I am free

She linked her finger through the belt loop of my jeans and tugged me forward. I was game. My mind was a bit fuzzy, but I knew what I was doing. I didn’t lead her on. I didn’t come on to her. But you can’t tell a sexy girl no. Not when her touch was so familiar. I was just getting her out of my system.

Fuck it.

Who cared anyway? I didn’t

I let her take me, in more ways than one.

21

Grace

“Okay, which one do you like?” Aunt Darcy held up two brightly colored cell phones.

“You really think it’s necessary?”

“YES!” Both Darcy and Ke

Okay.

Both phones looked so expensive, but Aunt Darcy said not to worry. She was putting me on her plan.

“The red one.” I smiled and snatched the phone. I was actually really excited, but I didn’t want to show it. I didn’t want to feel like I was using my aunt, but she was so persistent. It was for my own safety.

“I knew you’d choose that one. You little rebel.” Ke

It was pretty. Red had become my favorite color. It matched my toes, and my lips.

“You have to show me how to use this thing.” I said to Ke

Ke

“Oh, Mom and Dad are home tonight, and she’s making a big di

“That sounds like fun.” Darcy chimed in.

It did. I hadn’t met her parents yet, because they were rarely home. I wanted to though. Ke

“Sounds great.” I said cheerfully.

For hours, Ke

Ke

“Well if it isn’t Gracie.” Tucker called out from the living room as we were walking through. “You are even more beautiful today.” He winked.

I smiled back at him and shook my head. I don’t know how he did it. He had to be the most charming human being on the planet. “Thank you.” I replied.

“Shouldn’t you be home eating your own food Tuck?” Ke

Resting against the island in the kitchen were Ke

“Hey guys,” Ke

I knew what was coming, and I was prepared. Claire hugged me first. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.” She said. “Ke

Wow. That was so sweet. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you too. Thank you for having me for di

“Of course. You’re welcome to have di

“Come here sweetheart,” I slipped into Nick’s arms for a quick hug. Instantly I wondered if I’d ever get used to all the hugs. I had my doubts. He kept hold of my arms as he stepped back to take a look.

“Pretty isn’t she.” I heard Tucker’s voice, and flushed red.

“Don’t mind him. I’m glad you could join us. You make yourself at home okay?”

“Yes sir.” I replied.

“You call me Nick.” He nodded.

“Okay.”

There was something about the way that he said “home” that made me feel more comfortable. They really did have a home here. There were two nice parents who loved each other, and kids who adored them. My home wasn’t like this, at least not my old home. It was getting better everyday though.

“Supper is ready if you guys want to find a seat in the dining room.” Claire said as she kissed Ke

“Come on Gracie. You can sit beside me.” Tucker said as he pulled me through the kitchen.

Oh Joy!! I was guaranteed to spend the entire meal wearing a red face thanks to Tucker.

The table seated six people. Ke

“He’s on his way.” Tucker whispered in my ear.

I looked at him and quickly at my plate. He’d caught my eyes lingering on the empty chair. Talk about uncomfortable. I tried hard to act like what he said didn’t affect me, but it did. He was coming. Jackson would be there any minute.

“Stop worrying your pretty head.”

I looked back up at Tucker who was gri

“Are you psychic or something?” I asked him in a low voice.

“Nope. You are just so easy to read.”

“Shit!” Ke

All eyes were on me. And it dawned on me, what I had said. I’d cussed, loudly, and in front of everyone at the table. If I weren’t embarrassed before then I was now. I slapped my hand over my mouth quickly, and started to apologize. I couldn’t believe that I’d done that. I was making a wonderful impression. I hadn’t even really cussed in front of Ke

Tucker started to laugh, and everyone joined in. Even Claire and Nick couldn’t hold it together. Laughter filled the room. Once Ke

“What’s so fu

“You missed it Jackson. Little Gracie said the word shit in front of everyone.” Ke

“Sorry I missed it.” Jackson said as he looked at me again.

I wasn’t. I was glad he wasn’t there to see me make a fool of myself.

Conversation picked up as they discussed basketball, and school. They gave me plenty of time to relax before they asked me any questions. I was grateful. I told them about my Mom, Dad, and brother who were back home, but didn’t give any details. I also told them about my plan to attend college as soon as I had saved up the money. They were such genuine people. They listened to me as I spoke. It was lighthearted and nice, and I really enjoyed myself.