Damaged -Grayson Dolan-

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Grayson, what the actual hell?"  I yelled into my phone.  "It's 3 in the afternoon and I haven't seen you since first period.  I was beginning to think they arrested you or something."

"No, no!"  Grayson's voice was breathless from the other side.  "Sorry- I couldn't text you but everything is fine.  Actually, it's better than fine.  Are you coming over?"

I placed my hands on hips and surveyed the area.  I was in the middle of my run, about 3 miles from the Dolan's house.  "Yes," I answered.  "I'll be there soon.  And you had better tell me what is going on."

"I will, I will.  I swear." 

"Good.  I'm on my way.  Bye."  I clicked off my phone and turned left down the next street.  Soon I was standing in front of the twin's house.  I knocked on the door and Grayson let me in.  He looked at my outfit.  "Did you run here?"

"Well, I was in the middle of running when you called, so yes."  I slipped off my shoes.  "Now tell me what the hell is going on."

We went into the kitchen and Grayson grabbed a piece of paper from the countertop.  "Read."  He commanded.

I raised my eyebrow.

"Please," he amended.  "Please read this."  He was literally bouncing up and down on his feet.  I accepted the piece of paper and took a seat at the counter.  I glanced at the first line. 

Grayson Dolan,

We are pleased to inform you that after evaluating your lacrosse play and skills in recent games, the coaching staff here at Syracuse Universtiy believe you could be a valuable addition to our team.  We would love to set up a time to meet and discuss future option and plans, as well as scholarship opportunities for you.  We hope you consider meeting with us. 

The rest of the letter was contact information and the coaches name signed at the bottom.  I glanced up and dropped the paper on the counter.  "Holy shit, Gray."  I breathed, twisting to look at him as he stood behind me.

"I know, I know!"  He said as he ran his hands through his hair.  "Can you even imagine- Syracuse University?"  He shook his head. 

I rose up and pressed my mouth against his.  Then I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders.  "I'm so proud of you."

He hugged me tightly before stepping back.  "I'm literally in shock."

"I can tell.   I would be too.  Do your parents and Ethan know?" 

Grayson nodded.  "I just told Ethan when he got home but my parents came to the school today.  That's why I was gone all day."  He looked at the piece of paper again in his hands.  "I just cannot believe this!" 

I grinned, seeing him this excited and happy.  "Have you set up a meeting time?"

"Yeah, we set up the time today.  It's next week."  He paced around.  "I don't know if I can stand to wait that long."  He confessed.

I laughed.  "Well, I don't think you have a choice." 

Just then their front door opened.  "Hi, honey-"

A woman stepped through, dressed in a short business skirt and blazer.

"Hey, Mom,"  Grayson said turning to face her.  "You're home early?"

"Yeah," She blew a wisp of caramel colored hair from her face.  "Got my reports done early.  Who's this?"  Her gaze fell on me.

Great, I probably looked disgusting in my shorts and tank top. 

Shit.

My scars were out on full display just in time for me to meet Grayson's mom.  I clasped my hands together in an effort to conceal my wrists, while I mustered up a smile.  There was nothing I could do to hide my shoulder.

"Mom, this is Alanna."  Grayson introduced us.  "Alanna, this is my mom."

"Oh please, just call me Lisa."  She came forward with a bright smile on her face.  "I've heard so much about you," she said with a sly glance at Grayson.  "It's so nice to finally meet you."

Grayson rolled his eyes and I laughed.  "It's very nice to meet you too."

She set her bags on the kitchen table.  "Are you the one who has been tutoring my son?"

"That would be me," I confirmed.

"Oh thank goodness for that," she turned on the faucet and ran her hands under the water.  "You've been a real life-saver."

"Well, I try my best even if he can be stubborn at sometimes,"  I awkwardly tried to pull my ponytail over my shoulder. 

"And speaking of tutoring, we're going upstairs to finish our homework,"  Grayson announced, heading for the stairs. 

"Alright," his mom agreed.  "You have fun."

"Oh I'm sure we will," Grayson replied sarcastically as we made our way upstairs and into his room.  He closed the door behind us.  Then he turned to me.  "Sorry, I had no idea she would be home that early or I wouldn't have asked you to come over.  I didn't know if you were comfortable meeting her yet or..." He trailed off.

I hadn't said anything, just glanced in his bedroom mirror.  My scar looked so hideous.  "No," I answered.  "She's sweet.  I didn't mind meeting her."

Grayson folded his arms across his chest.  "Don't lie to me."

I turned around to face him.  "I really didn't mind meeting her," I repeated.  "Maybe when I'd been a little more... covered up.  So she doesn't think you're dating some mutated alien." 

"Al," Grayson rolled his eyes, coming up behind me.  He wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin on my shoulder.  "I can assure you she doesn't think that." 

"Let's hope." 

He kissed my cheek before detaching himself from me and grabbing his backpack from the floor.  "So what did I miss in English?"

I sat on the edge of his bed with a sly smile.  "A whole lot."

He shook his head.  "Fucking great." 

I laughed.  "That's what I'm here for." 

"Oh really?  And here I thought you were here just for my looks and good company." 

I rolled my eyes.  "Oh please.  I'm the eye candy of us both."

He looked as if he wanted to argue but then broke into a grin.  "I can't deny that." 

I smirked at him.  "That's what I thought."