To Infiniti & Beyond

Chapter Forty-Eight

My phone rings, it's my boyfriend. My boyfriend! I love saying that.

"Hey," I answer, able to hear the smile in my voice as I say it.

"Hey, do you have plans tonight?"

"Nope, watcha got in mind?"

"My parents are gone for the night so I was wondering if you'd like to sleep over?"

"Of course, what time do you want me to show up?"

"Does 6 work? We can grab something for dinner."

"Perfect."

With that being said, I start to prepare for being gone for the night. I take a shower. As my hair dries, I tidy up my room so I don't have to come home to a mess. Then I finish getting my appearance ready before packing an overnight bag.

5:30 finally rolls around, I text him that I'll leave after taking care of Aston.

I arrive at his house and walk through the back door as instructed.

While opening the door, I'm greeted by the scent of something wonderful.

I shut the glass sliding door and announce my presence while I walk further into the living room making my way to the kitchen.

Passing through the dining room the kitchen comes into view. He's standing there, tall and proud, hands behind his back, watching me take it all in.

Two plates of steak and zucchini sit next to each other, a bowl of salad and wine glasses resting on opposite sides of the ceneted plates. A scented candle adds aroma to the air, and fresh flowers liven up the kitchen island.

"Grayson, oh my god." Happy tears brim my eyes.

I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his neck pulling him into a hug. His hands fall to my waist and he kisses my temple. "Hi, beautiful."

"What is all of this?" I question, holding his face gingerly in my hands.

"Our first date as an official couple." He shrugs while smiling.

"You're precious." I kiss him. "Thank you."

"Come here, let's eat." He takes my bag from me and leans it against the kitchen cabinets. He guides me over to my seat with his hand on the small of my back. With his free hand, he pulls out my chair and offers me his hand to help me get onto the tall barstool.

We enjoyed a delicious home cooked meal and light conversation about tonight's plans. We mutually agreed to invite some people over for a bonfire to enjoy the clear mid-november night.

He refuses to let me help him clean up. I perch myself on the counter next to the sink to keep him company as he loads the dishwasher.

Grayson flicks water at me, "call Brynn and your brothers, then call Tristian from my phone to invite them over."

"Yes sir!" I salute him in a sarcastic manner.

The line rings before Brynn's monotone voice floats through the speaker, "hello?"

"Hey! I'm at Grayson's right now, his parents aren't home-"

"-OOO!" She cuts me off, "Have fun, don't forget to wear protection!"

I scoff, Grayson snickers. "That's not why I called. Do you and Jaxon want to come over for a bonfire?"

"Sure, he's in the shower now, but I'll drag him over when he's out."

"Sounds good, see you soon."

I then proceed to call my brothers, Jake is available later, Beau is not at all. Once I get off the phone with them, I open Grayson's phone. This is foreign to me, usually he's the one using my phone. I mean, in the past he let me see his phone, but I've never been free to roam it. Then again, that's when things were complicated with his ex...

I push the sour thought aside and make the call. Thankfully only Tristan is around tonight, no Darcy. I threw a small party in my head.

Grayson and I are outside at the firepit working on getting it lit when we hear Jaxon's 350z pull up.

His car shuts off, then two doors shut. Shortly after we can hear footsteps approaching.

"Hi guys!" I greet them.

Jaxon walks up to me and gives me a hug, "I've got it from here."

Jaxon and Grayson continue to start the fire, Brynn and I pull up chairs.

When the fire is finally going at a steady pace, Grayson plops down in the seat next to me, and Jaxon sighs as he relaxes into the seat next to Brynn.

"I need a fucking vacation." Jaxon announces as he sweeps his hand over his face.

"Agreed, work has been kicking my ass." Grayson chimes in.

"Kiersten, what about your aunt's condo?" Brynn inquires.

"It will be free until February, should we look at ticket prices?"

Brynn gives me a devious side eye and we get to work researching.

The boys throw us dates they'd be able to travel. By the time Tristian arrives, we have tickets booked to leave the day after Thanksgiving and return home two days later.

Grayson, Jaxon, and Tristian are all smoking when Jake finally arrives. While the boys talk Brynn and I get lost in our own conversation about where we should take them in Florida. 

Without Darcy here there is no restricted dynamic between Tristian and I. It's nice. The six of us talk into the late hours of the night.

It makes me think of how good things were all those months ago - I just hope we're able to get that back come the new year and warmer weather. Only time will tell.