different. Jane was crying. She seemed vulnerable in a way that reminded her of the night she slept with Jane's Ex husband. She knew it was wise to stay out of Jane's way and out of her business unless she was invited, but curiosity was getting the best of her. 

Looking around the store she noticed a group of employees pretending to work. It was obvious that they were curious about the two visitors that were not interested in any of the animals or the merchandise that was sold here. She made her way over, thinking since Jane was obviously preoccupied at the moment she could speak freely to Robert and maybe figure out what is going on. 

"Hey, Robert, do you know what's going on?" Grace whispered as she walked up to the young man. He diverted his eyes away from Jane and the detectives for only a brief moment to see who was talking to him before his attention returned to the scene in front of him. 

"I think the badges are here about her husband. Apparently he- " He stopped before glancing back at Grace, his eyes growing wide. "Grace, what happened to you?" He grabbed Grace's arm gently pulling her away from the other employees and towards the back of the store. She kept glancing back at Jane who was receiving a card from the male detective. She watched as the man laid a hand on Jane's shoulder before it casually slid down. "Ow! Grace!"

She turned toward Robert. "What is it, what's wrong?" 

"Just now, you were digging your nails in my arm" Robert rubbed roughly at his arm and Grace looked at it and could see the imprint of her nails and the angry red marks.  

"I'm so sorry. I didn't even notice that I grabbed you. Please forgive me. I'm just - I guess I was worried about Jane - I-" Grace gasped for air. 

"Hey, Hey. Relax. I know it was just an accident. Calm down okay. What I'd really like to know is, what happened to your face. Did someone hurt you" 

"What? No, of course not, why would you say that?" Grace looked back at Jane and gasped when their eyes met. She knew Jane wouldn't like that she was having a conversation with Robert. If anything, the glare that she was given as proof of that. "I have to go okay" Grace whispered as she began to walk toward Jane. 

"Wait, Grace. Why do you have bruises on your face and around your neck. Did Jane do this to you?" Robert pleaded again, hoping to get answers this time. 

"I'm sorry. If I don't leave right now and go to Jane, she's not going to be happy" 

"So, who the hell cares if she's not happy!?" He whispered so that only Grace could hear. 

"I do... She's my girlfriend" Grace pulled her arm from Robert's grasp. She whispered to herself. "It's my job to make her happy"