Author's Note:

Hi readers! Just a quick heads-up to say the story is almost over, but I still have a couple of chapters left, so don't go anywhere :).

Anyway, thank you guys so much for the reviews, follows, or favourites. They mean a lot.

It had been a week since everything had happened; A week since I'd last seen the twins, a week since I'd last seen Camille or my parents...and a week since I'd moved out of the house. I'd been a little depressed at the start, couldn't stop thinking about the twins and Rocco. I hadn't event known them for that long, but it felt like I'd known them for years. Camille had been the worst part of the week though. Always knocked on my door, constantly shouted that I was being ridiculous and I should get over Connor - not that I needed to. And she even had the nerve to knock on my window during one of her drunk-acts, but I didn't let her in. Which resorted in her using the front door, and being yelled at by my parents for waking them up. Saying I was happy about that would be an understatement, my irresponsible older-sister being shouted at had been quite amusing for me. But it didn't last. Soon enough, she was yelling through my door again, telling me I needed to be a better sister to her...So I moved out.

I now lived with my Aunt Belle. Despite being a bit of a gossip, she was the only family member I could stand to be around, since my parents were always at work and Camille was...well, Camille. I'd told her everything and she'd immediately rushed out that there was a spare room in her apartment above the store. It was an empty room, but I'd used some money to paint the walls, then all that was left was moving my stuff into my new room, it was simple enough. Sure my parents had put up a bit of a fight, but they'd eventually given in. Camille however, had thrown a fit - to be blunt. But it didn't matter what she shouted, screamed, or written down. I left whether she liked it or not, and now I had nothing holding me back.

Jade had been a little more than ecstatic. And the blonde had actually told my sister where to go the day I moved out. I'd obviously been amused with the confrontation, along with most of our neighbours. It was the most action they were going to get anyway. And since my best friend had gotten her drivers license only two days ago, I didn't have to worry about being late to school anymore.

My life was kind of perfect now I guess. I didn't have to worry about Camille, my school work, being late for work. And instead of paying rent, I helped my Aunt down in the store as payment. So, everything was pretty much amazing...well, almost everything. Saying I missed the twins and Rocco would be an understatement. Plus, to make matters worse, I still had to give Connor's sweater back. Something I wasn't looking forward to doing.

"Hey bitch!"

I smiled and looked up from my magazine. "Hey slut."

Jade winked and dropped her backpack behind the counter, occupying the seat next to me. "Watcha doin'?"

"Not much."

"Fair enough. So, how you doin'?" She hesitatingly questioned.

I sighed to myself and tilted my head at her. Despite repeatedly telling her - and others - that I was doing fine, she continued to ask me if I was okay. At first it wasn't so bad, it was actually pretty good to have someone ask how I was. But after a week? Well, it was beginning to get annoying. I knew her intentions were good, and she just wanted to make sure I was okay, but I was pretty close to decking her.

"I'm fine, for the millionth time this week."

"Grace," She groaned, throwing her head back as she dragged the word out.

"No. Look Jade, I'm fine. I know I shouldn't be and that any other girl would be sobbing their heart out, but I'm not. I'm actually pretty relieved it's all over. I'm definitely not ready to date anyone again, not for a while anyway, especially after this. But at the end of the day, I'm pretty good right now." I told her, shrugging my shoulders.

Jade nodded in understanding, resting her forearms on the counter. "I guess but, don't you ever...miss him?"

"Yeah, I do." I admitted. "But it's not gonna change anything. He still hates me and I'm getting on with it, no point sitting around and thinking about 'what-if's'."

"Well, 'what-if's' aren't that bad. I mean, what if you hadn't met through Camille's plan? And what if your sister hadn't been a huge slut?"

"Then my life would be boring."

"Eh, guess that's true. But, what if Connor did decide to come back? What if he just randomly turned up here?" She asked, smirking slightly.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Those are some pretty big 'what-if's' Jade."

"Aye, I guess they are."

My eyes immediately widened and I turned in my seat.

"Connor?"

"Hi stranger." He waved, looking slightly awkward.

I turned back to Jade, narrowing my eyes at her. "You knew he was there?!"

She shrugged her shoulders, attempting to look innocent as she slid off the high chair. "Maybe. I'll be in the puppy-pen."

Jade rushed off towards the back of the store where the puppies were kept, leaving me alone with Connor. My Aunt had popped out somewhere, so there was no one to disturb us. Except a customer, but we rarely got them on weekdays.

"So...what are you doing here?" I finally asked, turning back to face him.

"Was headin' home from work, saw ye through the window. Thought I'd say hi." He replied, slowly approaching the counter.

"So, we've been avoiding each other for a week now and you randomly decided to stop by? How did you even know I'd be here?"

"Ye been avoidin' me lass?" He questioned, sounding a lot more disappointed than she should have.

"Well, yeah." I muttered, shaking my head. "I mean, we didn't exactly part with good words. And after all of...well, that. I assumed you didn't want to speak to me anymore."

Connor rested his arms on the glass counter, tilting his head slightly. "Ye need ta stop assumin' Gracie. I mean, yeah it was a bit of a harsh fight, but dat don' mean I don' wanna see ye again."

I smiled to myself and nodded. "That's nice an' all but how did you know I was here?"

"I talked ta yer sister." He sighed.

"Yikes, how did that go?" I winced.

"Not the best, she can be quite loud when she wants ta."

"Hmm, bet you know all about that."

He chuckled and I smirked, gnawing at my bottom lip. "See, dat's what I miss."

My smirk fell at his words and I sighed, nervously glancing down at my wringing hands. "I miss you too. Both of you. Hell, even Rocco."

"Aye, we miss ye too."

"So, um, I actually have something I needed to give back to you."

"Oh?"

"Yup. Jade!"

My best friend peeked out from behind one of the counters, one of the German-Shepard puppies in her arms.

"Yo?!"

"Can you watch the store for me? I'm only going upstairs."

"Yeah, course. Just be quick, you know how I am with strangers." She pleaded.

"Sure." I giggled, grabbing my apartment keys from underneath the counter.

~...~...~...~...~...~

"So, dis is yer new place?" Connor asked, scanning the apartment I was currently living in.

It wasn't huge, but it wasn't as small as his either. There were three rooms including the bathroom, and the kitchen was linked to the living room. It had everything Belle and I needed though, so I was fine with it.

"Yep." I confirmed, dropping my keys onto the coffee table. "You want a drink?"

He nodded and took off his pea-coat, neatly placing it on the back of the couch. "Aye, what ye got?"

I shrugged and yanked open the fridge door, glancing at the contents. "Soda, diet soda, but no alcohol. Sorry."

"It's a'right Grace, I'll 'ave a soda."

"Me too." I muttered, grabbing two cans out of the fridge and bumping the door shut with my hip.

"Thanks lass." He said as I handed him the can, opening my own straight after.

"So, wait here and I'll get...well, what I have to get." I instructed, placing my can onto the table before heading into my room.

I was a little nervous about giving it back to him. Well, really nervous actually. I wondered if this was how split-up couples felt when returning the others stuff to them. And if it was, then I didn't like it one bit. But I couldn't sympathize with myself, I'd gotten myself into this mess, and now I had to deal with the consequences. And even though it was just a shirt, it felt like more.

After digging through my top drawer, I finally located the brown sweater - which still fitted pretty well. I'd actually worn it to bed the first night after the fight. It made me fell better and stopped my headaches believe it or not. So giving it up was a little difficult, even if it was his sweater, I didn't really want to give it back.

"Here." I finally spoke, standing behind the couch where Connor sat.

He looked back at me, then at my hand where the sweater was held. Strangely enough his face fell slightly, like he was disappointed with this too. Which just made me confused. He'd asked for it back, so why did he look so upset that I was actually giving it back to him?. Sometimes guys made no sense.

"Ye didn' burn it." He remarked, slowly taking it from me.

"Couldn't if I wanted to. You loved that sweater, I wouldn't do something like that. I'm not my sister." I said, sitting down on the table as I picked up my can.

"Well ye better than any o' the girls I know. Apart from me ma o' course."

I smirked. "You a momma's boy Connor?"

He rolled his eyes at me, letting the sweater fall onto his lap. "Please,"

"I'll bet you are."

"Don' start wit me lass." He playfully threatened.

"What you gonna do Connor?" I teased, tilting my head. "You can't do anything to me."

He chewed the inside of his cheek, slowly shaking his head. "Don' test me Gracie."

I took a sip of my soda and shrugged innocently. "Can't help myself."

"I'll bet."

"Clever. Anyway, how's things on the Irish side of town?"

"Not too bad, little quiet I s'pose."

"You complaining?"

"Aye."

"Only you would complain about the city being too quiet." I giggled, rolling my eyes.

"Not me fault! 'M not used ta silence!" He replied defensively.

"Yeah, fair enough. Um...I should really get back down to the store, before Jade lets the dogs out." I sighed, rising to my feet.

He nodded and stood from the couch, picking up his coat as we both headed towards the door. It didn't take long for us to get back downstairs, but when we did it was quite awkward. Neither of us knew what to say...or do. Did I want him to stay? Yes. But on another level I wanted him to go too. I'd been doing so well this passed week, so him turning up wasn't good for me.

"So, I guess I'll see ye roun'?"

"Maybe." I sighed, crossing my arms. But even I knew the possibility's were slim.

"Right well, I guess dis is 'bye'." He said, pulling on his pea-coat.

I nodded, pushing away the nagging voice in my head telling me to keep him there. "I guess."

Connor nodded to himself and glanced around, not sure what to say next probably. "So, bye. An' 'm sorry 'bout before."

"What do you mean?"

"Shoutin' at ye when ye tried explainin' eveythin'." He clarified.

"Uh...yeah. No it's fine, you had every reason to go off on me. I should've seen it coming, actually." I reassured.

"Can I ask ye somethin' lass?"

I nodded. "Of course."

He paused for a moment, as though thinking over what he was about to say. "Did ye really like me Grace? Or was it jus' the plan makin' ye act dat way?"

"I liked you." I stated without a second's hesitation. "There's no doubts in my mind about that. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't have practically jumped you in McGinty's, and I definitely wouldn't have let you sleep in my bed. I'm not that good of an actress, Connor."

"Jus' so ye know, I wasn' plannin' on fuckin' an' dumpin' ye."

"Yeah, I know that now."

"At least we lasted a week." He chuckled, attempting to lighten things up a bit; It worked.

"I guess. I had this internal bet that I could get you running." I shrugged, smiling slightly.

"Tol' ye lass, I like a challenge."

"I figured."

I hesitated for a moment before taking a step closer, resting one hand on his shoulder. On one hand, I knew I was pushing it. But on the other, I really wanted to touch him. It may sound stalkerish or strange, but I couldn't help it. I'd been too used to it to stop now. Plus, this was most-likely going to be the last time I saw him. And I was making the most of it.

"I really did like you. Just remember that, every time you think of me."

"What makes ye think I'll be thinkin' o' ye lass?" He questioned, the smirk on his face letting me know he was teasing.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed playfully. "Please, no one can forget me. Just promise me one thing,"

"Anythin' Grace."

"The next time you decide to bump-and-dump a girl, make sure she doesn't have a little sister."

He chuckled and nodded. "O' course lass. I learnt from me mistakes."

I smiled. "Good boy McManus."

"Although," He carried on, placing one hand against the side of my neck, the thumb lightly stroking my skin. "I don' think I'll be sleepin' wit anyone for a while."

"If it helps, I don't think I will either. You're a pretty charming guy when you wanna be."

"Well, I do try."

"Ass." I laughed, lightly smacking his chest.

"C'mon now, is dere really any need for hittin'?"

"Oh please, I can't be the first girl to hit you."

"Well, yer right dere lass. But hopefully ye'll be the last."

"Keep breaking hearts like you do and I won't be." I remarked, tilting my head slightly.

"Back atcha Gracie." He grinned.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Hey! I don't break hearts, never have and I never will."

"Oh ye will, trus' me on dat one. Ye still got a while ta go Gracie, look forward to it."

"I do. But until then, I'm just an innocent seventeen year old adjusting to inner-city Boston." I sighed.

"Innocent?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Ye far from innocent. But I doubt I'll ever get used ta ye bein' seventeen."

"Don't start with me Connor, you think it's easy knowing you're twenty-five?"

"What's wrong wit me bein' twenty-five?!"

"Well you don't act it, for one."

"Never heard ye complainin' before."

"Okay, okay, you got me there. Tell the boys I said 'hi' though, okay?"

He nodded. "Course. Why don' ye come by sometime? 'M sure Murph' would love ta see ye."

I shook my head. "I think It'd be better if I don't. Makes this a lot easier."

"I get et Grace. I s'pose I'll see ye."

"Yeah, I guess."

We both pulled back at the same time. Me moving my hand back to my side while he did the same, shoving his hands into his front pockets.

"Bye Gracie." He waved, walking backwards.

"Bye." I sighed, giving him a small wave before entering the store.

"You okay?"

I stared at the floor as I shook my head, my right hand toying with my family pendant.

"I think it would've been a better week if I hadn't seen him at all." I admitted, looking up at her.

Jade sighed and pulled me into a tight hug, soothingly rubbing my back. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders, resting my head on her shoulder.

"It'll get better." She promised.

"I know." I whispered. But somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew it wouldn't.