Author: liz

It’s leaning towards the end of August and going into September. Everyone’s summer is coming to an end, kids are going back to school, vacations are not being taken as often, but the weather is still hot as ever.Grace wakes up one morning and stretches. She looks to her left and sees that the bed is empty. Again. Grace sighs and begins to get out of bed.

She rubs her eyes in exhaustion and looks around the room. She grabs her phone to see a message from her mom.

Mollie: Important meeting with the investors later today. Make sure you’re on time.

Grace tosses her phone on the bed and gets up. She looks at herself through the mirror, she’s noticed she’s lost a bit of weight by the way she’s constantly having to pull up her pajama pants. She goes to sit back down on the bed, taking in a moment before starting her day.

Across town, Jamie is sitting in a conference room with a bunch of other attorneys; he looks around while each of them talk about the case he’s working on. He rubs his eyes in exhaustion, and quickly blinks to snap out of it.

Attorney Carson: This isn’t just a case that’s easily solvable through some evidence. The perpetrators are violent people, and they committed a heinous crime against a young woman walking home just blocks away from her friends house.

Jamie continues to listen along to the debriefing until Attorney Carson looks at him. He then straightens in his seat.

Attorney Carson: Mr. Kim, did you speak with the detectives who worked the case?

Jamie: *shuffles in his files* Yes, they provided us with some of Joseph Mendez’s background information…

Jamie searches for the paperwork and pulls it out.

Jamie: Mr. Mendez seems to be the ringleader of these group of men in upper Manhattan. They linked him to a couple of burglaries and assaults within the last year, something that seems to be common in these group of men.

Attorney Carson: Any evidence of this gang he’s a part of?

Jamie: Nothing concrete, but they are trying to link a back tattoo to the Los Lobos street gang.

Attorney Carson: Alright. Proceed to keep working with the NYPD to gather some insight on the case, meeting adjourned.

The rest of the force gets up to leave the conference room while Jamie still sits there, reading the case file over and over and over again.

—

A little later in the day, Grace is seen dancing an energetic piece. Her mom, Mollie, stand in the sidelines to count beats. Once the song is over, Grace stops dancing and places her hands on her knees to breathe.

Mollie: Okay, okay, not bad. You’re really making good progress. *gets up from seat* Let’s review some positions.

Grace: *sighs* Do we really need to?

Mollie: Yes, we do. How do you expect new dancers the terminology if you don’t remember it?

Grace sighs and walks in front of her mother. Her mother begins to call out some terminology, in which Grace listens and gets in position.

Mollie: So I heard back from your aunt about the business; everything should be ready to be handed over to you in a month.

Grace: *shocked* A month?!

Grace loses her balance and stumbles in place.

Mollie: Yeah? Grace I told you that the deal was closing in. Are you not ready?

Mollie calls out another position, in which Grace takes a moment to remember the position for it.

Grace: I know, but, I thought I at least had like another couple of months to be ready.

Mollie: You’ll never be fully ready with a passion, Grace. You will nitpick every little detail until you burn yourself out and you just have to accept that your best is enough.

Grace gets out of the position and stands there.

Grace: *in thought* I don’t think I’ll ever be enough.

Mollie: *notices* In dance, or is there something else going on?

Grace doesn’t say anything. Instead, her phone rings in her bag on the bench in which she walks over to answer it. Mollie shakes her head and steps out of the rehearsal room momentarily.

Grace: Hello?

Max: Hey Grace, are you still coming over tonight for dinner?

Grace: Fuck, that’s tonight?

Max: … it’s in an hour, Grace.

Grace holds her head, frustrated.

Grace: Yeah, I’ll be there.

She hangs up the call and moves immediately to her messages. She frowns after tapping Jamie’s name.

Grace: I’ll be running late today. Sorry for the late notice.

She waits a moment to see if Jamie would respond. He doesn’t. She rolls her eyes and puts her phone back into her bag.

Grace: I have to get going. I promise Max I would help with Willow.

Mollie doesn’t say anything. Grace walks out of the studio to head home and start getting ready.

People walking in hallways with files in their hands, Jamie opens the front door of the firm and walks into the lobby. He looks around, taking in the environment before heading to the front desk. He looks towards the receptionist, Mai, who proceeds to look up at him when he approaches the desk.

Mai: Good Morning, how can I assist you today?

Jamie: *whispers* It’s my first day here, uhm–

Jamie struggles to find the words until Mai intervenes.

Mai: I’ll ring Mr. Carter for you.

Jamie quickly bows and regrets it instantly. Mai looks visibly confused. A few moments later, a man is coming out of the elevator and walks to the front desk.

Mr. Carter: Mr. Kim?

Jamie: It’s a pleasure to be here, sir.

Jamie extends his arm out for a handshake, but Mr. Carter doesn’t accept. Jamie quickly puts his arm back to the side and proceeds with the conversation.

Jamie: So Sir, I–

Mr. Carter: You’ll be going to the 15th floor, fourth door on your left. Get yourself adjusted and situated and be present for the debriefing later this afternoon. I’ll see you soon.

Mr. Carter walks away in a different direction and Jamie is left there, a bit speechless. Mai breaks the silence.

Mai: The elevators are to the right, Sir.

Jamie: Thank you.

Jamie walks away from the desk and proceeds to the elevators to go up to the 15th floor.

—

Jamie opens the door to an empty looking office. He looks around, and sets his bag on the empty desk. He walks around the desk to see a closed box on the floor next to a bookshelf. He looks at it until a knock is heard on the door. A young woman comes into the office.

Lucia: Hi, I just wanted to hand you over these files for the meeting later on.

Jamie: Thank you…Can I ask what’s the meeting about?

Lucia: It’s a meeting about the upcoming case you’ll be assigned for.

Jamie widens his eyes in shock.

Jamie: Are you sure? It’s only my first day here.

Lucia opens the file and looks into it.

Lucia: If I’m not mistaken, I was directed to give this file to a person named… Jamie Kim…

Lucia hands over the file to Jamie. Jamie looks down at it and back up to Lucia.

Lucia: We’ll see you in the meeting in about an hour.

Lucia walks out of the room. Jamie sits down at his desk and places the file on it. He’s still in shock that he’s about to dive into a case the first day on the job.

Across the city…

A woman is heard counting loudly in a rehearsal room, staring intently at the people who are watching themselves in a mirror. There are a room full of dancers dancing to choreography to an upbeat song. In the crowd of dancers stands Grace, who is surprisingly keeping up with the moves given to the group. To hype the dancers up, the instructor yells out key points of the dance for emphasis. Once the song is over, the dancers catch their breath.

Instructor: Okay everyone, thank you for your time. Number 4, 5 12, 14, 16, 24, and 25 please report to the lobby.

Grace looks down at the number on her chest: it’s 16. She looks back to see the other called dancers walk up to the instructor. The instructor begins to talk to some of the dancers during the break. As Grace walks towards the instructor, her phone vibrates. It’s a message from Ari.

Ari: Saw your lover boy at the firm today.

Grace rolls her eyes and backs out from the message. She looks up when she notices the instructor looking in her direction.

Instructor: Grace Ashmore?

Grace places her phone back into her hoodie pocket.

Grace: Yes?

Instructor: Can I speak to you privately?

Grace and the instructor head over to the front door of the studio room to talk in private. When they are outside, the instructor turns around towards Grace.

Instructor: I wanted to pull you aside to discuss a couple of things since you are one of the newer people here at the studio…

Grace doesn’t say anything back, she attentively listens.

Instructor: Have you ever danced before?

Grace is taken back by the question at first.

Grace: Uhm, yes; growing up and into college.

The instructor looks visibly surprised.

Instructor: I find it hard to believe that you’ve had so much training, Ms. Ashmore. Excuse me for my critique, but your technique is subpar and your footwork has little to no correlation. Maybe the type of dance you learned was just “trendy” and “viral”, I don’t know. I’m sorry dear, it’s just not going to work.

Grace: Wait what?! Ma’am, I studied at Julliard on a partial scholarship. I didn’t just pick up dance from the internet. I trained for years, what are you saying?!

Instructor: Perhaps your technique and footwork were the things that held you back from getting the full scholarship to Julliard.

Grace is furious.

Grace: If you think running your studio requires you being a bitch to your dancers because you’re on this high horse of power that means absolutely fucking nothing in this world, then by all means, I want no parts in it.

Grace walks to open the door to the studio to grab her things before the instructor says something else to her.

Instructor: You talk like you’ve run a successful business before, dear. I am simply trying to better you.

Grace turns around and looks at the instructor one last time.

Grace: You talk like you’re the only dance studio to exist in this world. There are other people that help me become a better dancer.

Grace enters the rehearsal room to get her things.

Later that night…

Grace enters the apartment door with her duffel bag. She drops it near the front door, thinking she’s home alone. She’s surprised to see Jamie walk on of the bedroom. He looks exhausted.

Grace: Rough first day?

They both step over to the sofa and sink into it.

Jamie: I’m already assigned to a case.

Grace: Really? That’s not even fair, but I’m not surprised they would do that. They’ll do that to you.

Jamie places his head on Grace’s shoulder.

Jamie: I’m surprised you’re not back yet. I was hoping I’d see you today.

Grace: Yeah. I’m not needed for a case so I’m just on a break.

Jamie: I’m shocked they didn’t give you this case they gave me.

Grace: *annoyed* They give the newbies cases to get something under their belts at their firm so that they can overwork them to death. Trust me, I was one.

The room is silent. Grace takes in a deep breath.

Grace: I’m sorry, I didn’t have the greatest day.

Jamie: What did you do today?

Grace takes a second to think.

Grace: I went to work out. Let’s just say there were some women that weren’t nice.

Jamie lifts his head up and has Grace lean on him. Her head is now on his lap; he runs his hands through her hair. It calms Grace down instantly.

Jamie: We should go to the cafe tomorrow, I haven’t been back since I’ve been here.

Grace: It’s been a couple of months since I’ve been there.

Jamie looks down at Grace.

Jamie: You, Gracie, making your own coffee? Who are you and where’s jagiya?

Grace: *looks up at Jamie* You call me that a lot these days. What does it mean?

Jamie pauses for a moment.

Jamie: It’s just a nickname, it’s hard to translate in English…

Grace leaves it at that, and in a way Jamie is relieved she doesn’t dig deep into it.

Grace: Gamsahabnida.

Jamie: Mwo? *corrects himself* What?

Grace: For just letting me be… here.

Jamie smiles and continues to play in Grace’s hair and sit in silence.

The front door of Grace’s apartment flies open. She comes running in; her purse is dropped at the door as she runs to the bathroom.

Swinging the bathroom door open, Grace gets on her knees and pukes in the toilet bowl. Her body heaves in it, coughing in between her breaks. Once she completely stops, she wipes her mouth and weakly flushes the toilet. She takes a couple of deep breaths before she hears her phone ringing in her denim jacket. She takes it out to see who it is. She picks it up after she sees the name on her phone.

Grace: Hello?

Max: Hey Grace, I just wanted to remind you about dinner on Monday night.

Grace: What for?

Max: … Grace, I told you when I came back that my Auntie and Nan wanted to see you and Willow when they came to visit.

Grace shuts her eyes.

Grace: Why do I gotta be there again?

Max: They don’t know about us yet.

Grace sighs and winces in pain.

Grace: That’s on you, Max. You should’ve told them that we weren’t together anymore.

Max: The amount of times I spent with you and your family after we separated is astonishing, Grace. All I ask is just for one dinner with my family now.

Grace doesn’t say anything back.

Max: Be at my place by 7 on Monday. Take care, Grace.

The line goes dead and Grace hangs up the phone. She quickly turns back around to face the toilet bowl again, taking in deep breaths thinking she’s about to puke once again.

—

Grace lifts herself off of the ground and straightens out her clothes. She stands in front of the bathroom mirror. She’s wearing a navy blue blouse with a chunky sweater. She holds her pregnant belly as she stared at herself. She turns to the door and opens it; Max is standing there, looking worried.

Max: Are you sure you’re up for tonight? I could always tell them to come another day while they’re here.

Grace: *forces a smile* Nonsense, they came all this way to see you.

Max: You and the baby come first though.

Grace takes a breath to herself. She smiles at the thought that Max puts their baby first and it’s not even born yet. Grace embraces him with a leg.

Grace: Baby and I are alright.

Max looks down at her as she looks up; she gives him a reassuring smile. Max gently kisses her forehead.

Max: Alright, darling. I’ll start to set everything up.

Max walks back to kitchen as Grace stands there. Grace’s smile disappears as he’s out of sight.

Time passes by and the doorbell is heard. Max looks at Grace to see if she’s okay. Grace shoos him to go and answer the door. There stands Max’s aunt and Grandma; Katie and Eleanor.

Max: Auntie, Nan! Welcome!

He greets the woman by hugging them. When Max grabs the coats from the women, both notice Grace standing in the living room area, shy and timid. Max notices and tries to ease up the tension.

Max: Ah, Auntie and Nan…

Max walks to Grace and puts his arms around her.

Max: This is Grace.

Grace extends her arm to shake the women’s hands.

Grace: It’s so nice to meet you.

Katie: Likewise. I’m Katie, Max’s auntie.

Grace smiles and proceeds to shake Eleanor’s hand.

Eleanor: I’m his nan, Eleanor.

Grace smiles and greets the women. Everyone moves to the living room area.

In the living room, the women are sitting on the sofa while Grace sits in a single sofa seat; Max sits on the arm of that chair.

Eleanor: I’m surprised to see you’re so far into your pregnancy, Grace. It seems like it was just not long ago Max gave me the news that I was going to be a great-grandmother.

Grace: Yeah, time truly does fly.

Max squeezes Grace’s hand to reassure her safety in the new setting. Katie places her cup of tea on the coffee table.

Katie: You guys met at your firm?

Max: Yeah, we’re currently wrapping up a case.

Katie: *to Grace* You’re still working in your condition, darling?

Grace: *nervously smiles* Yeah, I’m taking it easy though; nothing that would put me in harm’s way.

Katie: It must be hard.

Grace: It’s easier than you think.

Katie leaves the conversation there and sips on her tea.

Eleanor: Do you know the gender of the baby yet?

Max: We decided to wait until the baby is born. I think it’s going to be a girl, but this one over here thinks it’s going to be a boy.

Eleanor: *happily* How sweet. Are you going to get married before or after the baby is born? Regardless, I would love to be here when it arrives and for the wedding.

Katie: Unless you guys hold the wedding in the UK to be close to family.

Grace shifts in her seat.

Max: Her family is here, and I wouldn’t want Grace to travel while she’s pregnant.

Katie: Well, I believe Grace has a mind of her own, Max. *to Grace* Anything particular you’d like to do?

Grace looks up at Max, then back at the women; speechless.

Grace: I definitely would like to wait until the baby is born before we think about any wedding plans…

Eleanor: *to Max* I ask on the behalf of your mum, Max. She would love to be a apart of such a major milestone of your life.

Max: *dismissive* We’ll discuss about it more when the time comes.

The room is suddenly silent.

Katie: Are you guys thinking about potential leave from your jobs to raise the baby in the early months?

Max: Yes. / Grace: No.

The couple look at each other. Grace is just as confused with Max’s answer as much as he is with hers.

Max: You have to recover, Grace. *chuckles* Babies aren’t just born and you’re back to normal.

Grace doesn’t say anything. Instead, the women begin to talk.

Katie: I agree. I think it would be beneficial for you both to take a leave when the baby is born, and then have Max return shortly after while Grace watches the baby.

Before Grace can say anything, Max is already answering Katie back.

Max: I was thinking that, or perhaps leave the firm altogether.

Grace quickly turns her head to face Max.

Grace: You’re leaving the firm?

Max: We spoke about this briefly the other day, Grace.

Eleanor: *intervenes* I think you guys should work on your communication; you both seem to not be on the same page.

Grace: I–

Max: I was thinking about leaving the firm to go into teaching so that I can be home with the baby for longer periods of time. The firm was an amazing experience, but I don’t think it’s what I really wanna do after handling this case.

Grace wants to desperately say something, but keeps being interrupted by someone.

Katie: Perhaps that’s what best for you two. I know how intense these cases can get and it could take away from being with the baby.

Max: Exactly. Grace most likely will take an indefinite hiatus once the baby is born.

Grace doesn’t know what’s going on but this isn’t what she signed up for. As she Max pretty much sit here and plan her own future out with his family is now making Grace visibly uncomfortable. She shifts in her seat until Max notices.

Max: Are you okay, darling?

Grace: I’m fine, I’m fine…

Grace begins to catch her breath in a panic. The women and Max watch Grace until she can’t handle the unsettling feeling she’s having. She immediately runs to the bathroom in a hurry. Max goes after her.

Grace swings open the door of the bathroom and kneels down to vomit. In the moment, it feels like it’s never ending. Grace begins to cry as she takes breaks between her puking and flushing the toilet. She feels like she’s been punched in the stomach by the person she loves and doesn’t know what to feel about this situation. She wants to wrap up the case, but she also doesn’t want to go through this journey on her own without Max there by her side.

A knock is heard on the bathroom door. Grace weakly gets up and opens it. Max stands there, worried and concerned.

Max: Are you okay? Maybe you should rest.

Grace: I’m fine.

Max: Grace, you literally came running to the bathroom and–

Grace: *annoyed* I know my body better than anyone else and if I say that ‘m okay, it means that I’m fucking okay.

Grace walks past Max out of the bathroom, leaving him to stand there.

—

Grace closes the bathroom behind her to stand in the open area of her apartment. She walks to the sofa and slumps into it. She stares into nothingness, just taking in the silence that is around her.

A tall woman is in the kitchen of her apartment putting together food. She briefly stops when she hears the doorbell ring to go and answer it. She wipes off her hands, and opens the front door. There stands Grace in a summer dress and light denim jacket, holding a gallon of orange juice in her hand.

Ari: Damn sis, you’re trying to get drunk off of mimosas this afternoon?

Grace: Listen, it’s been a hot minute since we did this, we deserve to get a little drunk.

Ari laughs and takes the orange juice from Grace. Grace walks into the apartment and looks around.

Grace: I swear every time i come here, your place looks mad different.

Ari: Don’t be mad that I believe in moving things around for good energy; makes me live in a happy home. Plus, you barely come over anymore so you don’t even know when things be changing.

Grace deadpans over to Ari while Ari cocks up her eyebrows in annoyance.

Grace: I’ve just been really busy lately.

Ari: Mhm, really busy getting it in with Jamie?

Grace widens her eyes in shock, her face starts to turn visibly red.

Ari: Hey, I was just assuming that, I didn’t know that was the case! Get it, babe!

Grace chokes on the drink in front of her. She coughs until she’s able to speak again.

Grace: It’s not even like that–

Ari: Riiiiiight…

The two women laugh it up and drink together. Grace is drinking a lot more than she would normally, and Ari notices it.

Ari: You must’ve been dying for a drink, sis. You’ve been downing them like a fish.

Grace: *nervously* Sorry, it’s just been mad long since I had a drink. Watching Willow for almost a month has been a lot.

Ari: I can imagine, Willow always has you running in circles.

Grace weakly smiles and twirls her drink in her hand. She sits back on the chair. Neither women say anything for a moment.

Grace: How have you been though? It’s been a hot minute since we got to catch up like this.

Ari: I’ve been good. Dean and I are looking to possibly getting a pet in the future since having kids are not in the picture right now.

Grace: I mean they never are, they should’ve just happen sometimes.

Ari: Well we do not want them to “just happen” anytime soon, but we are looking to move forward into our relationship and I think getting a pet is a good stepping stone for the both of us. Plus, Dean’s been dying for a dog.

Grace: Why am I not surprised?

Ari laughs and takes a sip of her drink. Grace begins to eat her plate of food.

Ari: How about you? What have you’ve been up to since you’ve been on this never-ending vacation…

Ari sips her drink; Grace stops in her tracks for a moment to gather her scattering thoughts.

Grace: Nothing vacation worthy. I was just watching Willow. The usual.

Ari: Definitely.

Ari places her drink on the table and readjusts herself.

Ari: Speaking of work, you would never guess who I saw earlier this week.

Grace timidly looks at Ari, she doesn’t say anything until Ari cocks her eyebrows up.

Grace: Who?

Ari: Jamie! He was sitting in a room with a bunch of other candidates for a job that we apparently have open. *sarcastically* Kind of odd that I didn’t know anything about it; I mean I am on track of being a lawyer yet they rather hire someone completely new… no offence to Jamie.

Grace: Oh, yeah I told him there was a position open at the firm, I encouraged him to go for the interview…

Ari: That was nice for you; getting your not-boyfriend-but-is-your-boyfriend a whole ass job while he’s here.

Grace rolls her eyes and continues to drink her mimosa. Downing the glass down, she gets more of it.

Ari: It’s just interesting, y’know? I mean, with the whole no-dating policy thing, you’d think you would know it by now.

Grace: Well good thing Jamie and I are not dating.

Ari: *deadpans* The man is living in your apartment practically rent free, sis.

Grace is visibly getting irritated at the pestering coming from Ari. Ari is done beating around the bush.

Ari: You quit the firm, didn’t you?

Grace doesn’t say anything but the look on her face says it all. Ari instantly reacts.

Ari: Grace!

Grace: What?!

Ari: How the hell are you going to let a man take your position at the firm? What the fuck were you thinking?

Grace: He didn’t take my position, I was defense; he’s a prosecutor–

Ari: I don’t give a fuck if he was a damn judge, Grace. You put his needs before yours and I don’t like that shit.

Grace: *angry* Maybe I wanted to leave, Ari! Have you ever thought about that?!

Ari: And he was okay with you just handing over your job to him?

Grace stays silent.

Grace: He doesn’t know I left.

Ari laughs out loud in disbelief.

Ari: Wow, already keeping secrets from each other in your relationship! That’s mind-blowing!

Grace: *furious* We’re not in a relationship, so shut the fuck up about that.

Ari: *yells* That makes it even worse! You gave your job, the one you worked your ass off, to a guy that you’re not in a relationship with! Like, is the dick that good that it has you doing dumb shit like this?

Grace: You clearly aren’t able to comprehend my reasoning for quitting.

Ari: You’re right, I can’t. I can’t understand how the first time you been through a relationship with Max, had a whole ass baby with him, and still chose your job over that life of yours but God Forbid Jamie is here, you’ll drop your job like it was a fucking piece of paper!

Grace: Stay in your lane, Ari. You don’t have a goddamn clue what life is like being a lawyer on a case; eating, sleeping, breathing that shit all the time while life just passes me by. You get to clock out at the end of the day and go home to Dean and be his girlfriend; I go home to still be a fucking lawyer. So don’t give me that shit, Ari!

Ari nods her head.

Ari: You’re right, I should stay in my lane, so let me tell you how I see things. I love Dean with my whole heart; that’s the man I hope to marry one day. But if he comes home talking about how he needs to move out of state for his job, I would be heartbroken and tell him to go while I stay here because I don’t drop everything for anybody. I may be just an intern in your eyes, but I take my fucking job seriously. I worked hard to be where I’m at, and I’m pissed to see you literally ruin your life for this job, and yet here you are, giving it to a man who can care less about you at the end of the day.

Grace gets up from her chair and grabs her purse from the table to leave.

Ari: I hope Jamie doesn’t get this job and leave you in the dark when he finds out you lied to him about it.

Grace: Fuck you, Ari.

Grace jets for the front door and slams it behind her. Ari finishes the rest of her mimosa.

The summer sun hits the pavement on this hot, June day. The curtains of an apartment window are swung open, and a petite woman is shown in the window.

Grace stares outside at the beautiful weather. She closes her eyes and smiles as the sun coming through the window hits her skin. She only opens them when she hears the door to her bedroom opening. She turns around and sees Jamie. He has his hair in a pomade style with his glasses and summer business attire on. Grace enjoys the view.

She walks up to Jamie and helps him readjust his button down shirt. Jamie looks down at her and smiles.

Jamie: You can be such a mom sometimes, Gracie.

Grace playfully hits Jamie on his chest. He laughs as he throws on his summertime blazer.

Grace: You’re ready?

Jamie: I have to admit, I’m extremely nervous.

Grace: *shakes her head* You’re going to do great. You’re more than qualified and they’re going to love you.

Jamie smiles at Grace’s words. She walks over to the island in the kitchen to make their usual morning coffee. Jamie walks to his bag to gather last minute things before he leaves.

Jamie: Are you off work today?

Grace: Yeah, I’m currently not active on a case, so I decided to take my vacation days a little early.

Jamie: *playful* Ah, so I can’t take you along with me as my lucky charm?

Grace: *smiles* You’re going to be late for your interview, Jamie.

Jamie laughs and picks up his bag, getting ready to leave.

Jamie: I guess that will be a no.

He walks over to Grace and kisses her head as she makes coffee.

Jamie: I’ll see you soon.

Jamie walks to the front door and leaves. Grace continues what she’s doing, but the smile suddenly turns into sudden relief.

Meanwhile…

Jamie anxiously bounces his leg as he sits in the waiting area with other candidates for the opening position at this Law Firm. He takes in a deep breath and adjusts the watch on his wrist. The firm looks just as busy as his did back in Korea. People waling in and out of offices with files piled in their arms. No matter where you go, the job pretty much stays the same.

He looks down at his phone to see the notification from his friend, Shawn He smiles at the message in Korean.

션: Drink's on us?  

Attached was a photo of two passports; one was Shawn’s and other one was Kevin’s.

제형: Aigoo, you two are going to kill me. 

Jamie puts his phone back into his pocket and looks around him, still waiting. Checking his watch one more time, he hears someone calling his name.

Ari: Jamie?

Jamie looks up and sees Ari, Grace’s best friend. He gets up and politely bows as he greets her.

Jamie: Ari, hi! How have you’ve been?

Ari: Good, good… Whatcha doing back in the States? *blinks; clearly confused* Better yet, whatcha doing at the firm? Grace isn’t working today.

Jamie: Oh, I know. I’m actually here for a job interview. Grace told me the firm was hiring and encouraged me to apply.

Ari visibly looks confused. She has no idea what he’s talking about.

Ari: Really? Wow, uhm–

Ari’s head is just spinning with questions and thoughts, she knows that Grace knows about the company policy, and–

Ari: Are you two dating?

Jamie is taken back at the question. His ears immediately turn red.

Jamie: *nervously laughs* Uhm, we’re working on things.

Ari: *bluntly* Are you staying with her?

Before Jamie can answer, one of the supervisors on the hiring team escort the candidates to a conference room. Jamie excuses himself to follow the others. Ari tries to put the pieces together about this weird encounter.

Across the city…

Grace is in a huge rehearsal room; she’s wearing bike shorts and a tied up t-shirt. She’s lacing up pointe shoes; her feet immediately hate Grace for putting them through the pain. It’s been years since Grace has been in the dance studio; it’s apparent from how under-prepared she was.

Grace: *in pain* Fuck, fuck, fuck…

While Grace tries to adjust in the pointe shoes, her mother comes out of the dressing area with a pair of the same shows on, walking perfectly and not in pain. Grace is in shock.

Grace: Mom, how in the hell–

Mollie: *playful* Man, I feel like I’m 27 again being in these!

Grace: Do you not have bones in your feet?

Mollie: No, but I do have years of blisters and scars from wearing these for 12 hour work shifts.

Grace sits on the bench in the rehearsal room. Mollie sits next to her.

Mollie: I’m not going to ask you again because I already know the answer, so instead I’m just going to say that you better get used to it.

Grace: I know.

Mollie: It’s not just something you can pick up one day and it’s easy. Sure, it’s easy to just run it like a regular business…

Grace: *annoyed* Mom, please!

Mollie: I’m just telling you how it is. I’m not trying to be overbearing; you just have to take this more seriously.

Grace: Well I’m not in pointe shoes just for the fun of it.

Mollie: You should wear them more often. While to you clean, while you cook, do laundry. That’s the only way you’ll be able to get used to them.

Mollie gets up and faces the rehearsal room mirror. She looks back at Grace, who is sitting there watching her mother, still visibly in pain.

Mollie: C’mon, we got some refreshing to do.

Grace: *gets up and winces* Do you hate me or something?

Mollie: Quite the opposite. I love you and as a mom that watched you grow out of dance to come back to it, I am honored you still consider it a passion.

Grace looks at Mollie as she stretches.

Grace: Then why are you making me want to hate it?

Mollie: Because I know you’re not going to, no matter how much shit I put you through.

Mollie looks at Grace through the mirror.

Mollie: I’m not saying you became something you’re not. I think being a lawyer was something you wanted to do because, well, you’re good at it. Really good. But you come from a family full of passion and I think you just want to do something that makes you happy.

Mollie finally turns around to face her daughter.

Mollie: I think the happiness you felt when you were a lawyer was to mask the happiness you weren’t getting from those around you. I genuinely think something changed in you and you seem a lot more… happier. *smiles* You remind me of when you and your father came back into my life.

Grace smiles at her mother, finally sharing a moment together that wasn’t argumentative.

Grace: I just want Willow to see her mom being truly happy. That’s all.

Grace’s phone begins to vibrate on the bench. Both women turn around to look at it.

Mollie: Someone’s really popular today.

Grace walks over to her phone to see message notifications. She opens up the messenger and sees that are from Ari.

Ari: Hey babe!  
Ari: We should totally catch up on some lunch later this week! 
Ari: Mimosas at my place? 

Grace responds to the message.

Grace: Definitely mimosas at your place. 

Mollie: You’re coming or what?

Grace places her phone back on the bench and stands next to her mother. Mollie proceeds to teach Grace some positions for the rest of the afternoon.