Chapter 13
In front of everyone, I took his and Valda’s hands, placing them together.
Smiling like a wedding officiant, I said, “True love knows no sin. The one not loved is the true third party.
“Don’t worry, I sincerely wish you both happiness.
“Set a date soon and let everyone celebrate with you.”
With that. I left the private box..
Antonio hurriedly followed, his face pale with shock. “Grace, let me explain,” he pleaded.
I looked at him, puzzled. “You and Valda seem to be getting along well. Why do you need to explain?”
“Valda and I aren’t together! I know the tattoos made you misunderstand. I got mine from a bet with Ray and his crew–it means nothing. I’ll get it removed tomorrow. Grace, after all these years, can’t you trust me just this once?”
His urgent voice drew several onlookers.
I frowned in disgust. “Antonio, don’t be so emotional. Let’s talk after my get–together with friends.”
When I saw Antonio accompanying Valda in and out of the hospital, caring for her the whole time, I went ballistic and had a huge argument with him in the lobby.
Back then, Antonio just brushed me off.
Now, the tables have turned. For the first time, I saw genuine shock and hurt in his eyes.
Ignoring his devastated look, I pushed open the door of box 7 and left without looking back.
For the next few hours, my phone lit up with messages from Antonio..
He first asked when I’d be home, saying he’d wait next door.
Then he nagged me not to drink, or to limit it to very little if I had to.
He mentioned buying allergy medicine for me and told me to find him if I felt unwell.
Later, he called, softly asking, “Grace, is your party over? I’ll come to you.
now.”
“I’ve already left with a friend,” I said.
Antonio thought I was joking, so I put the call on speakerphone, letting my college senior, Chad, who was giving me a ride home, say hello.
.
Antonio knew of my close relationship with Chad during college. Though he hadn’t met Chad, he was aware of our past,
From his increasingly rapid breathing, I could tell he was on the verge of losing control.
To avoid a pointless argument, I ended the call.
That night, I didn’t go home. Instead, I enjoyed a long–overdue girls‘ night out with Carly,
At 12:30 p.m., I finally remembered to charge my dead phone.
Upon turning it on, I received a call from Antonio, with dozens of missed
calls flooding my screen.
I massaged my temples and answered with a sigh.
“Grace, where are you?”
Antonio’s voice was unusually hoarse.
I closed my lips coldly and said. “It’s Friday. Besides being at work. where else could I be?”
Chapter 14
