Grester!

Chapter 16

Grace’s POV

It had been a week since I had that encounter with Taryn.  I hadn’t told anyone about it, not wanting to start drama.  I had been thinking about it all week.  I had spent most nights thinking about what she had said, thinking about how she was probably right. 

I hadn't talked to Chester a lot since then.  We had texted a little bit, and we had coffee once.  I’m pretty sure he had noticed that i was distant, but thankfully, he hadn't said anything about it.  I was going to go out for lunch with Sarah today, just to catch up.  

I grabbed my phone and my purse and I headed out. I drove to the small restaurant where we had a reservation.  I looked into the front window, and saw Sarah sitting at a table, on her phone (as usual). 

I walked over and sat down across from her. “Hey Swike!” I said cheerfully.

“Grace!” she said, in greeting. “How are you?” 

“I’m great. I’ve been pretty busy lately though.” I responded.

“Trust me, I know the feeling” she said, laughing.  I had always admired how hard-working she was.  That woman worked more than anyone I knew.  I knew that she often pulled all-nighters just to get ahead in her work.  I knew Hannah hated it, she didn't want to see Sarah burn herself out.  

They were a funny pair.  Hannah was so laid-back, and Sarah was the exact opposite.  They were an unlikely couple, but it worked. 

“Yeah.  I’m still working on the whole book deal thing.” I said, sighing. “It’s all pretty crazy”

“It’s so good for you though, Grace.” she said sincerely. “Just don’t over-do it.  You don’t want to over-work and burn out.”

I laughed “Coming from you, Swike! I would almost have said I was talking to Hannah, and not you.”

“I know, I know.” she sighed. “So are you still seeing Chester?”

“Yeah.  I’ve still managed to keep it off the internet.  The fans have started to catch on a little bit.” I explained. “I don’t know how you and Hannah do it!”

“It helps that only one of us has an Internet presence.” she replied, laughing. “But how is your relationship going?”

“It’s good.” I said, with some uncertainty. 

“You seem uncertain.” she said, almost as if she could read minds. 

“I ran into Taryn the other day.” I told her. “Or should I say, she came and ran into me.”

“Uh oh.” 

“Yeah.  She told me that I was just his ‘rebound’ and that he would soon enough just go back to her.”  I said, trying not to stutter.