All's Fair in Love and Las Vegas

Chapter Eleven

        Grayson took me to a cute jewelry shop downtown, a place that Laura had recommended since Grayson had no idea where to buy jewelry. He knew where to buy slushies, at the little cart on the corner, but jewelry was a mystery to him.

        "Is there anything special you want to be part of the rings?" he asked me as we looked through the cases.

        A fun little idea sprung up in my mind. "What if...I don't know, we could like, put a secret clue in them that's only for us to know about how we met?" I suggested. "Like our trip. Everyone thinks we had this cute thing in Barcelona, and the rings would be a reminder that we're the only people that know the truth." 

        Grayson grinned. "I love that. What should the clue be?"

        "That's where I got stuck," I admitted. My brain, while useful, tended not to go all the way with brilliant ideas.

        We looked for a bit longer before Grayson finally said, "There, the rose one. Remember, you had roses? Or rather, you don't remember, but that's what Kylie said."

        "It's lovely," I breathed, admiring the silver ring with a diamond rose on top. While it did remind me more of an engagement ring, I decided I didn't mind. After all, this was before the wedding, even if we were married.

        "What about yours?" I asked curiously.

        "That one." He pointed to a silver band that had a rose carved into it, the petals slightly rigid. It was like a smaller, solid silver version of mine.

        "It's beautiful," I agreed.

        "Great, once they're sized, we'll be able to pick them up in a few days," he said cheerfully. He ordered the rings and then we set out in search of dinner. 

        "Can we get something out?" I asked, feeling like a small child in the backseat of her mom's minivan.

        "Sure, what are you thinking?" Grayson asked, holding my hand as we walked down the street. 

        "Just something small and quick," I said, feeling tired from the long day.

        So we stopped at a food truck, which was parked near some picnic tables. Grayson ordered tacos for the both of us and we sat down, enjoying the cool summer night.

        "Thanks, for today," I said softly. "I know this is all a lie, but it's nice having someone care about me."

        He looked concerned. "Is that unusual?

        "No, no, just back home it's mostly Nina and Kylie who hang out with me, then I don't have family nearby so I'm just on my own a lot. I like it that way, of course, but I've never had the opportunity to have someone around as much as I have you with me," I sighed.

        With a small smile, he reached across the table and squeezed my fingers. "We have each other now, right? It might not be anything close to what it should be, but I value your friendship."

        "I value yours too," I said happily, sinking my teeth into my dinner. 

        We got home so late, Laura had already gone to sleep. Grayson claimed that she had to be in bed by nine every night—unless, of course, she was at a party. Or hosting one.

        Grayson and I said our goodnights and curled up on our own sides of the bed. Thankfully, neither of us tossed and turned, so we made good roommates. Even better, Grayson didn't have a dog. I was severely allergic and when I was younger, my greatest fear had been that I'd marry someone who not only had a dog but also loved having the dog sleep in their bed.