The Grand Pact (The Grand Men #1)(80)

I’m scared.

Sick to my stomach to even go to the shop on the corner when last week I walked in with all the confidence in the world.

Rounding the steps to the house, I spot someone in the gated area below, and instead of making eye contact, I pull my bag from my shoulder and quickly look for my key. Just as I wrap my fingers around the cool metal, someone says my name.

I lift my head at the familiar voice and slowly smile, my first genuine smile in days. “Maxwell.”





23





Lucy





“Hey!” he says, smiling as he walks up the steps with a box in his hands. “How are you?”

I swallow, pulling my jacket tighter. “I’m okay.” I nod.

He looks at me, really looks at me. Then he nods over his shoulder, his lips twisting up in a coy but knowing smile. “Alec and Polly are moving in.”

I look past him, my shoulders relaxing as what he’s said registers. “Ralph agreed?” I say, surprised. I’ve not heard anything from Maxwell in weeks, and Ralph never mentioned anything when I’d spoken to him on the phone a couple of days ago.

“Yeah, the realtor called this morning to let them know. Thank you for talking to him.”

I smile, and it’s even wider than before. “Of course.”

“We’re nearly done if you want to get some food with us?”

I swallow, a frown forming as I nod in agreement. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”

Maxwell being here, showing up out of the blue, it takes me back to the moment I met him on the plane.

“Alright, give us twenty to move these last few boxes, and I’ll come up and get you.”

“Okay.” I turn, unlocking my door as I speak over my shoulder. “I’m going to take a quick shower,” I tell him.

“See you in a bit.”

As soon as I’m in the house, I sink back against the door and slide to the ground. “I’m okay,” I whisper to myself, closing my eyes as a tear falls down my cheek, an actual smile—a real one—slips into place. “I’m going to be fine.”





One week post-Elliot call


Nina: Luce I miss you. I was hoping to fly out maybe at the end of the month. Let me know so I can plan it around work xxxx Meg: Nina’s worried, Luce. You good?

Scar: Hey! Wanna do a group call tonight??

Elliot: Are you free tonight?

Elliot: Luce call me.

Elliot: I took Ellis ice skating today after he saw pictures of The Rink at Rockefeller Center. He wanted to know what it was all about. He misses you.

Shit. The girls have obviously been talking. I’ve thrown myself into work this week, and it’s been a godsend. I’m not ignoring my family and friends. I just need a minute to work out how I feel.

I text Nina.

Luce: I’m good I promise. Just been busy but I’ll call tomorrow.





Two weeks post-Elliot call


Mum: Hello darling. Missing you today. I popped in to see Jean at the shop and she gushed about how well you’re doing. She said Almendo has been nominated for an award? You never told us. Call me soon please. Mum xxx Nina: Black or red?

Two images sit below Nina’s text. She’s wearing two different dresses and looks phenomenal in both. I wonder where she’s going.

Luce: Red

Luce: With your hair down and straight Elliot: Answer your phone Luce





One month post-Elliot call


Nina: You’ve called me three times in three weeks. I know you said work is busy but I know it’s Elliot. I’ve booked a flight. Will be with you in two weeks bitch.

Fuck.

Luce: What about work?

Nina: What about us? Stop avoiding me! Can I call?

Luce: I’m in work Nina: Don’t shut me out. It’s me.

Polly: We’re heading out tonight. Are you coming?

My eyes well as I read Nina’s most recent message. It’s just gone two, and I’m on my lunch break.

I make the decision to call her.

“Luce!”

“Hey.” I force a smile, even though she can’t see me.

“How are you? How’s work been this week?”

“Works been fine. How are the kids?”

“Ugh.” She huffs, making my chest ache at the normalcy of it. “Ellis has just gone down. Not sure about Ave. They’re okay, though. Ellis is talking about you constantly. They probably find it odd given you were such a big part of their routine.”

“I miss them.”

“Well, we miss you! I don’t think we’ve ever been this long without talking properly. I know you have this walk coming up with the company, but I also know you’re struggling. I can feel it. Is that weird?”

“I guess not.” I smile, loving and hating how well she knows me.

“We did spend our entire lives joined at the hip.”

I roll my lips as a wave of tears threatens. The urge to off-load my life onto her is strong.

It’s always terrifying pulling someone into your circle. They go from the safety of having a perception of you—the Instagram reel—to uncovering the you who truly walks this earth. They see your struggles and adversity. The ups and the downs. The mistakes and the selfishness. I wish I could protect them from it. Stop them from bearing witness to the girl behind the rose-tinted glasses.