47 Destinies: Finding Grace Read Free Page A

nice women
    at the party who shared her love of fashion.  Besides being a mother, she wasn’t sure what else to talk to people about.
    Grace did her best to enjoy the ride over the Golden Gate Bridge.  The sun started to descend in its nightly routine.  The clouds played hide-and-seek while bursting out all the various colors.  The large orange-red towers of the bridge surged forth a magnificent presence that entered Grace.  She was eagerly hopeful the fog would hold off so they could behold the last glimpse of the sun finally disappearing over the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.  In that moment, Grace wished Derek were with her to hold her hand and enjoy the grandeur.
    The trio arrived in Marin in no time.  The party was already in full force.  Grace was a little nervous when she saw all the people. 
    “I thought you said this was going to be a little house party!” Grace said as her anxiety returned.  There were people outside and the house was also full.
    “I guess more people decided to come.  I am sorry; I didn’t know,” Cora said, slightly embarrassed.  “We can leave at any time.”
    Grace was counting on it.  She would give it one hour and then she was leaving with or without them.
    Seeing a slight bit of terror in Grace’s body language, Brent chimed in smiling, “I’m sure they all heard that the beautiful and talented Grace Locke was coming and didn’t want to miss out on being in her presence.”
    “He’s right as always Grace, let’s just go inside,” Cora said as she locked arms with Grace.  They found Cora’s sister, Samantha, in the kitchen.
    “Cora!  Grace! Brent! Yay! I am so glad you could make it!” Samantha exclaimed, opening her arms wide to hug each of them. “There’s plenty to eat.  Make yourselves at home.”
    Grace stayed close to Cora, unwilling to venture out on her own as Brent went off to mingle with the men who were outside enjoying cigars and brandy.  Most of the conversations were light and easy.  Grace was almost enjoying herself.  The ritual surface conversations were beginning to come back to Grace.  There were a lot of things Grace could discuss without revealing any personal information. 
    Cora was in her element as well.  She showed off her engagement ring and got caught up with old friends while maintaining loving eye contact at a distance with Brent.  Samantha joined them after a while.  Trailing behind her was a tall striking man with dirty blond hair.
    “Cora, I found someone who wants to see you,” Samantha said mysteriously with an enormous smile on her face.
    “TODD!” Cora screamed with delight.
    “Cora, how are you?”  Todd asked as he wrapped his muscular arms around her tiny frame.  Cora became engulfed in Todd’s arms.  He was so much taller than her.
    “It’s so good to see you! I can’t believe it.  I haven’t seen you in years!!!!!  The last time I saw you was at your wedding.  Is Melissa outside?  I can’t wait to see her,” Cora said, practically jumping up and down.
    Todd’s eyes turned down and the smile on his face disappeared.  “Melissa and I are no longer together.”
    Grace could see, hear and feel his pain, and she knew it well.  Her heart went out to Todd.  Even though he was a stranger to her, Grace was instantly connected to him, as they both were experiencing the misfortune of lost love.
    “I didn’t know.  I am so sorry,” Cora said as she gently touched Todd’s arm.  She wasn’t sure how to comfort him.  After an awkward moment, Cora regained her composure.  “Todd, this is my soon to be sister-in-law, Grace Locke.”
    Todd turned to face Grace.  His chocolate brown eyes focused inquisitively on her.  Grace was a little unnerved by his momentary stillness.  Could he sense her pain as well?
    “It is very nice to meet you, Grace.  You are guaranteed to enjoy a wild ride with Cora in your family,” Todd said as he winked at Cora.  “Cora, tell me all about the lucky man.