47 Destinies: Finding Grace by Perez Marlies Schmudlach

Author:Perez, Marlies Schmudlach [Perez, Marlies Schmudlach]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Silverlake eBooks
Published: 2013-02-03T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Bella didn’t talk about Derek being in her room, so Grace didn’t bring it up. Bella was completely preoccupied with her upcoming birthday party. She pranced around the house like a pony and asked Grace hourly how many days were left until her party. By the time the big day arrived, Grace and Bella were more than ready for the important event. Mattias, Bella and Grace decorated the house in a pink, purple and white My Little Pony theme. Seven girls from Bella’s preschool were attending along with Leslie, Robert, Brent, Cora, Todd and Parker.

The morning of the birthday party, Grace’s anxiety level was at an all-time high. After Brent’s behavior toward Todd on the Wine Train, she was not looking forward to a repeat of that disaster. At least this time, Grace would have Leslie, Robert and Cora on her side. They could all double-team Brent and maybe talk some sense into him. Grace was not about to tolerate any further disrespect toward Todd, especially in her own home.

Through the haste in the party preparations and some purposeful avoidance on her end, Grace did not tell her family that Todd was attending. She knew it would have been proper to give them notice, but she was still avoiding Brent. Grace realized she was acting like a child, but she felt Brent’s poor behavior needed some form of retribution. She figured once they arrived, she would let them know. Her opportunity came quicker than expected. Brent and Cora were the first family members to arrive. They were twenty minutes early, which surprised Grace. Brent entered the house without knocking.

“Grace, why haven’t you returned my calls?” Brent inquired upon entering the house.

“Brent, so glad you could make it. Is Cora outside?” Grace asked, giving him a formal kiss on the cheek while avoiding his question.

“I know when I am being brushed off, Grace.”

“Whatever do you mean, Brent?” Grace asked in her sweetest southern accent.

“Is this about Todd?”

Grace remained quiet with her arms at her side. Her lack of response said it all.

“As you know, I am not convinced Todd is the man for you,” Brent said, his feelings out in the open.

“That is not for you to decide,” Grace kindly yet firmly stated. “I would appreciate it if you treat Todd with dignity and respect.”

Before Brent could answer, Cora walked in the front door. “Look who I found outside,” Cora said with a big smile on her face. It faded when she looked over at Brent.

Todd entered the house with his arms full of pink packages. “Brent, Cora was just updating me on the final wedding details.” Grace took the birthday packages and placed them on the table. Todd gave Grace a lengthy hug. “Grace, how can I help with the party? Show me what needs to be done,” Todd asked, whisking Grace off into the kitchen.

Brent was visibly unhappy. Before he could talk to Cora, Robert and Leslie walked in the door.

“Where is my birthday girl, Bella?” Leslie inquired. Robert hugged Brent and Cora and placed the numerous presents on the table next to Todd’s.

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