Ugly

Chapter Twenty-Four

Gracie's mind was jumbled. She wasn't uncomfortable; she just didn't know what to say.

Dustin: "Are you ok?"

Gracie: "Yeah."

Dustin: "You look absolutely amazing."

Gracie: "Thank you."

They were silent for a minute.

Gracie: "Dustin, is Avery pregnant?"

Dustin: "Yes."

Gracie: "Is it yours?"

Dustin: "Yes, she found out the day before she slept with Justice."

Gracie: "Where are we going?"

Dustin: "We're going to a place I love. I haven't ever brought anyone here. Not even Avery."

Gracie: "Why me?"

Dustin: "Gracie, you truly don't understand what you do to me."

Gracie: "I know you're in love with me."

Dustin: "I am. I'm not going to deny it."

They drive to a remote area; it's getting dark. Dustin takes her hand and walks her through a trail between trees. It ended at a lake with a pier.

He had a bag with him. They walk to the pier; he lays out a few blankets and some pillows.

Dustin: "I come here to think."

He lays on the blankets.

Dustin: "Come lay down with me."

She lays down but nowhere close to him.

Dustin: "Gracie, I'm not going to hurt you or even touch you if you don't want me to."

Gracie: "I know."

She scoots close to him.

Dustin: "Lean up."

She leans up; he puts his arm under her head. They lay there in silence until it's completely dark.

Dustin: "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Gracie: "It is. I can see why you come here."

Dustin: "Gracie, you are the only person I trust to know where this place is."

Gracie: "Why me?"