Chapter 100

"Will you be going?" Jason asked.

Grace nodded. "But you…" She hesitated. "Do you want to go with me?"

He was quiet for a moment, then said, "I have to work overtime the night before. The boss said I'll get triple pay. How about you give me the address? I'll go see you the next day."

"All right," Grace said. She bit her lip and said hesitantly, "But when you're with me, some relatives might give you a hard time. Don't mind them."

Jay gave her a faint smile. "Don't worry, I won't."

At that moment, she was the only person he cared about.

As Thanksgiving approached, fewer people were on the road; many had already returned home. Her mother's hometown was a small town on the outskirts of Emerald City. It was only an hour and a half bus ride away, but she'd still have to compete for a ticket.

While booking tickets, she asked Jason, "Jay, do you have your ID? I'll book a ticket for you." She'd never seen his ID.

"I already booked a ticket," Jason said.

Grace said nothing. Instead, she took out the scarf she'd been knitting and helped him put it on.

"Is it too short?" she asked.

"No, it's just right," he said. Her scent was on the scarf, surrounding him.

"Then I'll finish knitting the ends so you can wear it for the holidays. The gloves will take longer," she said.

He clasped her hands as she fiddled with the scarf. Grace's dark eyes met his. He was perfect.

"Grace," he said, tracing circles on her hands. "It's beautiful."

He wasn't looking at the scarf; he was looking at her. Suddenly, the old ladies' whispers flooded her mind. Maybe they could be something more. Maybe this friendship could be something bigger.

Her body leaned toward his. He smiled faintly, his gaze dropping to her lips. Grace sucked in a breath. This man… he meant more to her than anyone else ever had. And she wanted him, more than she could admit.

He leaned closer. Grace's eyes fluttered closed.

Then her phone rang loudly. The moment shattered. Perhaps she'd imagined it.

Grace grabbed her phone. "Hello, Lina."

Lina, who'd planned to stay in her apartment for the holidays, was worried when she heard Grace was going home.

"Are you going alone?" Lina asked. No small talk.

It was no secret Lina didn't want her to go. Grace glanced at Jay.

"No, Jay's coming," Grace said.

"But your relatives…" Lina paused. She knew how cruel they could be. They hadn't been kind to Grace since she'd fallen on hard times.

"They were fine to take your money when you were successful, but abandoned you when things got tough," Lina said.

Grace didn't argue. It was true.

"I want to see my grandmother," Grace said. "I haven't seen her since I was released from prison. She's the only one who's been good to me, and she's getting old. I don't know how much time she has left."

"If anything happens, call me. I'll come get you," Lina said. "I'll be home for the holidays."

"What can happen?" Grace laughed. "I'm just visiting. It's a short trip."

"With your family, one never knows," Lina said.

"Ouch."

"I'm not trying to be mean. I just want you to be prepared. I hate thinking of you defenseless."

"They aren't going to hurt me," Grace argued.

Jay visibly tensed, shifting from lighthearted to tense in an instant. Grace sucked in a breath.

"Let's not overplay this," she said to both Lina and Jay. "They're my family. They won't physically harm me."

"It's not physical harm I'm worried about," Lina muttered.

Jason's eyes narrowed, clearly concerned about Grace's emotional well-being.

"Relax," Grace said. "I'm only visiting my grandmother. I'll be back in two days."

Grace left early the next morning. Before she left, she kissed Jay's cheek. "Take care, Jay. Stay safe."

He smiled, touching the spot where her lips had been.

"For you, sister, I can do anything."

Author's Note: Thank you for all your love for Grace and Jason! I've read your comments and apologize for any mistakes. Please let me know if you have any questions.