Nightingale

12

"I love you" his words replay in my mind all day, I can't focus on any of my classes "Lacey are you okay?" Gabby asks waving her hand in front of my face "huh?" I ask only half hearing her "I asked if you were okay" she repeats herself "you've been zoned out all day" "yeah" I mumble "just got a lot going through my head" I tell her honestly "you wanna talk about it?" She asks looping her arm through mine as we walk down the hallway "not really" I tell her honestly as we make our way to Ruby's.

My classes are done and I'm in desperate need of a milkshake or two "so are we just gonna ignore the giant hickey on your neck?" Gabby asks as we walk in causing my face to turn bright red "Gabby!" I shriek in horror "what?" She laughs pulling me to our usual seat "your hair only covers so much" she tells me "not to mention your and Grayson's little public display of affection is all anyone could talk about today" she sing-songs "I know" I groan putting my head in my hands. "I take it things are going good between you two" "I don't wanna talk about Gray" I groan again shoving my face further into my hands.

"That might be kinda hard" she whispers "considering he's here, and he doesn't look to happy" my head flys up at her words and sure enough I see a grumpy Grayson walking, no stalking over to our table followed by Colton and two other guys I've never seen before but they look just as big and intimidating as Colton. I would say Gray, but no one looks as big and intimidating as Gray "great!" I grumble sinking further into my seat wishing to disappear, I'm not ready to deal with him yet.

"I told you I'd pick you up from school" Gray says sliding into the booth next to me I ignore him choosing to focus on the menu "you know it's rude to ignore people" Gray whispers in my ear placing his big hand on my thigh gently squeezing it "I'm still mad at you" I whisper not wanting to draw anymore attention than what Gray already draws "you can give me one if you want" he offers so nonchalant "then we'll be even" I stare at him wide eyed, he did not!

"And everyone will know I'm yours" he adds like that's supposed to help "people are staring" I grit out hoping he'll drop it "I don't care" he responds his usual answer anytime I tell him this "but I do" I tell him trying to make myself smaller "baby look at me" he sighs patiently waiting for me to do so, but I keep my eyes down "Lacey" he warns "Gray" I warn back. The whole table gasps in shock making me look at them in confusion, seriously what is with these people, it's like they've never heard a nickname before.

They're all staring intently waiting for Gray's reply, sighing Gray grabs my chin tilting my face to his "you're frustrating when you're mad" he tells me placing a kiss on my lips "Gray" I warn not liking all the attention "I don't care; I wanna kiss you" he tells me kissing me again and again going for another before I move my head making him kiss my forehead. "They're still staring" I tell him burying my face in his chest grabbing his wrist as the panic and anxiety start setting in.

"Go make yourselves useful and get  the food" Gray barks at them taking his eyes off me for a second to glare at them "now!" He says a little rougher bringing the two new guys out of their stupor as they rush to their feet making Colton and Gabby laugh at them "you too" Gray barks at them "excuse you" Gabby bites back at her brother when Gray releases some type of growl that startles all of us as they all jump up without another word.

"What was that?" I ask pulling back from Gray "she really needs to learn her place" Gray grumbles verging on a growl "I.. uh" I stutter not sure what just happened but definitely nervous "shit" he sighs taking a deep breath "I'm sorry baby" he apologizes running his thumb along my cheek I don't even know what to say, this whole day has been beyond weird and I can't wait for it to end, I just want to go back to my dorm and crash.

"You're really not gonna talk to me?" Gray asks sounding hurt, but thankfully they show back up with our food saving me from having to answer him. Two chocolate milkshakes are placed in front of us with two really big burgers and extra fries. My mouth waters at the sight as I dig in momentarily forgetting my manners "thank you" I say after swallowing my mouth full of food.