Seasons [h.s]

Summer - Part 7

Grace's POV

We were only one day away from Mia's birthday party.

Jared and I had been working tirelessly to make sure everything was ready in time. Her cake was ordered, her costume had been delivered, and we had booked Mia's favorite Disney princess, Ariel, for the party. The only thing left to do was to finish up the decorations.

"Thanks for all of your help, Jare. I don't think I could've done this without you." I smiled, putting placing another foil balloon onto the helium tank. We were working in Harry's living room. It was eleven o'clock at night and he and I were working tirelessly to have everything ready for the morning.

"It's my pleasure, really." Jared shrugged and tied a string to my previous balloon. "It's so cute seeing Mia so excited. Is she always like this when it comes to birthdays?"

"Oh yeah! I will say this one might be more extravagant compared to her other two. The raise at work helped."

"You know, since I'm around more now, I would love to go half on things like this. It's only fair."

"No, the fair thing to do would be paying me back half for her other two birthdays." I chuckled.

Jared's face remained unphased. "I can do that."

I looked up at him in surprise. "Jared, I was kidding."

"I know, but I want to do that for you." His eyes were full of remorse.

"You don't have to. It means a lot that you're even here doing this. Mia's loved having you around." I nudged his arm with my shoulder.

"What about you?" He pressed, searching my face.

My cheeks felt red hot. "Mhm..." was all I could muster. It seemed to satisfy him.

"So..." He cleared his throat. "Have you thought any more about that property we saw a few days ago. You know, the apartment just outside of here?"

Jared had taken Mia and me to view an apartment in Jersey. It wasn't too far from the city or my job, but far enough. It was way nicer than the apartment Mia and I had lived in before moving in with Harry. As much as I liked it, Mia was very apprehensive about the thought of leaving Harry's home. I couldn't blame her, her last apartment experience was not a pleasant one.

"It was nice..." I shrugged, looking away.

"But?"

"But... I just have some reservations."

"About leaving?"

"About being on my own again. The last time was not pretty, and I don't want to do anything that could put Mia's life in jeopardy."

Jared nodded. "I understand. But this won't be like last time, Gracey. You have an amazing job with a boss who adores you. You're making good money now. You can do this."

I looked up at him; his face was so sincere. Without thinking, I placed my head against his shoulder, "I just don't know..."

"I do. You'll be great. Honestly, I would love to visit you somewhere other than your ex's apartment."

I giggled and lifted my head. "This must be so awkward for you."