I knew it, I know you

Best friends

Albert POV

I stood outside Gracie's apartment, nervously adjusting my jacket. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt so anxious about a date. When Gracie opened the door, my breath caught. She looked stunning, dressed casually but elegantly, with a shy smile playing on her lips.

-Ready? - asked, extending his hand.

Gracie nodded, taking my hand.

-Ready.

We walked to a small, cozy restaurant that Taylor had picked out. It was tucked away from the bustling streets, offering a sense of privacy that both of us desperately needed. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft music playing in the background and the aroma of delicious food in the air.

-This place is lovely. - Gracie said as we sat down at a corner table.

-I'm glad you like it. – I replied, smiling. – Tay did an amazing job like always.

-They are making photos of us. - she whispered.

I smile and take her hand.

-I know.

The waiter came over and took our order, then I leaned back in my chair and pulled out a pen. I picked up a napkin.

-"What are you writing?" she asks.

-Take it. - I say as I hand her the sheet.

She grabs it and smiles.

- 'Gray'? What's that for? - She asks.

-"Wipe it off.

She flips the napkin over and starts reading it. She looked up and looked at me.

-How do you know them? - Gray giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.

-' Taylor recommended some songs to me. -I smile.

-21, Right Now, Camden and Rockland. What that must mean.

- My favorite songs that were written by you.

-But why are you giving it to me?

-For luck. - I'm sorry.

She takes a breath.

-' You know, I'm gonna need it with a man like Chris. It's a normal thing to fall in love with a movie star. I prefer models now. - She jokes.

The waiter returns with our food and we both enjoy a moment of silence.

-Isn't it strange how we are here and now? Everything that happened? - Gracie swallowed and put down her fork.

I looked up and then tilted my head slightly.

-"Yeah. I didn't think we'd end up like this. I didn't think if I gave you my jacket we'd be here.

Gray laughed.

-' That jacket. You and your stupid jacket." she put another bite in her mouth and swallowed. "What made you follow me then? To be honest I know it wasn't the cold.

That night replays in my head. The party, Taylor, the place, and her voice.

-Your voice. I wanted to see you, I wanted to know you, I wanted to have something with you. Just your voice made me feel... accepted.

The blood rushed to her cheeks.

The music started to get louder and people got up to dance.

-"Do you want to dance? "Gray smiles and gets up from her chair.

-' I'm not that much of a dancer, but I would for you.'I laugh.

She took my hand, and I led her to the open space. The restaurant wasn't crowded, and the few patrons who were there smiled warmly at the couple. I placed my hand gently on Gracie's waist, and she rested hers on my shoulder. We moved slowly, swaying to the music.

-I have never danced with Chris. – she whispered.

- I am not him.

-Yea you are not him.

We danced in comfortable silence for a while, the world around us fading away. Our bodies were touching, and Gracie's eyes weren't glued to mine.

The music stopped and Gracie instantly pulled away.

- There are still 2 hours until the show has to go.

-Good.

I paid the bill, and we left the restaurant. After about 20 minutes we arrived at the venue.

-' You'll be fine,' I say.

-Gracie hugs me and goes to change for the show.

I had managed to get a spot near the front, my heart pounding with anticipation. The energy of the crowd was electric, and I could feel the excitement building as everyone waited for Gracie to take the stage.

When the lights dimmed and the first notes of her opening song began to play, the crowd erupted in cheers. My eyes were fixed on the stage, and when Gracie appeared, his breath caught in his throat. She looked radiant, her confidence shining through as she commanded the stage.

-I never said it, but I know that I
Can't picture anything past twenty-five.

That sentence made fans scream. Everyone started singing „Camden". Gracie continued but suddenly stopped.

-"Hey, are you okay? - She asked a fan in the crowd who was crying.

One of many.

Everyone started screaming her name and cheering.

-"Yes, I love you. - The girl said.

-I love you too. I'm Gracie, what's your name?

She... introduced herself? She introduced herself to a fan. Gracie was so caring and human to her fans.

-Alice.

-Okay, I love you, Alice! I love everyone here!

She continued, graceful and gentle and sensitive. She held back her tears.

Gracie was like that, wasn't she?

Caring, sweet, funny and sensitive. I knew she wanted to hug every single fan who was currently covered in tears.

"Somebody notice how I'm trying"

She noticed me in the crowd and pointed me out.

She... pointed at me?

A smile was immediately written on my face. Fans noticed me, some recognized me and started screaming and taking pictures.

When the concert ended, I met Gracie backstage. She was buzzing with adrenaline, her face glowing with excitement.

-You were incredible. – I said, pulling her into a hug.

-Thank you, - she whispered, holding me tightly. -I'm so glad you were here to see it.

She lifted her head and stuck her eyes in mine. She leaned to one side and moved closer to me. Her eyes lowered to my lips.

-'Al... what do you think we are?

I started to answer, but she let go of me and pulled away.

-' I... I'm sorry. I'm too emotional.

I grabbed her hand.

-'Gracie, what are we?

She swallowed and wondered.

-'I... we...' Gray took a breath, 'We're best friends, aren't we?

I laughed.

-Yes. Best friends.