"Oh look isn't that the girl from last summer?" said Kathleen. She was in the spare room with Grace, looking out the window at Jake coming back from his date with Mandy Horowitz.
"That's Mandy Horowitz," said Grace darkly.
"Oh isn't that sweet, they're kissing," said Kathleen.
"Freaking adorable," Grace muttered.
"You know if I didn't know any better I would think you still have thing for Jake," said Kathleen watching Grace closely.
"What?" Grace spluttered her eyes as wide as saucers.
"You seem jealous," said Kathleen casually. "Although why should you be? Didn't you break up with him last year?"
"I…I don't know what you're talking about," said Grace trying to cover her shock that Kathleen of all people knew about her and Jake
"Of course you don't," said Kathleen knowingly. "So you just don't like…Mandy is it?"
"We go to the same school, we just don't get along that's all," said Grace not being able to look Kathleen in the eye.
"Uh huh," said Kathleen not believing her for a second. "Grace I am not Mark or my baby brother."
"I know," said Grace. "But really it was nothing, really ancient history…it was over before it started…it was nothing."
"Yeah a year and a half of nothing."
"Oh…Uh…"
"You don't want to talk about it?" said Kathleen getting the hint. "That's fine…but you know where I am."
"Yeah thanks," said Grace. "I'm going to get a drink, you want anything?"
"No I'm good," said Kathleen.
-------------------------------------------
"I'm back Mum," Jake said as he came into the kitchen. "Is there anything to eat?" he asked as he sat down at the table.
"I daresay there is," said Grace pulling her head out of the fridge.
"Gracie?"
"Grace," she corrected. "Gracie sounds like a poodle's name."
"Right…sorry," said Jake hiding his hurt.
"How was your date?" she asked flatly.
"It wasn't a date," he sighed. "Why would you care anyway?"
"I was just making conversation," said Grace.
"She has finals in a few weeks, she wanted some help in biology," said Jake not wanting Grace to think he was dating Mandy Horowitz of all people.
"I'm sure she did."
"Fine then don't believe me," shrugged Jake.
"Finals were two weeks ago, dumb ass."
"No they weren't!"
"Yeah they were! I sat my biology final two weeks ago obviously it was a practical final she needed help with," snapped Grace feeling her temper rise.
"We just studied."
"Yeah I'm sure you studied the inside of her…"
"Don't be vulgar Grace, it doesn't become you," snapped Jake.
"Frankly dear I don't give a shit!"
"Why does this bother you so much?" Jake shouted. "You want nothing to do with me!"
"I believe it was you that severed all ties, an hour after I came out of life threatening surgery. That was real classy Jake!"
"Well I'm sorry about that," said Jake his tone softening. "I really am."
"Whatever," said Grace pretending she wasn't bothered.
"Grace," said Jake. "I truly never wanted to hurt you."
"You didn't!"
"Right of course I didn't, just like you aren't terrified of going back to the brownstone after the break in."
"I'm not!"
"Stop trying to be so damn brave Gracie," said Jake softly. "It's me I know when you're hurting."
"You don't know anything," said Grace lifting her chin in defiance. "And I told you to stop calling me that."
"What do you want me to call you then? Madeline Grace?"
"Works for me."
"Fine, Madeline, Grace, Gracie whatever you want me to call you. I know you! I know things about you, you don't even know!" Jake shouted. "Will you please stop being so stubborn and insisting you're fine, I know you're not!"
"As far as you're concerned I'm fine," said Grace.
"But I know you're not! Do you know how hard this is for me? Knowing you're in pain and you're scared and vulnerable and you keep shutting me out. Let me help you."
"Help me with what?"
"Fine Gracie! I can't do this anymore, just do whatever the hell you want!"
"Fine!"
------------------------------------------
"I don't give a damn when you can get a flight," Grace shouted down the phone. "I'm going home, I don't need to be here anymore! Dad I don't need you to come here, I'm fine."
"What's going on out there?" Jake asked as he spotted Grace talking on the phone on the terrace.
"She's talking to Mark, she wants to go back to the city," said Kathleen.
"What? He's not going to let her is he?" said Jake. "That's insane!"
"It's her decision," shrugged Kathleen. "And since when has Grace ever asked Mark for permission?"
"True," said Jake. "But she's terrified."
"I already told her she was welcome to stay as long as she wants but I can't force her."
"Alright that's Dad sorted," said Grace cheerfully coming back into the house. "I'm staying at the apartment on 5th until I go back to school."
"Remember you're welcome to stay here," said Kathleen.
"Thank you, you've been great I'm so grateful for everything," said Grace. "But it's time to go home."
"Alright call if you need anything," said Kathleen hugging Grace. "Do you need a hand with your bag?"
"No I'll be fine," said Grace. "I'll just drive into the city, Dad is having my car brought over this morning."
"Okay."
"Grace…" started Jake.
"Oh you're here…I thought you'd have another study date with Mandy."
"Fine!"