Page 18 of Grace's Redemption

I stood and walked over to the workbench. I picked up a shiny metal tool.

“Put that down.”

He took it from my hand and sat it back down.

I narrowed my eyes.

“Jeez, D, it’s just a stupid tool.”

“Shut the fuck up Gracie.” He snapped.

I jumped and clamped my mouth shut.

He never talked to me in that manner.

I blinked away the tears, pushed off the bench, and marched out of the garage.

“Fuck.” He came after me. “Gracie, wait.” He grabbed my arm.

I pulled away from him.

“Don’t touch me.”

“I’m sorry.” He held his hand up in front of him. “Just wait a second. I didn’t mean to yell.”

“What’s wrong, Derrick?” I hugged myself.

“It’s nothing.” He looked around. Club members were always around. They pretended to ignore the two of us. Gossip spread quickly through out the club, and always got reported to Papa Scott.

“I’m just worried. That’s all.” He touched my arm. “I miss Mase. I miss talking to him.”

“You can talk to me.”

“Just because your dad is a Dragon legend and you call the President Papa, doesn’t make you a member.”

“If you’ll let women in the club, I would be the ….”

“Princess of the SouthEast Dragons.” He mocked.

“Shut up.” I grinned. The old Derrick was back. For a minute anyway. “I miss him, too.”

“He hasn’t reached out, not even to Mattie?” He asked.

I shook my head. I was surprised. If Mase kept in touch with anyone in the club, it would be Derrick. He hadn’t heard from him, it hurt him. I knew how he felt.

“Talk to Mattie.” I said.

“About this, I can’t.” He had a far away look in his eyes.

“I know, but he’s not an idiot and what have you got to lose.” I stepped out of his way. “Now chop, chop Lieutenant. Your president summoned you.”

“Yes princess.” He saluted me.

I lunge for him.

He scooted out of my reach and headed into the clubhouse laughing.

I rubbed my stomach and wiped the sweat off my brow. I’d been feeling off lately. The heat was getting to me. I went back into the lounge, found my book and tried to cool off.