What We Once Were

Chapter 19.

Greyson arrived at Austin's house, noticing that Austin was standing beside his car in the garage with a puzzled expression on his face.

"Hey Grey." Austin greeted with a soft grin. Greyson parked his motorcycle and met his friend in the garage. Austin looked exhausted, his usual light in his hazel eyes wasn't as prominent, his blonde hair was messy and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Greyson had never seen his friend look like this before, Austin was a very bright and larger than life individual. If he hadn't been Bridget's neighbor, then there's no way someone like Greyson would've been friends with Austin.

They ran in different social circles, Austin was the star quarterback. He was good looking with his clean cut hair, strong jawline, and muscular build combined with the boy-next door charm, made Austin the poster child of their class. Whereas Greyson was the complete opposite. Greyson liked to keep to himself, he was not interested in sports of any kind whatsoever and had no desire to run with the popular crowd. Not to mention their style couldn't have been more different. Greyson wore flannels, dark jeans, flannels and leather jackets and Austin wore jerseys, brighter colors and joggers.

Nonetheless—without Bridget—neither of them would have become friends. They were so different that it made them work. Greyson was loyal and stood by Austin and Austin helped him through some rough times during his youth. They trusted each other deeply and they had grown closer with each passing year.

"Woke up on the wrong side of the bed, buddy?" He teased.

Austin gave him a half smirk. "Funny. Viv's been a little high strung for the last few days, she hasn't been sleeping good at all either, and neither have I." Austin sighed, rubbing his eyes. "But you don't have to flaunt your lovestruck ass around here."

Greyson shook his head, he hadn't even known he was smiling. "Fuck you, I'm flattered that I wake up early to help you and you repay me by insulting me." Greyson said, sarcasm dripping from his voice, causing them both to laugh. "So what did you do to the car?"

"I didn't do anything, you ass." Austin shot him a look that made Greyson crack up. "It won't start and I don't know why."

Greyson popped the hood and saw that Austin had blown a gasket. "Well, you've blown your gasket, I can pick up the part for you later. Do you need the car at all today? I can give you a ride somewhere if you need it." Greyson offered.

"Thanks Grey, but I don't think I need to go anywhere today."

"Isn't Viv due any day?"

A smile flashed across Austin's tired face, "Yeah. But her due date is on Wednesday, it's only Monday. And she's out with some coworkers today."

"I'll bring the part over after work today." Greyson said, slamming the hood shut. "Are you excited?"

"For the baby? Yes, but I'm kinda freaking out." Austin admitted, dropping down on a chair in the back corner of the cluttered garage; stuffed with empty boxes, bubble wrap and other baby items.

"You and Viv will be great parents. You don't have to worry about that." He reassured Austin.

"How did you—oh, right. I'm sorry." Austin started but then remembered that Greyson had never had to worry about this part of having a kid.

Greyson's heart sank, he wished he could've been like this. All worried and afraid for having the baby, but at the same time, feeling excited and anxious to meet their baby for the first time. How had Bridget done this all on her own? He thought, thinking of all the times he'd seen Austin and Viviana who had this look on their faces of both excitement and paranoia. At least they both relied on each other, they could both talk to each other and depend on each other for this. Bridget had had no one, not even her own mother came to her aid.