crush | g.d. ✓

t w o - E.M.

"132 Allen Street...this must be it. Ten Below," Grayson said to me, looking up from his phone. We both look up at the neon sign of the shop, illuminating our faces. The line inside seemed to go on for ages.

"This is the place!" I said, eagerly. Grayson opens the door for me and holds it open. I thanked him and smiled at him. A cold breeze managed to follow us into the shop, and I pull my trench coat on tighter. December is the coldest time of the year, especially in Manhattan. 

We'd been talking about Matt's party and I dreaded every single minute we spent on the subject. I hated having to deny my feelings for Grayson because I doubt he'll feel the same way. Although it was pretty unorthodox to have feelings for someone else in a relationship, whenever I was with Matt, my feelings for Grayson would be pushed to the back of my mind, making me almost forget that he existed. 

I hated the fact that I had forced myself into a love triangle which was unbeknownst to the two others in it. At times I questioned why I was even in a relationship in the first place, but I knew that Matt and I, although we would have our ups and downs, were a good couple. 

I squinted looking at the menu. I noticed the 'Christmas Special' - rolled cookies and cream with candy canes and marshmallow syrup. "Gray," I said, "we need to try the 'Christmas Special.' It sounds delicious." Grayson looks up at the menu and reads the special. He flashed me a silly face, earning himself a giggle.

We had finally gotten to the front of the line and we both ordered the special. We both pulled out our phones and recorded the whole process and put it on Snapchat. We took the ice cream outside because the shop was packed with people and found two chairs and a table.

"Are you happy now?" Grayson asked after I take my first bite. I smile and nod, the cool, sweet ice cream slowly melting in my mouth. 

"Told you, it's not just ice cream," I remarked, devouring another spoonful. 

"Yeah," he nods, laughing, "rolled ice cream."

We finish the ice cream and walk back to my apartment building, holding hands. I turn to Grayson and see him looking around at all the buildings and lights. Since I've been living here for almost three years, I'm used to it. Hell, I hate Times Square, but he's like a tourist, so I stick by him. Even after a year.

"My god, Emily. Hold my hand any tighter," Grayson said to me sarcastically. I squeezed his hand harder in response and he smiled, looking down.

"Thanks for walking me home, by the way," I say. "Emily...you know it's no problem. I can't let you walk the streets alone at," he pulls out his phone and checks the time, "twelve thirty in the morning." I smile and lean my head against his shoulder.

When we arrive at my building, we're the only people in the lobby waiting for an elevator. The security guard wasn't even there. 

"See, this is why I walk you home," Grayson tells me, gesturing to the empty lobby. I walk to the elevator and click the 'up' button. He checks his phone while waiting for the elevator and I peek over his shoulder to see him texting Ethan.

The door opens and he shuts off his phone and steps in with me. I click the eighth floor button and lean against the wall while the doors close. So does Grayson. My eyes start to feel heavy and I start to lean onto him. I hear his breath hitch as I tuck my head meets his shoulder. He leans his head onto mine.

The doors eventually open and we both groggily exit and walk to my apartment door. I get my keys out of my purse and unlock my door. "Thanks for a great night, Gray. See you later," I say, hugging him goodnight.

"Goodnight, Emily. I lo - I mean - I'll see you soon too." He responds, seeming to regret his choice of words as soon as they leave his mouth. What was he going to say?

I shut the door and lock it, taking off my coat and throwing it onto the couch. I walk into my bathroom and wash off all the makeup I had on and take a hot shower. I change into pajama shorts and a sweater and climb into bed.