I’ll Miss You, Tonight

"You don't know how good that sounds coming from you," he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Grace tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach, focusing instead on the reason she'd been so insistent. 

"So, does that mean you'll listen to my request now?" she asked, hoping to steer the conversation back to where she needed it to go.

Jace leaned back slightly, crossing his arms with a playful smirk. "I'm listening, but I haven't promised anything yet. What is it?"

Grace knew this was her moment, but she had to be careful not to push too hard. "I need permission to spend the night at the hospital with my mom," she began, her tone firm but laced with concern. 

"I know you want me to let someone else handle it, but I can't. Not this time. I need to clarify things to her and also keep other unwanted visitors away for now."