The wood flooring was cool underneath Grace’s feet as she placed her weight evenly onto both legs. She leaned back attempting to crack her back, and caught a glimpse of the empty bed next to her.
“Kitchen!” Grace smiled softly at the voice that echoed down the hall. She reached for a seemingly clean tee and tossed it onto her bare body. From there she made her way to the kitchen. The aroma of bacon and toast made her eyes roll to the back of her head in pleasure.
“It smells like Heaven. I have died and somehow convinced God that I belong in Heaven,” Grace chuckled. A plate was already laid out for her, silverware and all on the counter. The blonde gladly took her spot in front of her morning breakfast.
“We need to talk,” his voice was soft but carried a large punch that hit Grace in the stomach. She hadn’t even had a chance to take a bite of her food yet.
“I can’t do this,” he said. “I know when I’m chasing something I’ll never be able to catch.”
Grace’s mouth hung open. “Hey, what? What are you talking about?” She stood up, pushing the chair she was just sitting on away from herself. “Chasing what? Where is this coming from?”
“I thought it would pass, but it’s obvious you’re still in love with him, and I don’t want to break my own heart.”
Grace grew quiet. It had been four months since the last time they spoke and this current relationship was carefree and easy; she believed the worst had passed.
“I-” Grace started but couldn’t form words.
“I’m leaving because this is a fight I’ll never win. You say his name in your sleep. Some of his stuff is even still here,” he said as he reached for his bag that laid next to the counter. “I wish you the best, Grace. I’m just not the best you can have. You and I both know that.” He leaned in and kissed Grace softly on the forehead.
“Ian,” Grace whispered. She wrapped her arms underneath his arms and her fingertips met behind his back. “I’m so sorry.”
“Go find him,” Ian replied.
Grace heard Ian’s car start and pull out of her driveway. She made her way to the couch and fell on to it, landing on her back. She reached for her phone on the counter and scrolled through her contacts.
Between Carrie and Chuck laid the name Grace had struggled to speak for weeks. Her thumb shook, but she clicked on his contact to dial his phone.
The first ring was easy and subtle.
The second ring made Grace grow slightly nauseous.
The third ring made Grace prepare to hang up.
The fourth ring Grace pulled her phone away from her ear and went to hang up. That’s when he answered.
It was just “Hello,” but it meant so much more to the unsettled blonde. It was a greeting she had longed for for months. It was the greeting she was met with every morning she would wake up next to him. It was common and domestic but it sent chills down Grace’s arms.
Grace pulled the phone back to her ear. “Hi,” it was a faint greeting, but audible by all means.
Grace could have sworn she heard him smile through the phone. “Hello,” he repeated.
