Part VIII: Come Away With Me

"I used to want to be a doctor."

"Hmm?" Grace looked up from her laptop, where she was carefully editing her thesis.

"I just thought about that. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor."

"Why? They're overworked and it's just not… you."

Eli looked up at her from the floor. "What does that mean?"

She smiled warmly at him. "It's nothing against you, E. The very first time I saw you, I knew you were an artist. Why's this coming up now?"

He shrugged. "Not sure. It just crossed my mind." Eli glanced back down at his computer. "It would have been easier, you know?"

"Easier how?" The brunette frowned. "Where's this coming from? You're doing exactly what you want to do."

"On Mom and Dad, I think. On Lily. I was the oldest… I should have been someone you, Jessie, and Zoë could look up to. Instead, I'm this."

Her frown deepened, forming a line across her forehead. "I'm not exactly sure what you mean by that." Grace moved the computer from her lap and swung her feet around. She eased herself onto the floor, sitting next to him. "It wouldn't have mattered, Eli, if you were unhappy."

"I might not have been unhappy."

"At the risk of reopening old wounds, you didn't exactly like school. Doctors are in school for a long, long time."

"True. But I could have done better. I could have… I could have easily brought home good grades, Grace. I just didn't… care."

"I know." She studied him, trying to peak inside of his mind. All of this was so sudden, so random. "I don't know if it would have been easier, E. Yeah, you could have done it. I know that. But still… you have a job you love, in a city you love, doing what you want to do."

"I'm not with my family," he told her. "Sometimes I realize how much I'm missing out on. Will is so big, Jess is in college now, and you…" Eli trailed off. He placed his laptop on the coffee table and turned to face her. "Would it have made any difference if I'd been here?"

"What do you mean?"

"If I'd been here… five years ago, if I hadn't gone back to New York. Would that have changed things?"

"I don't know." Her voice was low and she sounded unsure. It was a good question. Where would they be now if he hadn't left? "That's something we'll never know. But I think that's a good thing."

"Good how?"

Grace reached up and cupped his jaw in her hand. Leaning forward, she kissed him gently. She kept her hand to his face when she pulled back, and said, "You and I needed that time to grow apart, Eli. Even if you don't see it now, I'm not sure we would have made it this far if we'd started then. We weren't ready then."

"And now?" he asked quietly.

"I…I don't know." Her eyes dropped and she couldn't look at him. "Where do you see this going?"

"You're the only one for me, Grace."

She looked up quickly, shocked by his admission. "How do you know?"

"I just do." Eli wanted to give her words she would find reassuring, but he wasn't sure he could. Could he put into words what he'd felt for her for so long? "It's the way I miss you sometimes. I'll be at home and think you're in the next room. Or I'm walking down a busy street and I'll see you. Sometimes I think I'm chasing your phantom around New York. Do you remember the day in your room?"

"Which day?"

"When Jessie walked in… we almost…"

"Kissed," she finished for him. "Yeah, I remember."

"I think that was the start of it. Or at least, that's when I became aware of it. I was upset about Carla, but then… you were there and I wasn't anymore. When she left, I started hanging out with you because you made me forget. The pain and loneliness would go away when we were together. Eventually, though, it stopped being about her and started being about you. I wanted to be with you just to be with you."

"Eli—"

"No," he stopped her. "I want to tell you this. I want you to know how long I've cared." Eli searched her brown eyes, needing her to be ready for his omission. He'd been carrying his feelings around him for so long, and suddenly he needed to tell her. She needed to know the how and why of his love for her. "You always took care of me. I know you think I never noticed, but I did. If I skipped school, you'd get my assignments… you'd cover for me with our parents, you always had my back. I didn't understand why, though. But then, I think I understood. When you care about someone… when you love someone, that's what you're supposed to do, right?"

Silently, she nodded.

"I tried to show you then, when you were still in high school, but I did such a bad job of it. More often than not, I was a jerk. Then, you graduated and went off to college, and I couldn't help but feel I wasn't good enough for you." Eli pressed his fingers to her lips to stop anything she might say. "Even if you never thought that, I did. Part of a relationship… part of loving someone, is being able to take care of them. When you left for school, I wasn't able to give you that. I could barely take care of myself.

"I had a year to think about that, then I decided to leave myself. Lily and Dad were busy being parents to a toddler, Zoë didn't need me around. You were out of the house, and Jessie was leaving. So, one afternoon I bought a map, closed my eyes, and pointed. When I opened my eyes, my finger was sitting on Manhattan. That's where I went."

"That's why you went?" she questioned. "It was just luck that you ended up in New York?"

Eli shrugged. "It was the best place for me. I wanted to grow up and I did. Going there made me a man." He eyed her carefully when she laughed. "What? It did."

"Just hearing you put it that way," she giggled. "Such strange phrasing."

"Anyway," he continued, "After I'd been there awhile, I started to realize a lot of things about myself. Like how much I relied on you… how much I needed you in my life. I came home for Christmas with intentions of telling you so, but then…we happened, and I was an idiot.

"I didn't realize it at the time, of course. It wasn't until a year later – the next Christmas – when I saw you did I really see what I'd thrown away. For the last few years, I've been trying to make that up to you. I haven't done a very good job, I can see that now. This year, I promised myself I'd at least talk to you. I tried to call the night before I saw you, but I couldn't say the words. It wasn't something you say over the phone. I needed to see you. When you picked me up at the airport, I knew I had too. I felt like I was seeing you for the first time since that day in your bedroom so long ago."

Grace leaned her head against his shoulder, closing her eyes. She knew he'd just spilled his heart to her and she wasn't sure what to say in return. She loved Eli, that much she knew. But did she want what he wanted? Did she want to walk away from everything she knew in order to be with him? Was she willing to make that sacrifice? Was she ready to trust him with her heart again? What's more, was she ready to trust him with her body?

"Grace," Eli said very quietly. Leaning over, he pressed his lips to her forehead. "I want you to come to New York with me."

"What?"

"When I fly back, I want you to come with me."

"Eli…"

He looked at her, his eyes trying to read her expression. He knew this moment would make or break them. "What do you think?"

"You want to know now?" she questioned. "I can't make a decision like that, E."

"But you can. We're standing at a fork in the road, Grace. This may be the last chance we have… I've broken your heart and you've broken mine. But we still have this moment, this chance, to be together."

"It's so sudden."

Eli shifted so he was sitting directly in front of her. He took her hands in his, running his fingers over her knuckles. "Please, Grace." He frowned when she looked down. "Listen… I may not be the smartest guy on the block, but even I see there's something real between us. It doesn't matter why or how it started, it only matters what we decide to do with it. I won't apologize any more for the mistakes I've made in the past. The guy I used to be is gone, replaced with someone who was born the day you kissed me. I only want the chance to prove to you we have something real, something lasting. Will you give me that opportunity, Grace?"

The tears she'd been holding back spilled down her cheeks. It was all too much and she knew she was overwhelmed. "Do you have to know now?"

"No. I'm leaving for New York on the third, my plane leaves at two that afternoon. You don't have to tell me until then."

Grace leaned forward, wrapping her arms around him. "Okay. I just need some time, that's all. I need to think about it."

His arms came up, pulling her closer. His hazel eyes closed as he breathed in the scent that was so uniquely Grace. It wasn't exactly the answer he wanted, but it was good enough. She was at least willing to consider the possibility – she still might say yes. It was all he had at the moment, so it had to be enough. Eli pulled her onto his lap and leaned against the couch. No matter what she said in four days, he could hold her now. It was enough.


"Are you in love with my brother?"

Grace turned, stunned, to face Jessie. "What?"

"You've been watching him all night," the blonde observed. "Lily and Dad have been whispering about something… Eli wanted me to drop him off at your apartment this morning. What's going on, Grace?"

The brunette knew her face was burning crimson. "Nothing."

"Try that on Will, I'm sure he's the only one in this family who would believe you. And that's only because he wasn't around when we were teenagers."

"Jessie."

She eyed her stepsister over the rim of her wine glass. "I only want you to tell me the truth. He's my brother and I know him. I guessed he cared about you years ago. You… you were always a bit harder to read."

"Really?" Grace asked. "I always thought my feelings for him were transparent to everyone."

"In high school, yes. But you've grown up since then. You've gotten better and hiding things from us… actually, until a few days ago, I was convinced you were completely indifferent to Eli."

"We're siblings," the brunette answered. "If there's something more going on, I don't know how to name it. Other than that, we're friends."

"You're lying."

Grace blushed again. "Jess, it's not you. I just… I don't know for sure what it is, so how can I tell you? I don't want to tell you one thing, and then it turn out to be something different. I don't want you to think I've lied to you and I especially don't want whatever is happening between Eli and myself to affect you."

"It does," Jessie told her. "It affects all of us, Grace. You and Eli… you're more than siblings. You're more than friends, and you always have been. I saw it then and I see it now."

She took a long swallow from her wine glass and looked down. What could she say? Jessie was right – but more than that, Jessie was one of her closest friends and they had worked too long at having some sort of friendly relationship to let this come between them. "I love him."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. But," she continued, "That doesn't necessarily mean anything. Eli and I have talked about the future and neither of us are sure what happens next."

"Have you told him you love him?"

"No."

Jessie studied her carefully. "Has he told you he loves you?"

"Jessie—"

"Has he?"

Her brown eyes dropped to the floor. "Yes."

"Then what's the hold up?"

"It's not as easy as you think. We have two separate lives, Jessie. We're not in high school anymore – I can't just sneak off to the garage to spend time with him. There are other people we have to think about than ourselves. This isn't a fairy tale."

"Why can't it be?" Jessie urged. "Why not ride off into the sunset with him?"

"What fairy tale do you know where the hero and heroine are stepsiblings, Jess? Tell me what book you've read where that's the plot?" Jessie was silent as Grace glared at her. "Okay, then you should see this isn't as easy as you think. I care about Eli a lot, but even I don't know how this story ends."

The blonde wasn't satisfied with her sister's answer, but knew Grace was right. It wasn't a fairy tale. Jessie was kind of glad they weren't throwing caution to the wind and forgetting about the rest of them. "I love you and I love my brother. I'll be there for both of you, no matter what happens."

The older girl stepped forward and hugged the young woman she'd had so many problems with growing up. "Thank you."

When they separated, Jessie went off to find her date and Grace went in search of their parents. This was Rick's company party and she knew she needed to do a better job at helping out.

Eli kept an eye on her the rest of the night. He'd witnessed the exchange between his sister and Grace, at times wondering if he needed to intervene. He couldn't hear the conversation, but he had a fair idea what the topic was. Jessie was the one person left to explain himself too.

When it was almost midnight, Eli joined the rest of his family for a toast. His father gave a nice speech, wishing all who were present a successful and profitable New Year and Eli raised his glass in agreement. He was a bit surprised when Grace found his hand, wrapping her fingers around his. Looking down, she was smiling up at him. There was a glassy look in her eyes. "Everything okay?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I just want to share this moment with you."

He heard the countdown begin to grow louder, as members of their party started in with the television. When they reached ten, Eli could wait no longer. Leaning down, he kissed her.

When he meant to pull away, Grace wrapped an arm around his neck, keeping him there. His free arm went around her back and he tugged her closer. The kiss deepened, his tongue silently asking for entrance. She did not deny him.

As New York and their party celebrated something that would not happen in Chicago for another hour, Eli continued to kiss her. He could hear the people around him, but they didn't matter. All that mattered was the brunette pressed against his body, the woman he'd been crazy about for years. Maybe they'd had a rough week, but it seemed like things might turn out okay. He loved her and while she hadn't said so, Eli was sure she felt something more than familial love for him.

When she finally started to break the kiss, Grace pulled back and peppered his cheeks and nose with kisses. "Happy New Years, Eli."

"Not quite," he smiled. "But that was a nice way to start."

She blushed, but didn't look away. Grace hoped he could see her feelings for him in her eyes.

Eli brushed his lips against hers again. He squeezed his eyes shut and pulled her against him tightly. "I'm so glad we're here."

The brunette hugged him back. "Come back to my apartment with me," she said quietly.

"What?"

"Tonight. Come home with me."

He pulled back, studying her carefully. "Are you… Grace, are you drunk?"

She smiled at him. "No. I know what I'm asking, Eli. I want you."

"I don't think we should," he told her.

Grace shifted against him, her thigh pressing into the junction between his. "That's not the impression I'm getting."

Eli blushed and looked away. "I don't think this is a good idea, Grace."

"I do. We're adults Eli. We both want this… so please, will you come?"

"Grace—"

"Please?" she asked again.

He knew at that moment he could never deny her anything. "I'll get our coats."

Leaning up, she kissed him quickly. "I'll tell Mom and Rick. Meet me at the door in two minutes?"

Grace went to her parents, not sure what she was going to say. They were dancing apart from the other couples, seeming to have found a spot where they could be alone. "Gracie."

She shifted on her feet, feeling like she was intruding. "Eli and I are going to go."

"What?" Lily asked. "It's not midnight yet. And what do you mean, 'Eli and I'?"

"Mom."

Rick could feel how tense his wife was beside him, but he knew this was important. He'd seen the kiss the young couple had shared earlier, he'd seen how close they'd danced, and he'd seen the way they had arrived together. While Rick wasn't sure he agreed with their decision, he understood that it was theirs to make. "Have a good night, Grace. Tell Eli I'll see him tomorrow."

The brunette smiled gratefully at her stepfather. "Thanks, Rick." Grace turned to her mother, eyes wary. "Mom?"

Lily stepped away from her husband and towards her oldest daughter. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Grace nodded.

Her mother struggled visibly for a moment, before finally letting go. Her daughter and Eli were adults and Lily knew she had to let them make their own decisions. "Do you love him?"

"Yes."

The black-haired woman stepped closer to her daughter, taking her hands. She leaned forward, kissing her cheek. "Remember to protect yourself," she whispered in her ear. Lily hugged her daughter one more time. "Have fun."

The younger woman stepped back, smiling. "Thank you." She squeezed her mother's hands, before pulling back. "Eli's waiting for me."

Lily and Rick watched as Grace walked away, going to meet Eli. They saw him hold out a coat for her, helping her into it. They watched as he placed a gentle hand on her back, guiding her away from them.

"Our kids are grown up, aren't they?" she asked.

Her husband looked down at her and nodded. "Yes." Rick wrapped his arms around her. "But don't worry, Will still needs us for a few years yet."

Lily was comforted by that.

A/N: There will very likely be a NC-17 cookie that goes along with this – I'll put a note up with the next chapter, since that material is not allowed here.