Savage Pride

11

The next morning, I slip from the house early to catch up with my childhood friend, Grace Larson. Knowing I’ll have to help my family all day, I made sure to set up a visit with her before going to bed. Aside from Gia, Grace is my closest friend back home. She and G are in similar situations in that they both still live with their parents, but Grace is not so content with the arrangement. Gia stays because she feels compelled to, while Grace stays because she believes she has no other options. Back in her teens, Grace was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. It wreaked havoc on her hormones and caused her to struggle with her weight. She’s worked hard to balance her hormones and do what she can, but it hasn’t been easy. Grace is funny, clever, genuine, and one of the best people I know, but her size and health have affected her confidence. Plus, her family has even less money than mine. Dad may be a glorified grounds keeper, but he’s also technically a member of the Mafia, which brings in extra funds. Mr. Larson is a modest man with no criminal ties. Curvy and penniless, Grace has convinced herself that no man could possibly want her. It’s heartbreaking. On the bright side, she’s improved her mindset over the years, focusing on finding happiness rather than obsessing over what she lacks. The last time we spoke, she told me about her aspiration to move to the city. Living among a variety of people from all walks of life would help her immensely. I hope she’ll make the move. Plus, that would be one more friend close by. When I approach her house, she’s waiting for me on their porch swing. “Oh, Isa, I’ve missed you!” She jumps up and meets me in a tight embrace. “I’ve missed you, too, Gracie. FaceTime just isn’t the same as a real visit.” The radiant grin on her face warms my heart. “No, it’s not. You look as fabulous as ever, of course! How have you been?” “I’ve been really great! Finally moving to a better apartment and almost done with school. This was supposed to be a happy visit until I got here and found out about Silvano. I feel terrible for Elena and everyone.” “Oh, I know! Such a shame. Hey, you want to walk a bit while it’s not too hot yet?” “Absolutely. We could head down to the water. I haven’t had a chance to make it down there yet.” I hook my arm in hers, and we move in step toward the trees separating the lake and the house. “Sorry to hear you ended up getting put to work.” “Gia and I got to spend the day together yesterday, I had dinner with my dad last night, and now I’m getting to spend time with you—I’d say that’s not so bad!” She squeezes my arm in hers, and we grin at one another as though we’re still teenagers. I’ve made some good friends in the city, but something is special about a childhood friend who’s been there through braces and breakups from day one. “Mr. Bishop told us to make sure we helped you all out if you need anything. Not that he has to tell us to do that, but he wanted to make sure we knew he wouldn’t need us at the house if something came up over at Hardwick.” “I got to talk with him briefly yesterday. He seems very thoughtful.” I pay extra attention to how Grace responds. I’m curious about her opinion now that I’m seeing our neighbor in a new light. “He’s exceptionally kind. His sister can be nasty, and I’m not sure why he tolerates her, but he’s great in every other way.” It seems Cora Bishop is universally disliked. “Does Gia ever go over to the house?” I ask nonchalantly. Grace slows and studies me from the corner of her eye. “I’m not sure what you mean. She sometimes drops cookies by for the kids. But I don’t see her over often.” “I was just curious.” “Well, I’ll say this. I have noticed when she and Mr. Bishop are together, they gravitate toward one another. His kids absolutely adore her. Do you think something is going on with them?” Her eyes brighten with romantic hopefulness. “There’s nothing official between them, but I think Gia wishes there were.” “Why doesn’t she make a move? She’s absolutely stunning, and he definitely likes her.” I breathe deeply through my nose and resume our walk. “She’s convinced he’s out of her league.” Grace snorts, and we both start giggling. “I’m sorry, but that’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. She’s so gorgeous with her golden hair and warm brown eyes. Her figure is to die for, and she’s so incredibly sweet. Why on earth wouldn’t he want her?” “I agree. But some people don’t see themselves clearly.” I peer at her meaningfully. “Some people think that simply because they don’t have a lot of money or fit into a certain size of jeans that they aren’t good enough.” A single brow arches high on my forehead. Grace shoots me a dry stare. “I get where you’re going with that, but I am no Gia.” “You two aren’t the same person, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have just as many admirable qualities.” I raise my hands in surrender before I ruffle her feathers beyond repair. “I’ll stop there. Just food for thought.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” she says with a smirk. We walk for several seconds in silence before I launch us into a new topic of conversation. One I’m hesitant to share but know of no one else who would fully comprehend my jumbled feelings on the matter. “I ran into Z yesterday.”