Sunday, February 8, evening
Who: Grace Spencer, Jeff Novak What: Dinner discussions When: February 8, evening. Where: Grace's apartment Rating: NC-17 Status: COMPLETE
All in all, Grace reflected pragmatically as she stirred mayonnaise and sour cream into cubed-up chicken, the whole thing could've turned out a lot worse. The lottery paired people who often were totally incompatible; Sofia was a prime example,and Grace could readily name a handful more who were unhappy. Like Annie, she could've gotten paired with someone lack-witted and dull, like Megan, to someone mean-tempered and surly, like Emily to someone totally lacking in ambition or drive. Like her brother Dillon, who hated his wife with a passion matched only by hers. There were so many things that could've gone wrong.
Instead, she'd drawn Jeff. He wasn't quite a stranger--she'd spent an evening with him at a restaurant and at a movie. He'd shown himself to be sharp and bright, friendly and caring, and apparently, a hard worker dedicated to his patients. He was boyishly handsome, with expressive dark eyes and a mouth that smiled readily. Although she hadn't wanted someone else to pick her partner, she could've done much, much worse. He could've been sixteen and still in high school, or he could've been forty-nine and a hopeless alcoholic.
She tossed in chopped celery, apple, and grape and then a little salt and then mixed everything together.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. Grace's mouth quirked in a little smile as she could almost hear the voice of her grandmother in her ear. Thinking of her grandmother made her think of her family. On her computer were a double handful of emails from friends and family, and she'd let the answering machine take messages. They were curious, concerned, and justifiably so, but she'd wanted to talk with Jeff before she spoke with them. After she'd gotten his email agreeing to come and see her, she'd sent one along to Molly, saying everything was all right, she wasn't about to open a vein, and that she'd talk with them all tomorrow when she knew more.
The doorbell rang, and Grace went to answer it as she straightened her green sweater and black trousers. On the tv screen, Gene Kelly splashed through puddles and sang happily. The movie was one of her favorites, definitely one she put on when she needed cheering or comfort. A little smile curved her mouth and she opened the door.
"Hi, Jeff," she said warmly and opened the door wider. "Please, come in."