Chapter 51

Grace was lost in thought that night as she ate dinner with Jay in her apartment. A knock came at the door, startling her; visitors were unusual.

"Could it be your family?" Jay asked.

Grace dreaded another visit from her father or stepmother, and she wouldn't forgive Evelyn's treachery anytime soon. But opening the door, she was surprised to see Chase.

He wore a black cotton shirt, his face slightly flushed. He looked at Grace, speaking hesitantly: "I…" He stopped abruptly, noticing Jason, who had joined them, standing behind Grace.

"Why are you here?" Jason asked. "Are you looking for my sister?"

"I… I have some business to discuss with Grace privately," Chase said, his face reddening. He glanced at Grace. "Is that alright with you?"

Jason frowned.

Grace started to reply, but Jay interrupted. "Is it something you can't discuss here?"

"It's…" Chase hesitated.

Grace said, "If you need to say something, there's no harm in speaking frankly, even with Jay present."

Chase wrung his hands. "I… I wanted to say that I don't mind that you've been in jail. I really like you and I hope you'll be my girlfriend. I… I can wait. As long as you're not interested in anyone else, I can wait," he blurted, seemingly relieved to have finally spoken.

Grace was stunned. "I, uh, Chase, I don't know what to say."

Chase continued. "I know I'm still just a small-time driver, but I will work hard to earn money to support a family. I… I just hope I can give you happiness."

He nodded toward Jason, bowed to Grace, and hurried away, his parting words: "Just consider it."

Grace stared numbly at his retreating back. Chase really liked her?

Only when a hand encircled her waist, pulling her into the room and slamming the door shut, did she snap out of her trance.

"What are you…?" she began, but Jay trapped her against the door. He leaned close, his dark eyes fixed on hers. "What are you thinking about, Sister?"

His tone was sharp, the usual familial "Sister" sounding more like a threat.

"Nothing," she replied.

He closed the distance until she could barely breathe. "Let me go, Jay."

He didn't seem to hear. He pressed closer, his lips brushing her ear.

She gasped.

"Sister, were you touched by what that man said?"

"Touched?" Her laugh was sad. "I don't know, but I'm surprised. I'm a convict, Jay. Accused of taking a human life. What man would want to be with me?"

"Did you invite him here?"

"No." She shook her head. "And I truly didn't expect Chase to show up and say those things."

He frowned. "I don't trust him."