Grace sat on her bed for a moment, unable to hold back a few more tears.  Sands was arrogant, raw, and, from what she understood, had done some rather despicable things…but she couldn't help herself from feeling heartbroken for him.  Yesterday he could see the ocean…  Today, he had to settle for hearing it.  She closed her eyes, and focused on the darkness before her; she tried to keep them closed, but couldn't.  They opened again and she saw light, furniture, walls…as hard as she tried, she could not fathom opening them and seeing only darkness – but for Sands, that darkness was going to be eternal.

            She began to unpack her things – still wondering how they got from her old hotel room to the town car.  A thought then came to her mind: Cassie.  Grace and Cassie, Grace's best friend (more like her former best friend now), had decided to vacation in Mexico together.  They planned their trip for months, then on the third night of their stay, Cassie ran off with one of the waiters from their hotel.  She left a note saying something along the lines of, "Off with Miguel – have fun!"  The next morning, Grace had found Sands.

            Wonder if I should bother trying to call her?  She put the last of her clothes into the dresser, deciding that she'd simply leave a voicemail message on Cassie's cell phone.  She picked up the bedroom extension and dialed.  She was dumped directly into Cassie's voicemail.  Good, I was worried that hell might have frozen over and she'd answer.

            Cassie's message was short and to the point.  "This is Cass, you know what to do."

            "Hey, Cass, it's Grace.  You know, the person you came to Mexico with?  Look, I…I'm at a different hotel.  I figured it wouldn't matter since you bailed on me anyway.  Just wanted to let you know I'm not dead or anything.  See ya."  Wow, I sounded pretty bitchy.  Oh well…  She heard a knock at the door then, the food came a bit faster than she thought it would and she was grateful; Sands needed his medication.

            She quickly made her way to the door, and a middle-aged man brought their meals inside.  Grace signed for his tip and walked Sands' plate over to the couch.  She placed his meal on the coffee table and he sat up.

            "I can eat at the table," he said softly.

            "Stay here, Sands, you'll be more comfortable.  After a few bites, I'll give you your pills and…"

            "You'll eat here too, right?  I mean, you wouldn't want me stabbing myself with the fork or anything, would you?"

            "Well, that might not be such a bad thing," she joked.  "But, again, the government could get on my case, so I guess I will."

            Sands smiled.  "You're getting a bit too serious with me, Gracie.  What's wrong?"

            "I just know that…you have to hurt a lot.  Not fair to be cruel when you're not being the same way."  She got up and retrieved her plate.

            "No tequila?"

            "Drop it."

            He smiled.  "Yes, ma'am."  He felt around for his fork as Grace took a seat next to him; she was about to hand it to him when he found it.  Grace smiled.  "I may ask you to do something for me if this pork is too good."

            "Oh?  What's that?"

            "I may give you one of my guns and ask you to shoot the cook."

            Grace was unsure of whether he was joking or not.  "Be honest with me.  Are you a psychopath?"

            He shrugged and smiled.  "Guess that's all up to your perception, Gracie.  Eh, since I'm assuming that where we are is more of a resort than anything, I'll let it slide this time."

            "You've really done that haven't you?" Grace asked, wide-eyed.

            "Just keeping the balance."

            "Should I be running out the door?"

            "Nah…"  He thought a moment.  "Well, actually, if you'd be running out the door of this room, but into my bedroom…"

            "And he's back," she laughed.  "I was wondering where you went."

            "I knew you liked me."

            "No, I just think I'm more comfortable with 'raunchy' you than…freaky 'kill the cook' you."

            "I'm a man of many flavors, Gracie.  Want a taste?"

            Grace laughed.  "Hmm…don't mind if I do."  Grace reached over and stabbed her fork into Sands' pork.  "Mm, not bad."

            "Hey!" he said, trying to sound angry.  "Don't touch a man's pork unless he offers."

            "You asked if I wanted a taste," she replied innocently.

            "Of me, Gracie, not the pork."

            "Oh…I misunderstood."  Test the waters…he might just be all talk.  God, what am I thinking?  She leaned in closer to him and felt her heart rate increase.  Grace, you are a stupid woman.  She let her lips touch the side of his neck , her tongue swirling in a quick circle around the flesh there, then pulled back.  Shit…shouldn't have done that.  Say something that shows you weren't being serious.  "Eh, the pork's better."  Yeah, that was good, Grace.

            Sands took a bite of his food, acting as though nothing had happened.  After swallowing he said, "Well, I don't have anything to compare it to at the moment."  My God, woman…you're killing me.  First you stand a few feet away from me - naked…then you bathe me…now this?  Not giving in to you, sugarbutt.  It has to be the other way around.  He heard a rattling and knew that Grace was getting his pills.

            "Be a good boy and take these."  She took his hand in hers and put the two pills in his palm.

            "No coaxing needed, Gracie."  He immediately put them in his mouth and gulped a mouthful of Sprite.  "Do your thing, boys."

            "They might make you drowsy."

            "Well, if I get tired, you'll just have to tuck me in, won't you?"

            "I'll help you to your room – you'll tuck yourself in."  The two finished their meals, trading a bit more banter as they ate.  Grace found herself wanting to hear him talk; she was growing quite fond of the sound of his voice.  I'm being such an idiot. 

            After they had finished, Sands was indeed feeling the effects of the drugs.  Grace did as she said she would, helping him into his room and getting him situated. 

            "King-sized?" Sands asked, referring to the bed.

            She shook her head.  "Yeah."

            He stifled a yawn.  "Mm…Gracie, the fun we could have…"

            "Sands, you couldn't handle me in your condition."

            A wide smile appeared on his face.  "That sounds very much like a challenge."

            "Good night, Sheldon," she said leaving the room.

            "I still say you're a tease!" he shouted after her, chuckling.  Won't be long…

            Despite how exhausted she was. Grace wasn't ready for bed.  She went back out to the couch and turned on the television.  There was a decent selection of movies to choose from and after finding one she liked…she fell asleep in the middle of it.  She was in a dreamless sleep when she was awoken.  Sands was screaming…