"So are you going to tell me what's wrong? Huh?" He dragged his finger up her spine and smiled brightly, "Or do I get to guess? Cause we all know just how great I really am at guessing!"
   Sighing, Grace closed her eyes for a split second, trying not to feel the pain that was threatening to split her head. "Not today, Zac." She murmured tiredly, laying her forehead gently back against her crossed arms. Hiding her face in the crook of her elbow.
   Frowning down at her, Zac pulled his knees up and draped his arms over them. "You know, you've been like this for a few days now. And frankly, Grace, it's not only worrying me but your mom mentioned it too before I came out here."
   He watched her in silence for a moment and nearly jumped when Grace jerked up in annoyance. "Since when did you start talking about me behind my back to my mother?" She asked harshly. "Or is this a throwback reaction from what happened between you and Taylor?"
   She was already regretting those words before they were even out. But they had left her before she could take them back.
   Wincing at his thunderous expression, Grace reached her hand out, "Zac, I'm so…"
   He jerked back. "Forget it, Grace." He muttered dryly, standing up to brush off his jeans. "Just forget it. Have your secrets for company. Hope they keep you warm."
   Zac was already gone before she could sit up fully and try and stop him.
   "Damn you, Bru. Damn you, Em. Damn you, Ike. And damn me for not do anything."
   Groaning and pulling herself up standing, Grace picked up her long-forgotten book and empty juice glass. "So much for a relaxing day." She intoned bitterly, making her way from the closed in porch to the kitchen.
   She nearly dropped her glass, at seeing Zac sitting on one of the barstools at the countertop.
   He looked up at her, then back down at the plate of cookies before him. But she caught the misery in his eyes that she had caused.
   "Your mom wanted me to have a few." He explained calmly, nodding towards the plate. "Jumped in front of me to stop me from leaving." She noticed how he tried to force a smile. "Puled me over here, sat me down, and I think she gave me the entire batch to keep me busy for a while."
   Grace laughed hollowly, "that’s my mom for ya." She shook her head, "I am sorry, Zac."
   He stiffened under her apology and grace held back the need to hold him and be held. "I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it. Not even for a second. And I'm more than sorry for not telling you what's been on my mind."
   She took a deep breath, and held it, waiting for his reaction. Watching him swallow, Grace wouldn't even allow herself to blink until she witnessed what he'd do.
   Standing up, Zac moved to pull out the barstool next to his, and slid the plate between them. "Let's talk, Grace."
   Nodding, and finally exhaling, Grace moved to sit down and waited for Zac to reseat himself. "This isn't going to be easy, Zac." She started as she reached for one of the chocolate chip and pecan cookies.
   Zac managed to smile weakly, "I didn't think it would be."
   Nodding, Grace took in another deep breath. "It goes back to when Emma was younger, and I don't know if it's my place to tell you, but damn if I don't want secrets between us anymore."
   Clearing his mind of any bad thoughts, Zac waited for the blow that was coming.