Finding My Way

Chapter 8

ZOEY

So far, the week was flying by. It was Thursday, and I was heading to work in my new car. Of course, it was much different than the high-dollar Lexus I had been driving for the last few years. What mattered was that I had a reliable and affordable vehicle. It even had a backup camera, heated seats, and a sunroof. I was very thankful to have this car and had Grayson to thank for it. The trade-in helped me build up some savings and add more of a personal touch to my apartment, which was quite nice. 

I haven't talked to Grayson since Sunday. I've been avoiding him, I guess because I don't prefer to talk about my family. It's very complicated and challenging to bring up when getting to know someone. Usually, it takes me a while to tell someone about my family. I fear judgment from others and know I shouldn't, but I do.

Megan, Chelsea, and Alyssa were talking in the corner when I walked into work, so I joined them. "Hey, ladies! How is everyone doing?"

"Oh my goodness, I'm doing great! Brett took me out for lunch for our anniversary and gave me this beautiful heart necklace with diamonds," Alyssa said. She showed me the necklace hanging around her neck, which was lovely. It resembled a necklace my mother had that was given to her by my father.

"We're doing well, Zo. What about you still not talking to Grayson, or should I say avoiding him?" Megan asked.

"We haven't communicated at all since we were at the dealership. I didn't know what to say, but I hadn't seen him leave his apartment either. What kind of hours does he even work?"

Chelsea shrugged. "It's hard to say. It depends on who he's working for, which sometimes varies. His life is pretty private on who he bodyguards for. Last I heard, he was getting paid to be the mayor's daughter's bodyguard. She's been getting threats."

My eyes widened. "Wow, that's crazy. I can't imagine doing a job like Grayson, Brett, or Darren. There have to be so many crazy things that happen."

"Yeah, there's lots of stories. Maybe Grayson can tell you some. Here he is now," Alyssa said.

My eyes turned to see Grayson walking into the club. "Wait, he's working today? Nobody told me that. Where is Darren?" I asked.

"Darren is going to be out for a little while. His wife Kylie is having twins," Megan said.

"Woah, Darren is married?! I'm finding out all sorts of information today." The girls chuckled. "I guess I should go talk to Grayson."

"Whatever you have to say to Grayson, he'll understand he's not someone who will judge you. We won't judge you either. He's a friend, Zo, a good one. Trust me, I know. There's stories I could tell you," Chelsea said.

I nodded and slowly walked over to Grayson, quickly getting his attention. "Thought you were avoiding me," he said.

I nodded. "I'm not going to lie to you; I have been avoiding you. Mainly because of the topic I don't want to talk about. If you want, I'll tell you about it after the shift. It's a lot."

Grayson shrugged. "Hey, I'm not going to force you to tell me. You can decide whether you want to tell me or not. That doesn't change our relationship. We're still friends."

I smiled. "That's good, but I think I'll tell you. Maybe talking about it will help. We can talk back at my apartment later." I rushed off without saying another word to Grayson because customers were starting to come into the club. I quickly begin making drinks and taking orders.

Throughout the night, there were a couple of drunks who had to be escorted out because they were being too obnoxious. One tried to hit on Alyssa, and Brett was not having that. The other kept knocking over chairs and laughing about it.