CHAPTER Eighteen

　　Gracie

　　The four of us were down at the lake, neither of us ready to head home yet, especially me. The guys were messing around with a football, while Lola and I sat by and watched.

　　“Gracie, are you OK Something seems off recently,” Lola asked.

　　“I am OK, just some things going on at home,” I said.

　　“Anything I can help with” she offered.

　　“Thank you, but no, it will be OK in no time,” I smiled.

　　I hated lying to her, but it was for the best. She smiled and nodded, understanding that I don’t want to talk about it.

　　“How are things with you and Ben” I asked, wanting to change the subject.

　　“Good, I know he acts like some tough bad boy, but in reality, he is a sweetheart, and he is good to me, in many ways,” she said, “I know it hasn’t been long, but I am sort of smitten, and I think he might be too,” she added.

　　“Yay! I am happy for you,” I smiled hugging her.

　　I have never seen her this way with a guy; it was sweet to watch.