*

It took Grace a few moments after the two unfamiliar faces staring at her came into focus to realize where she was and what had happened. She sat up quickly from the chair she was slumped in, immediately regretting it as a sudden jolt of nausea and lightheadedness threatened to take her out again.

“Sit back,” the older man in a white coat ordered.

How long had she been out that there was a doctor already there?

“You think we should call the paramedics?” the older plain clothed lady said.

“No!” There was no way she could afford a trip to the emergency room. “I’ll be fine. My blood pressure is just a little low and—”

“Yeah,” The man nodded. “That’ll do it. How’s your head feeling?”

“My head?” Grace reached up and within a second felt a small bump on her forehead.

“That’ll probably turn into a good sized knot for a few days from where you slumped over and your head clunked the machine. That’s what got our attention.” He motioned toward the pharmacist station and she realized he was a pharmacist not a doctor.

“How long have I been out?”

“Just a couple of minutes. We had just rushed over when you started coming to.”

They let her call someone, refusing to let her drive. She called home figuring it would be the fastest since Joey and Taylor were further away. When she was finally able to walk around without feeling like she was going to pass out she grabbed the iron pills and walked down an the dreaded aisle where she knew they had the one other thing she needed to buy. She hurried and paid for her things before her mother could arrive and see. But she should’ve known. Her mother didn’t even bother to come. She sent Frank by himself.

“How are you feeling?” he rushed to where she sat waiting, the overly concerned expression making her a little uncomfortable.

“I’m fine, really,” she said, grabbing her things and standing up. “I’ve always had low blood pressure. Using that machine was not a good idea today.”

He continued with the concerned questioning most of the way back to her apartment until she changed the subject. “I think my mom and I finally decided on which place we should make an offer on. Did she tell you?”

“Yeah she did. The one on the corner. That’s kind of a busy spot. You sure you wouldn’t mind living on such a busy corner?”

Grace glanced up at her old building. “Anything is better than this place.”

Frank parked and she got out of the car immediately feeling lightheaded as she stood. She’d noticed that’s when it was the worst; after sitting for a while and then suddenly standing. Frank was at her side in an instant taking her by the arm then bringing his arm around her shoulder as they walked the rest of the way into her apartment. Not only was it uncomfortable, it was getting annoying. She moved her purse over to her other shoulder as they reached the stairs and was able to casually move his arm off her. “I’m fine Frank. Thanks.”

He finally got the hint and let her walk the rest of the way up without him holding her arm. Once inside she explained to everyone about what happened, adding that they need not worry she would be fine. Although she wasn’t really feeling hungry she boiled an egg, nibbled a few crackers and forced herself to drink a V8. Then she took her vitamin supplements. She needed to get better. The last thing she wanted was for Rose to see her like this.

After eating she walked to her room and pulled out what she’d purchased at the pharmacy and stared at it. Rose would be home in a few hours. Grace had told her she wanted her home early so she only had short while before she got home. She did what she’d planned on doing at Joey and Taylor’s then called them immediately after to explain why she wasn’t going over after all. “I’m better now but I wanna get some sleep before Rose gets back so I’ll can come over tomorrow. You’ll be there right?”

“Yes, but I really wish you’d stop being so stubborn and get your butt to the doctor already.”

Grace was silent for a moment. “Grace?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry, I’m seriously considering seeing a doctor now.”

“Good. You should’ve gone a long time ago.”

“Is Taylor going to be there tomorrow when I come over?”

“Yeah, why?”

Grace shrugged. “I just want you both there.”

“I don’t think he has plans but even if he does I’m sure if I tell him you want him here, he’ll cancel.”

Grace had to smile. She was so lucky to have them. “Thank you, Joey. I’ll see you then.”

~*~

With his anxiety reaching a new level, Sal needed the distraction Sunday. He was glad Alex suggested he go with him to the gym. He’d been neglecting working out for some time now and working off some stress did him good.

Romero hadn’t had much luck with Melissa’s texts yet but he said there was still a shit load he needed to go through. The waiting was the worst.

He headed back to his parent’s house instead of going home after, with the excuse that he hadn’t been over in a while but really he was anxious to talk to Vincent. He was tired of the short texted answers. Sal knew Vince had spent the day with Rose and he’d pushed up the urgency that he find out more about Grace. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold back before confronting her about what the f**k was going on between her and the casino guy.

It was irrational to think he had any right. He knew this. But he’d never felt such desperation in his life. He had to do something. There was no way in hell he could stand by and watch the love of his life just slip away like this for nothing. All because some psychotic bitch had come up with a way to split them.