Chapter 3 2nd December - The day of distractions
Grace could hear Lilith clattering around in the kitchen, the sound of plates being stacked and cutlery tossed into the sink with far too much enthusiasm. She knew Lilith was tidying up breakfast, probably humming, probably planning the rest of the day with her usual unstoppable energy. But Grace couldn’t bring herself to leave the warm cocoon of her blanket, rereading Luke’s messages until she practically had them memorised. Eventually the blanket was ripped away.
“Up,” Lilith commanded, shoving her toward the hallway. “Shower. Clothes. Mascara. You booked today off to have fun, so we’re going to have fun. And who knows—you might see something or someone you like. I’ll be back in twenty minutes to haul your ass out.”
The door slammed. Grace stood there, blinking.
I don’t want to find someone else. I’ve had enough for one day already.
But she knew the truth: she didn’t want to find someone else because she was already starting to like the man Luke seemed to be. A stranger. A wrong number. A man who had made her smile on a morning that should have broken her.
She dragged herself into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of tears and exhaustion. She tried to rehearse what she might say to him next, but every time she settled on a message, she changed her mind. Too forward. Too shy. Too eager. Too cold. By the time she stepped out, wrapped in a towel, Lilith burst into the bedroom like a glitter bomb.
“Get dressed a I'll do your hair. It’ll be quicker.”
Before Grace could protest, Lilith had already taken charge, throwing clothes at Grace and then sitting her down in front of her vanity, fingers moving with practiced ease as she wrangled Grace’s wavy brown hair into a half‑up, half‑down style that looked far better than anything Grace could have managed herself.
“Thank you for being here today, Lils,” she said quietly.
“Where else would I be, sweet cheeks?” Lilith squeezed her arm. “You deserve all the love and support in the world. And I’m just wondering if Mystery Man might be the one to give it to you. You’ve been smiling nonstop since he messaged you. Don’t pretend you haven’t reread his texts a hundred times. Just… don’t fall too hard too fast, Gracie.”
“It’s just texting,” Grace insisted, though her smile betrayed her. “Do I message now or wait? He asked to hear from me. What if I’m too much for him? Or too young? Or too inexperienced? What if—”
Before she could spiral, Lilith placed Sooty in her arms. His gentle purring grounded her instantly.
“A cat’s purr is the sound of peace,” Lilith said softly.
Grace stroked Sooty, her breathing settling. “Thanks, Lils. But I'm sure you made that up.”
Luke made me smile on a day I thought would break me. A rejection with no real reason is not the best way to start a day. But texting a kind stranger… that helped.
“Time to shop!” Lilith declared, dragging her out the door.
--
After a couple of hours of browsing, trying on clothes, and laughing until her stomach hurt, Grace felt lighter. They stopped for lunch at a small café with mismatched chairs and fairy lights. Grace sipped her wine, staring at her phone.
“I’m going to message him again,” she announced.
Lilith grinned. “Let’s get to it then, Gracie.”
Grace’s heart fluttered as she opened her messages.
--
Luke strode through the halls of his company like a man on a mission, Tommy at his side. Dressed properly now, nodding to employees as he passed, he looked every inch the composed CEO. But inside, his thoughts were racing.
I can’t go on like this. It’s been less than twenty‑four hours and this woman has gotten under my skin. I’m a man in my thirties, not some love‑struck teenager.
Tommy watched him closely. He noticed the tension in Luke’s shoulders, the tick in his jaw—tiny signs no one else would catch. After years of friendship, Tommy knew when something was off. And this woman was definitely doing a number on Luke.
Luke deserved someone normal after the disaster that was his ex. She’d started out lovely, but then came the late‑night office visits, the constant texting when he travelled, and the unhinged moment she turned up at his parents’ house announcing their engagement—an engagement that had never happened. It took a large sum of money, a luxury island suite, and the threat of legal action to finally get her to back off. No wonder Luke’s parents had stopped pushing him to settle down.
As Luke and Tommy sat in the conference room, introductions made and contracts laid out, the meeting began. Normally, Luke thrived in this environment. Today, he was distracted. Everyone could tell. When his phone buzzed and he snatched it up under the table, Tommy knew he had to intervene.
“Sorry for our CEO today, ladies and gentlemen,” Tommy said smoothly. “His grandma is very ill and he’s waiting for updates. Family is important. Now, here are the figures and projections…”
The meeting continued, Tommy carrying most of it. Luke tried to focus, but when his phone buzzed again, he caved instantly. He checked it under the table and felt a smile tug at his lips. It was her.
“Good news about your grandma?” Robert, the building owner, asked.
Luke nodded. “Yes. Good news indeed.”
Tommy nearly choked trying not to laugh. After the contracts were signed and hands shaken, Luke headed back to his office.
“Don’t mess this up!” Tommy called after him.
Luke flipped him off but couldn’t hide the smile.
--
Grace: How was your meeting? Hired or fired anyone yet, boss man?
To Grace: Big boring meeting is done. And no hiring or firing yet. A few CVs to look through though. Are you out from under your blanket yet?
Grace: Yes! I'm shopping, eating and drinking with my best friend. A girly day.
To Grace: You deserve to be pampered, but be careful day drinking. Can't have you falling into the wrong arms at the end of the day, can we?
Grace: You're a bossy boss man. I'm being careful. I only drink when I'm out with Lilith, never too many and always with food. And there are currently no arms for me to fall into, so no worries there.
To Grace: Be careful what you wish for. My arms are currently empty. Enjoy your afternoon.
--
After hours of shopping, eating, and drinking with Lilith, Grace headed home to watch trashy TV and eat junk food. But her mind kept circling back to Luke.
Did I come on too strong? He always replies and he’s always nice, but what if he’s just too polite to tell me the truth? Am I misreading everything again?
Just as she climbed into bed, her phone buzzed. Her stomach flipped when she saw his name.
Luke: Heading home. Hope your day continued to get better.
Her heart raced. She typed a reply before she even realised she was doing it. She hesitated only a second before pressing send.
Both of them fell asleep thinking of the other.
