Perfect by Design

20: Grayson James

Grayson

One year later
I click on Tatyana's Tiktok, quickly finding her pinned video. Every picture and threatening text is laid out over two and a half minutes. I turn up the volume on my phone, her voice instantly making my heart skip a beat.

"Jamison Williams, we all know him. He's a generational talent and a hometown hero. He's also my villain. And sure, the truth can be nuanced, but there aren't two sides here. There's one story and one truth—one enemy. His voice is stuck in my head. Sometimes I wonder if I'll carry it with me for eternity. I wish I could forget the sound of his fist crashing into me. I wish I'd trusted myself when I saw the signs. He knew every way to make me blind. He made sure I was living a life that was his, not mine. I'll never be able to replace the pieces of me he stole. And Jamison, one day, you may regret breaking me to the point I was unrecognizable, but it'll never change the fact that this is your legacy. I refuse for it to be mine. I wish you nothing but exactly what you deserve."

Rumor has it Jamison is a model employee at the local Publix in a small town in Alabama. True superstar.

"Baby, are you ever going to stop watching that video?"

"I'm just in awe of how strong my girl is."

"If I were stronger, that story wouldn't even exist."

"Nope. You accept none of the blame for that pathetic piece of shit." I reach out for her and tug her close, causing her to fall into my lap. "You, are a badass Indy, and he has no idea what he had because loving you is better than anything I've ever experienced."

"Grayson James, are you trying to get laid?"

"Absolutely." I wink at her.

"Too bad, Johnny boy. I'm having lunch with Gigi and Amaya. I have to get ready."

Amaya is my uncle Dillon's wife. Also, my Gigi insists on Indy calling her Gigi, too, and I'm not entirely convinced that she doesn't like her more than me.

"Why are you more at home in Louisiana than I am?"

"It's not Louisiana, Grayson. I'm just finally myself." She cradles my face in her hands and quickly pecks my lips. As she pulls away, I push her black strands from her face.

"Also, the women in your life are like my favorite people ever to exist. Gigi is taking me to her next interior design client meeting, and she might even let me pick a few things out."

"Tatyana Payton, are you trying to tell me you like them more than me."

"Absolutely." She winks at me, and I let out a warm chuckle. This life with her is so fun.

"I'm sure my Gigi won't mind if you're a few minutes late."

"Maybe not." She shrugs. "But who says what you're offering is even worth it."

"You will be in just a few minutes."

With one arm, in one simple motion, I swoop her up, standing in the process. We're chest to chest; her legs swung around my hips. She doesn't even pretend to fight me and instead wraps her arms around my neck and smiles up at me.

I carry her through the threshold of our room, carefully tossing her onto the mattress once we're close enough. She lets out a squeal as she sinks into the bed.

"Don't move."

She tugs her bottom lip between her teeth and raises on her elbows, smirking at me. I climb onto the bed, nudging my way between her legs. She reaches for my t-shirt, tugging me close to her. Before she can press her lips to mine, I quickly turn my head and kiss my way along her shoulders.