Summary: Grace needs a change and she sure gets it. Can she handle it and how will the family react? Eli+Grace

Disclaimer: Do not own characters. All fanfic. Own this story though .

Fourth Chapter

Tom, Wink and Trig now occupied the couch that Grace and Mick had left when they started dancing. Coop had gone upstairs to get some snacks. Eli was left in the armchair watching his former friend dance with Grace. The music was slower now and they still stood back to front with Mick placed behind Grace.

"Well this has been great but I gotta split" Trig was not one to make himself noticed and this night was not an exception. He had been sitting in the far end of the couch while the others were talking. "Anyone need a ride?" he said and looked at Tom and Wink.

Tom grabbed his backpack from behind the couch and stood up "Sure, might as well. Looks like Mick is the only one getting anything out of this night." The comment was low and didn´t reach said person as he was wrapped up in his dance. But it did reach Eli´s ear and he snapped his head towards Tom.

"What?" he said in an equally low voice but with a menacing tone to it "What´s that supposed to mean?" Eli stared at Tom and the other boy squirmed under his gaze.

"Uhmm what do you think it means? I mean c´mon you know Mick." Tom seemed uncomfortable as his eyes went from Eli to the couple on the dance floor.

Eli hesitated. He did know Mick. And he knew Grace. And that was not a good combination as far as he was concerned. It was time to end this. He had to get Grace out of there. The night had started out so good. He was having fun when they drove over to Coop´s house. No this was the end of these stupid feelings. Everything was Mick fault. He had been on Grace since the moment they got there; probably just to piss Eli off… well no probably not only because of that, but Eli did not want to go there right now. Now he wanted to do something.

Grace was lost in a flurry of soft music, vodka, a warm male body close to her and this feeling of acceptance, her acceptance. She could see herself in a clear picture now. Okay, maybe not perfectly clear since she was still sipping vodka and that made everything look almost distorted and far away. But she was comfortable with herself. Was this why Eli smoked and drank and hanged out here so often? She could relate to that. Mick´s hands where stroking her stomach, warm and a bit rugged they produced goose bumps on her skin. She looked up to see that the other guys were standing. Eli was shaking hands with Trig and then he gave his joint to Wink, who was the only one still seated. Then he walked towards her and Mick.

"We are leaving." The statement was simple enough. But the look on his face showed that he was not hearing any arguments over the matter.

Grace did not pick up those subtle signals.

"You may, I am staying" she placed her hands over Mick´s still swaying to the music.

"We. Are. Leaving…" This time his words had an edge to them that even Grace could not help but hear.

"Hey man, what´s the downer attitude?" Mick was not giving up that easy. He was enjoying himself.

Eli stared at him. He just knew he had to get Grace home. "Grace, I am leaving. And you are coming with me. There is no argument. We have to get home." He turned around and stalked towards the stairs leading up from the basement. He didn´t turn around, he simply held his breath and prayed to some God that Grace was following him.

Grace stared after Eli as he moved toward the stairs. Mick´s hand was suddenly cold to her. The music was no longer soft and melodic, but plain and boring. She had been enjoying herself. She had! But… if Eli wanted her to go with him she would. She trusted him.

She grabbed her bottle of vodka and left the other one on the table. Pulling up the sipper in Eli´s hoodie she turned to Mick.

"Sorry, got to go. He´s my ride!"

She smiled and stood up on her toes and gave him a peck on the lips. Mick´s arms were suddenly around her waist as he presented her with a more mature kiss. When he let her go he had a wide grin and Grace couldn´t help but laugh when she saw it.

"I could drive you." Mick tried.

"Another time pretty boy" Grace was giddy with laughter and the amazing feeling she had from knowing someone wanted to be with her. She turned around and followed Eli up the stairs.

TBC

Authors Notes

Short chapter I know. But it was just such a good cliffhanger break and I have to het going since it´s Friday. Please rewiew. Love your comments guys