Inevitable - Kristen Granata Page 0,59
really, really is.
Sensing I need help, Mom tugs my elbow. “You have a family with some questions about your art classes. I’m sure you and Graham can catch up later.”
Graham nods. “Go. Enjoy your party. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
He’ll be here.
I walk around the rest of the hour in a fog. I hear what everyone’s saying, I watch as the spots for my classes fill up, and I’m elated. But all I can focus on is the fact that Graham is here.
What does he want?
Why did he come?
Was it an accident that he ended up next door?
What has he been doing for the past year?
Is he with someone?
No. I have no right to wonder about that. I’m the one who pushed him away. I’m the one who shut him out. I can’t let myself assume that he’s here for any other reason than to congratulate me on my studio.
I can’t expect him to still be in love with me.
Is he?
After the last guest leaves, Mom slips her jacket on. “I’m going to head out.” She eyes Graham across the room. “Are you going to be okay here?”
I shrug and heave a sigh. “I don’t know.”
Mom grips my shoulders tight. “You’ve given yourself enough time. You’ve built the start of a new chapter in your life. Don’t overthink this. Just let whatever’s going to happen, happen. Hear what he has to say, and go from there.”
I glance up at one of Eric’s paintings.
Don’t live in fear, he’d tell me.
I hug Mom tight and thank her for all her help. Deanna winks from the door as she leaves behind Mom.
Graham and I meet in the middle of the room, a nervous, unsure energy buzzing around us.
“The place looks amazing.”
I smile and let my eyes roam around the open space, the exposed brick, the high ceiling, the abstract light fixtures. “Thanks. I can’t believe so many people came.”
Can’t believe you came.
“You’re going to do great with this place. I’m so proud of you, Eva.”
My skin hums at the sound of my name on his lips.
“So, a gym. That’s a great idea.”
“You inspired me.”
My head cocks to one side. “How so?”
“I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. Not like you. But I know how to fight. I can teach people to defend themselves, to help them get stronger. I decided to open a gym for disadvantaged people. Maybe people like my sister, who’ve been assaulted, or people like Eric, who need to find the strength to battle their demons.” He shrugs, as if what he said is no big deal. “I want to help people.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “I could send you clients from my studio!”
He smiles. “You could.”
“That’s ... wow. That’s such an incredible idea, Graham.”
His eyes drop to the floor for a moment before he returns them to me. “I have something for you. For the studio. It’s bulky and I didn’t want to walk in with it. Would you want to come up to my place?”
I swallow. “Your place?”
“My apartment is above the gym. Upstairs, like yours.”
“Sure. You didn’t have to get me anything.”
He smirks and holds his hand out for me. I stare at it, willing myself to take it, or not take it, warring with myself over what I should do.
Just let whatever’s going to happen, happen.
I slip my hand into his, and Graham’s shoulders visibly relax.
We head into his darkened gym, and up the side staircase to his apartment. The setup mirrors mine, except boxes are stacked against the walls, and a bed and a tiny kitchen table are the only furniture assembled.
“Sorry about the mess,” he says.
“Don’t be. When did you move in?”
“Two months ago. Been busy getting the gym ready. I’m simple. All I really need here is a place to sleep and a place to eat.”
“Me too,” I murmur.
“I remember.”
Still clutching my hand, he leads me over to a large, thin, rectangular-shaped item propped against the wall. It’s wrapped in brown packing paper.
“I had this made for you after the night you showed me your sketches. I imagined giving it to you before the opening of your art studio.” His eyes bore into mine. “I’ve always believed in you.”
“You’ve held on to it, after everything? After all this time?”
He nods. “I’ve held on to it all, Eva.”
So have I.
My hands shake as I bend down and tear into the paper. Tears blur my vision when I see Eric’s smiling face staring back at me, his legs dangling over the city lights