Nightingale

10

"Grayson sweetie" a female voice calls from downstairs making Grayson groan in frustration "I'm gonna kill Gabby" he says running his hand through his hair. "What did Gabby do?" I ask confused "she told mom about you" "what do you mean?" I panic.

"Sunday she called mom to tell her all about her new bestie who just so happens to be my new girlfriend her words, not mine" he says holding his hands up in surrender "she what?" I practically screech "why would she do that? I..we're" "don't say it" he cuts me off "after everything I just told you don't say we're not dating" "but" "I swear to god if you let any other guy kiss you or cuddle with you I'll kill them" he says dead serious.

"Grayson!" "Don't Grayson me. Do you let other guys do the things I do?" He questions "of course not!" "Okay, then we're dating" he says matter of fact "I" I start not knowing what to say "baby my point is we are already very much a couple, we kinda skipped the whole friends thing" he tells me pulling me into him "but what if I'm not ready?" I ask feeling the tears building up.

"Grayson Michael!" The voice from downstairs calls, Grayson takes a deep breath frustrated at the interruption "are you okay with the way things are between us now?" He asks tilting my face up to his I nod yes because I know if I talk the tears will start "nothing has to change baby, when you're ready we'll take the next step, but for now we'll stick to cuddling and occasional kisses" he says kissing my forehead "and getting to know each other" he finishes placing his forehead on mine "I'd like that" I tell him smiling "good" he smiles "let's go introduce you to everyone before they try barging in here" I giggle at his expression when he talks about them barging in "I'm not joking, just wait til you meet them" he says wrapping his arm around me leading me downstairs.

"Well! It's about time" a tall beautiful woman with long black hair chides Grayson as we walk into the dining room "mom this is Lacey, Lacey this my mom Grace" Grayson introduces us "it's nice to meet you" I smile politely still clinging to Gray I've never met anyone's parents before and honestly his mom is almost as intimidating as Grayson is.

"It's lovely to meet you honey" Grace says pulling me into a tight hug causing me to wince in pain "okay mom" Grayson tells her pulling me back in his arms instantly "you okay baby?" He whispers in my ear kissing my cheek. To embarrassed to speak I nod looking at the ground "aren't they so cute!!" Gabby squeals coming out of nowhere making me blush more "so cute, I'm so excited" their mom gushes like a school girl "Jesus" Grayson grumbles shaking his head.

"Grayson!" His mother exclaims staring at him "what? I didn't do anything" he claims innocently "can't your sister and I be happy you found your mate?" "Mom" he warns her, what is with everyone calling me his mate? I know he says we're soulmates but honestly how would he know and what is his family's big deal with this. "I'm sorry hunny" she apologizes to me taking a calming breath "it's just that my son never brings girls home so this is a first for me" "and a last" Grayson tells her pulling me closer burying his head in my neck kissing that spot and just like always it makes me melt.

I completely relax into Gray momentarily forgetting all the eye on us. "What's everyone staring at?" A man that is literally an older version of Grayson asks walking in the room wrapping his arm around Grace placing a sweet kiss on her head "Gavin this is Lacey Grayson's ma.. girlfriend" Grace catches herself "Lacey this is Gavin my husband" Grace introduces us "I never thought I'd see the day Grayson brought a girl home" he says sounding half amazed and half like he's poking fun at Grayson "ha-ha funny dad" Grayson responds "Lacey thought it was" he laughs "she laughed at my joke" he says pointing to me "you're supposed to be on my side" Grayson pouts in my ear "what?" I ask innocently "traitor" he grumbles making me laugh "I didn't do anything" I tell him grinning.

"See it's like he's not even Grayson" Gabby's tells her parents in amazement "you're just jealous she likes spending more time with me" Gray taunts Gabby "please!" She scoffs "she's probably sick of seeing your face already" "nah, she just likes me better" he taunts her again "isn't that right babe?" "I'm not getting in the middle" I say throwing my hands up "oh they're real good at putting people in the middle" Colton tells me "we do not put people in the middle!" Gabby and Gray say at the same time offended "you two constantly put me in the middle!" he tells them equally offended "babe Grayson will listen to you, you're his best friend" Colton mocks Gabby "deal with her, she's your girlfriend" he continues mocking Gray.