Chapter 136

Victoria's POV I slammed my car door shut and made my way up to Grace's apartment, exhaustion creeping through my bones after the day I'd had. I'd texted her earlier asking if she could put me up for a few nights, and true to form, my best friend had enthusiastically agreed. Grace swung open the door before I could even knock, her face lighting up. "Victoria! Finally! I've been waiting forever," she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug before ushering me inside. The warm aroma of food hit me as I stepped in, and I noticed she'd set out a spread of late-night snacks and a bottle of wine on her coffee table. "You didn't have to wait to eat," I said, dropping my overnight bag by the couch. "What's the fun in eating alone?" Grace pushed a glass of wine into my hand. "Now, care to explain what 'need shelter' means? Your text was cryptically brief." "It means exactly what it sounds like," I sighed, sinking into her plush sofa. "I need a place to crash for a few days." "Mi casa es su casa—a