Shattered (17 page)

I nodded my head, but seeing what looked like relief flash through his face I asked, "Why?"

He sat up straighter in his seat, but didn't release my hand.

"You just seem so up-tight. I now understand why, but part of healing is learning to have fun again."

I sat quiet, not sure what to say. Grayson searched my face, looking for any sign of emotion, but I didn't give any.

"Did you feel like you had changed after your mom's death?" he asked.

The conversation was making me uncomfortable, so I simply nodded my head. He smiled, seemingly relieved by my answer.

 I changed the subject to more pleasant topics of conversation and before we knew it, it was time for Grayson to leave for his shift at Ada's. Now that I knew the significance of the place, every time he mentioned it, a slight smile spread across my lips.

Chapter 11

Monday morning had me feeling joyfully exhausted. I had spent a good chunk of Sunday night on the phone with Grayson, like teenagers in high school. He had to work late that night, so when he got home we stayed up and talked for at least two hours. Even after hanging up with him, I stared at the blades of my ceiling fan with a smile on my face, thinking about how incredibly wonderful he had turned out to be. He was so thoughtful, outgoing, funny, and when needed he was also, affectionate and full of compassion. I kept thinking at any moment my happiness with him would be snatched away from me like everything else in my life, but just before succumbing to my sleep, I forced those thoughts aside, and promised to focus on the present.

I strolled into the office a little after 10 a.m. I had no appointments set for the day, so I'd just be in the office answering emails, inquiries, and editing pictures. Miranda looked worn out. Unlike me, she had been swamped with the remodel of a house that belonged to a very wealthy, and very picky older woman. I had even heard her say a few times that the money wasn't worth it. I laughed at her, thankful that I wasn't included on this one. I probably would have been fired the first day after some of the things that Miranda would tell me the woman would say to her.

Grayson texted me about two hours into my day, asking me if I wanted to meet him for lunch. I reluctantly declined because my inquiries were beginning to pile up and I needed to answer them. He then asked about boating this upcoming Saturday, which I had to decline as well, but I offered up Sunday, to which he sent three smiley faces.

Miranda came into my office looking like she could stab someone without a second thought. I clicked off my computer program and turned to give her my much needed attention.

"This fucking lady is the spawn of Satan," she said, forcefully running her fingers through her hair.

I tried to stifle a smile, but it broke through anyway.

"Why the hell are you laughing?" Miranda asked, looking very annoyed that I found her predicament funny.

"Because you're having to deal with dragon lady and it's kicking your ass. It's nice to see you flustered every now and then." 

She pursed her lips and plopped down in the chair next to my desk.   

"I feel like I need a damn shot of tequila whenever I'm in that woman's presence." She rubbed her hands over her face, and for the first time in what felt like the entire time I had known her, Miranda looked visibly disturbed.

"Why don't you just cancel and pay her back her money?" I asked, not understanding why she felt the need to continue on.

"Because we're almost done, and I'm
going
to finish it. I need a serious vacation after this shit, though."

I sat for a minute, watching her slowly regain her composure, when an idea sparked in my head.

"Why don't you and Sean come out boating with me and Grayson on Sunday?"

I watched her eyes flicker and she sat up in her seat, slowly allowing a smile to spread across her face.

"I love that you two are doing so well, and yes, we'd love to go boating."

"Awesome. I'll tell Grayson. I'm sure he won't mind."

Miranda sat quiet for a minute before asking, "Aren't you glad you finally woke the hell up and gave in to this guy?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

"Oh, cut the shit. You were trying to keep him behind some imaginary wall."

I laughed, making Miranda raise her eyebrows. "I just realized that we both have so much in common. It made me feel much more connected to him."

"Things in common like what?"

It hit me then that as intrusive as Miranda could be at times, I still hadn't told her about the breakthrough day at the park. As much as I didn't like talking about the passing of my parents, I didn't want to rush back from our day out confiding in one another and spill everything to Miranda, or any one for that matter, but I felt like enough time had passed and that I could fill her in without giving away too much.

"For starters, he's an only child like me." She gave me an impassive stare, probably wondering if that was the big wall breaker. "And he lost his mom, too. His coffee bar is named after her."

Miranda sighed. She definitely understood the connection now, and after searching my stoic face, she smiled. "I get it."

I finally broke into a half smile, not sure if the fact that Grayson and I were now parentless was really a reason to smile, but I was thankful for the connection nonetheless.

The rest of the week went by routinely. Grayson and I found time to spend with each other throughout the week, even if it was just him swinging by to bring me croissants and coffee from Ada's.  He kept saying that he was looking forward to spending time with Miranda and meeting Sean which was refreshing because I felt like it was important for Grayson and Miranda, the only family I really had, to get along.

Each time we departed from each other's company, our kisses grew stronger and deeper in passion. He was so skillful in that department and moved his tongue in ways that made my entire body crave him. When he would leave, I could still feel the pleasant moistness of his lips lingering on mine, and his short phone calls just to say hello made me want him in person even more.

There were times that my pessimism would kick in, and I would have to distract myself from worrying about investing my feelings into yet another person, only to lose him. I hadn't been this happy since Colby and I had first started dating and it felt too right to go and allow my hang-ups to ruin it.

Late Saturday morning, I drove out to Pike Place Market to meet up with a couple that wanted what they called a real life shoot. They were a studious looking couple. The guy was a tall brunette with an air of sophistication about him, and his fiancé was blonde and slightly shorter than him, carrying around the same level of sophistication. I took one look at them and immediately pegged them as a part of Colby's world. They wanted their shoot to show the hustle and bustle of the marketplace, but to focus on them and show that even in the chaotic scene of one of the largest tourist attractions in all of Seattle, they only had eyes for each other. I liked the concept and actually had a rather good time shooting it.

The shot with the fishermen tossing and catching a large fish just as I snapped my camera was picked out as their favorite. I was very much looking forward to uploading and sorting through their shoot because I felt like they gave me free reign over what to do with their session.

I stopped at a couple of stands at the marketplace after we went our separate ways and I picked out some fresh flowers to put up in my townhouse. I also grabbed some of Seattle's famous Rainier cherries and a couple of grapples.

It was another nice day, so I drove home with my top down.

Stepping out of my Jeep, I stood with the fresh flowers in hand and just basked in the sunlight and fresh air. One of the perks of living in the Pacific Northwest is that after days of rain, the air is clear and fresh, easy to breathe in, making you feel alive.

I had every reason to feel alive. After my mother's death, I felt like a small part of me had died. The part that was free and open to new adventures and happiness was taken when she was ripped away from me. That dead part of me could have contributed to my break-up with Colby, but then I thought maybe it was destined to happen? Maybe my circumstances just sped up destiny? Either way, I was grateful for it happening because it led me to Grayson, and with him I felt like the old carefree Dallis. He sparked something inside of me that I'd been repressing for fear of losing again. While that fear was always in the back of my mind, I was a little more accepting of the prospects.

I made my way inside and placed the flowers in a vase on the table. I washed and bit into a grapple, savoring the juices that spilled out with every bite. My phone buzzed in my pocket and I took it out to find Grayson calling. My lips moved into a slight curve at the mere sight of his name which surprised and excited me at the same time.

"Hello!" I said, unable to contain the smile spreading across my face.

"Hello to you. How was the shoot?" he asked. I could hear music and the noise from a crowded Ada's.

"The shoot was actually a lot of fun. They looked like very subdued people, but once I started rolling, they came alive."

"That's good. Hey, I wanted to know if I could pick you up tomorrow instead of you driving out to Alki Beach by yourself?"

I paused for a second. Grayson had no idea where I lived. We hadn't gone to each other's houses yet, but before I could think any further, my mouth blurted out, "Sure."

"Great. Just text me your address and I'll see you around nine tomorrow morning. Unless you want to come in to Ada's tonight?" I could hear the plea in his tone, but I was tired and just wanted to curl up on the couch and catch up on some trashy TV.

"Sounds awesome, but I'll pass."

"Do I need to call and wake you up in the morning?" Grayson joked. He knew mornings weren't the best time of the day for me.

I laughed a little. "No. You'll be up at the ass crack of dawn. I'll make sure to be up and ready."

"Okay. Have a good night."

"You too."

I put my phone down with a smile on my face and set off to making myself a dinner for one. I didn't want to spend every waking moment with Grayson, but then again, I did. Fear of overwhelming one another with our constant presence weighed heavily on my mind. I didn't want us to quickly burnout on each other, but I also wanted to stare into his eyes every free moment I got. It was a delicate balance that I was learning to deal with.

After eating and watching some reality TV which I made fun of rather than be entertained by, I forced myself upstairs. Having an early wake-up call in the morning was going to be tough, so I needed to get as much sleep as possible. Lying down and smiling at the blades of my ceiling fan, I remembered that I still hadn't texted my address to Grayson, so I jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to retrieve my phone. When I got to it, he had already left me a message.

*Grayson*

There's this hot girl that I want to take boating tomorrow, but I have no clue where to pick her up. You know her well, so I was wondering if you'd let me know where I can get her from. J

I quickly typed in my address and a snarky remark.

*Me*

453 Sage Rd.

This HOT girl is lucky I'm letting you take her out. Make sure you show her a good time. J

I quickly trotted up the stairs and plugged my phone into the charger, only after setting the alarm. A smiley face came through from Grayson, and I fell asleep with his beautiful smile pictured in my head.

I awoke to a perfect day for boating. The sun was out, almost as if it had been reserved just for us to go out and enjoy a day on the water. Sifting through the numerous bikini tops and bottoms in my drawer, I finally settled on a black strapless top with black and hot pink spotted bottoms. I threw on a black cover-up and slipped on some sandals, then rushed down stairs to pack a small cooler. Just as I was pulling the cooler out of the garage, the doorbell rang. I hurried to the front door and opened it to a shaggy haired, yet, delectable looking Grayson. His board shorts were as blue as his eyes, and he wore a white tank top that was cut low, exposing more of the tattoos that filled his chest. I stood gazing at him--okay--full on staring at him when he leaned down and kissed me. "You gonna let me in?"

I quickly shut my eyes and shook my head, a tad bit embarrassed that I stood staring at Grayson while he smirked at me, definitely noticing. I opened the door wider and signaled for him to come in.

"I'll just be a minute. I'm throwing some stuff into a cooler," I said, walking into the kitchen.

Grayson caught my hand and pulled me back to him, turning me around to face him. "Let's go. I have everything handled." He leaned down and kissed me again, this time keeping his lips planted on mine for a while longer.

"Let me put this stuff away real quick," I answered, turning to go into the kitchen, leaving him standing in the living room area.