It was silly, as
Grace reminded herself daily, to think that Luke would ever be
interested in her. All he talked about was Ashley. She was perfect,
apparently, and they were spending more and more time together.
Michael and May were spending more and more time together as well.
Grace couldn’t help feeling alone all the time. She wanted
her friends back. She hadn’t talked to May in days, and Luke
was so in love he was beyond useless.
“I got a job!” announced Grace one night at dinner. Her
parents looked up at her, “What?” they asked.
“I got a job at the diner in town. I’m going to be a
waitress,” said Grace.
“You have a job already,” said her dad.
“Why do you want to work?” asked her mom.
“I need money for college and a truck. Plus I have too much
free time around here with May and Luke…” she
didn’t need to finish her sentence though. Her parents both
nodded. They knew what she was going through.
Grace started her job the following night. She spent every night
there for the next month, taking orders and busing tables. After
work she would stop in to see Ella. The little girl was growing
worse as each day passed by. One night Grace passed Luke on her way
out. He stopped her in the hallway outside Ella’s door.
“Hey Grace, you like Tim McGraw right?” he asked.
“Yeah he’s my favorite. Why?” said Grace.
“I have two tickets to see him this Saturday,” he said,
slowly and carefully. Grace gave him a look. “Ashley
doesn’t want to go,” he finished.
“You’re asking me, then?” she said. He
nodded.
“Well, thanks Luke! We’ll have fun!” she
said.
Inside the room, a little girl’s heart was soaring with
happiness and she fell asleep with a smile on her
face.
