Undeniable by Abby Reynolds

obligations. I couldn’t be the center of his world all the time. “No, it’s okay. I understand.”
    He relaxed. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”
    “Yeah…” Jace had never paid attention to my work. I actually couldn’t recall a piece he’d ever seen.
    He left his beer on the coffee table then walked into the bathroom. I was glad he left me alone so I could compose myself. I was being a brat about the whole situation. It bummed me out that he couldn’t always be around, but I knew that when I started dating him. He would work for days at a time and have to stay at the firehouse. I needed to be mature and respect that.
    His phone made a noise and the screen lit up. He had a text message.
    The message was blocked, but it said the name of the sender.
    Sarah.
    Who’s Sarah? He didn’t have a sister, and I was certain he didn’t have a friend name Sarah…the paranoia started to sink in. I stared at the phone, wondering if I should take a peek.
    No. I wasn’t that kind of girl.
    I either trusted him or I didn’t. It was probably someone from work trying to switch shifts or something. I pulled out my phone and played Angry Birds , trying to distract my mind. Jace and I were having problems, but he would never cheat on me. He was a good guy and respected me.
    He came out of the bathroom then ignored his phone. He changed the channel and started watching TV. I looked up at him, disappointed that his eyes were glued to the screen again.
    Was there something wrong with me? Was I boring? Did all relationships turn out this way? Stale and old? Was it just me? Why didn’t we make out on the couch like we used to? Why was the fire between us barely in embers? Was it my fault?
    I pondered these questions endlessly while we both watched TV, sitting in different corners with our hands in our laps.
     
    My nana’s face lit up when I walked into the room. “You never come on Saturdays.”
    “I know. But I wanted to bring my showcase to you since you can’t come.”
    Her eyes softened. “Thank you, dear. I’m so sorry I can’t be there.”
    “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
    “At least Jace will be there.”
    I felt the weight on my heart.
    Nana caught the look. “Is he not going?”
    “He has to work,” I said sadly.
    “It seems like that’s all he ever does.” Bitterness hung in her voice.
    “I know…but his job is important. He saves lives.”
    “And he should live his own life too.”
    I didn’t want to make my grandmother upset. “It’s okay. I’m not mad.”
    “But you’re sad.”
    “He can’t be there for everything.”
    “It just seems like he’s never around for anything.”
    I opened my bag and handed her the Tupperware. “French toast.”
    Her eyes sparkled. “That sounds delicious.”
    Food was always a good way to change the subject. I opened my portfolio and handed her the pictures. “These are the ones I’m selling.”
    She put on her glasses before she looked at them. She pulled the pictures closer to her face then further way. Silence stretched for minutes. I wasn’t sure if she liked them or hated them.
    “These are…magnificent, dear.”
    My heart fluttered. “Thanks.”
    She examined the one of Payton. “Your sister is such a beautiful girl—both of you are.”
    My grandmother said that almost every day. “Yeah, she is.”
    “She’s so photogenic too.” Her eyes clouded in adoration. “I have no doubt you’ll be a hit at this showcase.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    “I know I’m right.” She handed the photos back to me. “Anything new?”
    “Grandpa’s truck almost croaked on me.”
    “What happened?”
    “I was stupid and I forgot to change the oil.” I rolled my eyes. “Luckily, my neighbor took care of it so I could get to work. He even let me drive his BMW.”
    “Wow. He sounds like a gentleman. There aren’t too many around anymore.”
    I shrugged. “He has his moments…”
    She smirked. “And what does he do in his other