Page 11

It's been like fifteen minutes since Nick texted me, and I was fixing my makeup.

I changed my outfit and wore a pair of wide white pants, a turquoise top, and a denim jacket.

I decided not to wear Maya's skirt—now my skirt... honestly, I would've felt a bit uncomfortable wearing it...

Not definitely the occasion.

Nick texted that he was almost here, so I stepped out of my room. At the same time, Maya stepped out of hers, and we just stared at each other, both looking very confused.

Maya was dressed CASUAL.

Jeans and a plain T-shirt.

Nothing dark, nothing flashy, nothing extra.

I was in shock. It was so WEIRD seeing her like that.

Yet, I couldn't stop staring.

And the mystery of where she was going only grew bigger in my head... but I didn't feel like asking.

"Where are you going?" she asked right away, eyeing intensely my outfit.

She's braver than me, I suppose...

"I'm meeting... a friend..."

Yeah—I tried to leave it out, but only because I'm scared of how she might react.

She paused, her eyes twitching.

"Just say you're meeting Nick. Seriously."

I just nodded and she gave me a cold, unreadable look.

We went downstairs together, but I could feel the distance just from the way she walked, like there was a wall between us.

Nelly was in the living room and greeted us, looking happy. "Oh! You're going out together!" she smiled.

If this could get any more awkward...

"No," Maya disagreed immediately, her tone sharp. "Different plans. See you later, Nelly."

"Oh, I see..." the woman nodded, eyeing Maya's outfit.

"Bye, Nelly, please tell my mom that I'm going out with... a friend," I said quickly, and before I could add anything else, Maya dramatically walked out, and I followed her.

I really wanted to ask where she was going, but I felt like I had no right to.

"Have fun with your... friend," she said mockingly, dragging out the last word.

And with that, she stormed to her car and started the engine loudly, before giving me one last warning look.

Jeez, it feels like everything was falling apart again. My chest tightened.

I didn't even realize Nick was waiting for me, lost in staring at something that was already slipping away from me.

"Hey," I said, finally getting in his car.

He leaned in and kissed my cheek, though it was more like my jaw.

"I saw Maya. She looked pissed, like always," he muttered.

"When we went shopping, she was a totally different person," I said, thinking about that moment with a strong feeling in my chest.

"Forget her, Grace. I'm taking you somewhere nice," he grinned as he drove off.

He was wearing a white shirt and black tailored pants, his hair perfectly styled, so I figured it wasn't going to be something casual.

And it turned out to be true as he took me to a fancy restaurant.

"You like it?" he asked, looking satisfied.

The restaurant was ridiculously fancy—high ceilings, mirrors and glass everywhere, and everyone spoke in formal tones.

"It's very... nice..." I said trying to sound convincing.

Nick lifted the chair for me, sliding it forward, guiding me into place. I fidgeted in it, trying not to look as uncomfortable as I felt while pretending everything was fine.

But now I wonder... the first time I saw Nick, he told me he wasn't like these people—referring to their lifestyle. And now, he took me to a fancy restaurant, wearing a tailored outfit?

Weird.

I can't see it clear between these blurred lines.

Maybe he just wanted to impress, and I'm just overthinking it.

He was sitting in front of me, smiling, amused. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted to surprise you, Grace."

"Yeah, thanks..."

After ordering two dishes of pasta and a steak for him, we waited for the food to arrive. Nick started bragging about his football career, and how well it was going, and also about his motorcycles.

He leaned back in his chair, enjoying the attention as he spoke, while I nodded along, trying to mask my disinterest. It wasn't that I didn't care at all, but honestly, none of it really mattered to me right now.

"So, you're studying law, right, Nick?" I asked after a pause, trying to change the subject.

"Yes, I want to be a business lawyer, like my father. And I'm going to be," he said, finishing his wine and calling the waiter for more.

He's so sure of himself...

I felt like it was finally the right moment to bring up Maya and his relationship with her, though I wasn't sure if I was ready for the tension it might cause.

I looked at him, trying to sound casual. "I feel like you're really outgoing and friendly, Nick..." I gave him a smile.

"I am, Grace. I've got a lot of friends," he replied, grinning.

"Yeah..." I nodded slowly. "But in the library, you said you wouldn't call Maya your friend, right?"

The change in his expression was subtle, but I noticed it immediately. He shifted in his seat, his eyes flickering to the side, as if the mere mention of her made him angry.

"She's a nightmare to be around. She enjoys stirring up chaos and causing problems," he said, his voice frustrated.

I discreetly raised a brow, not quite buying it. "Is there a reason you're saying this?"

He exhaled sharply, clearly trying to brush it off. "It's the way she is, Grace, you shouldn't trust her, okay? But now, I don't want to ruin our night talking about her, right, Grace?"

I hesitated, unsure if I should press him further. But the way he spoke about her made me so uneasy...

Like it just wasn't right.

"Yeah..." I said quietly, though a part of me wasn't sure at all.

"Good," he said, sipping his wine. "So, what was life like in Ohio, Grace?"

"Well... it was way simpler back then," I said with a nostalgic smile. "I kinda wish things were like that here, but everything's different now." I looked down.

Nick leaned closer with a smirk.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to it. I'll help you with that."

I mean, he could have taken me to a simple place, for example.

I like simple things—like burgers and fries.

This was too much.

We finished that fancy dinner and got back in the car. Nick's grin was still there, but now it seemed like something else was on his mind.

"I'll drive you home, so we can talk a bit more peacefully..."

"Oh, okay..."

"It was really great being with you, Grace." His voice smooth and sweet.

"Thanks, Nick. The food was great," I smiled awkwardly.

He took one hand off the wheel and placed it around my shoulder, it was sudden enough to make me freeze for a few seconds.

"You know, you're really special, Grace," he said, his blue eyes searching mine.

"Thanks," I replied, my voice a little hesitant. I glanced at him quickly before looking away. "I guess I'm not really used to... all this." I laughed nervously.

"That's because you're different, Grace."

"I'm just... adjusting to everything." I smiled, trying to brush off my tension.

Nick's hand gripped my shoulder a little tighter now, as he flashed a smooth, teasing smile.

When we arrived, it was almost midnight, and Maya's car was there, so she was already home...

I still wonder where she went in that CASUAL outfit. Or with whom.

Nick moved closer to my seat. Not knowing what to do, I shifted in my seat, my eyes darting toward the window.

He suddenly pulled me closer until our bodies were close enough to make him lean into my neck. I could feel his breath on my skin.

I didn't really get what was happening, kinda felt like a blur. Like my brain wasn't sure if I should feel anything...

But I just didn't feel what I was supposed to.

Nick seemed to be enjoying it, taking his sweet time. His lips brushed against my jaw, as if he was getting a kick out of how I didn't really know how to react.

I let out a nervous laugh, interrupting the moment. "Nick..." I said, motioning him to back off a little.

"Grace..." He started kissing my jaw and another nervous laugh escaped my lips.

"Maybe I should go back inside, my mom's waiting for me..." I suggested.

"Do you want to make it hard for me, Grace?" He laughed, finally backing off.

I smiled, trying to keep it light.

"I'm not trying to make it hard, but you're not exactly making it easy either."

"Oh, that's because of you..." he winked at me.

I shook my head. "Good night, Nick," I said, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'm sorry, Grace, if I'm rushing," he said before I could get out of his car.

Well, that's nice, at least he's admitting it.

I waved a hand gently. "That's okay, Nick..."

"It's just that I like you, Grace..." His voice smoother now, as his eyes narrowed slightly to catch my reaction.

"Nick, I..." I started, but the words felt heavy in my mouth. I felt a little guilty about this.

He leaned in a bit closer, his lips curling into a subtle smile. "You don't have to say anything, Grace. I just wanted you to know..."

"I appreciate it," I said, smiling.

"Invite me to your house, Grace..." His voice was sweet, but there was something underneath it.

"It's not my house," I corrected him, shifting nervously. "And I don't think it's a good idea..."

"Afraid of Maya?" He narrowed his eyes.

"No," I replied immediately.

His presence could cause some drama, that's for sure, but I wasn't afraid of her.

I just... didn't feel like it.

"Grace," he snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Or should I say Holy Grace?" he teased.

I shook my head, already knowing what he meant. "Let's not start with that..."

"I'm sorry, Grace. Oh, come on, I'm really... thirsty. Let me get some water, and I swear I'll go," he pleaded, pouting. His blue eyes locked in mine, wide and innocent.

I opened the door on my side and turned toward him with a calm expression.

"Drink the water, Nick, and then you can go..."

He smiled immediately as he left the car and came up behind me, his hand suddenly on my shoulder, and before I knew it, it was resting on my waist.

He must be at least 6 feet tall, and his body towered over mine as we walked.

This whole thing just felt... off.

Especially now that I was opening the front door of the house with a tight feeling in my chest...

A/N

So what do you think about Nick's hidden side?

Suspence? I hope you're ready for the next one.. ??