Jersey

eight

By now, Grayson was the hottest story out there. He had to wear his wig his entire trip to Jersey to avoid getting ambushed. Ellie was happy to see him again, but also couldn't help but feel like he rushed into things. She wanted to help him as much as she could, so he wouldn't regret it in the end.

Soon enough, Grayson was knocking on the door. His wig was on, so Ellie pretended not to notice him, "Can I help you?"
He rolled his eyes, "Just let me in."
Ellie laughed opening the door wider, letting him in. The first thing he did was hug her. He missed her a lot and so did she.
When they released the hug, Ellie placed a hand on her hip, "I knew you missed me but quitting?" She joked.
He just smiled, "Grayson Dolan needs a break."
"I can't even imagine how Gabby reacted. What'd she do?" Ellie asked, confused, plopping onto the couch.
Grayson sighed sitting behind her, "Well, nothing. I fired her before she had the chance."
Her eyes widened, "You what?"
"Fired her." He repeated.
Ellie's mouth shaped an O, "I know you 'quit' and all but, you and Gabby have been together for more than two years- are you sure firing her was a good idea?"
"I don't know and I don't care. I'll worry about all that later, I just want to chill."
"Chill?"
"Chill." He repeated, "I'm on vacation."
Ellie laughed, "Yeah. Because my house is the perfect vacation."
"I'm with you, aren't i?" He said, eyes glistening as he looked at her.
She smiled, "I guess so."
With that, she grabbed the remote.
"So, Glee?"

The rest of the day, they ate and watched tv. They hadn't felt so free in a while. Grayson especially. Just being around Ellie turned his mood around.
It was now late, and Ellie's eyes were heavy. Grayson looked over to her laying beside him. He smiled as he saw her eyes slowly shut. A few minutes later, she was completely asleep. He turned the tv off, carrying her upstairs to her bed. He tucked her in, sitting on the side of her bed. He just looked at her for a minute. He remembered the first night they slept together. She was snuggled closely to his bare chest and his chin was pressed against her head. He'd never felt more comfortable. Softly, he placed a kiss on her forehead. With that, he left. Going back to his place he'd shared with his brother Ethan before he left, he opened and saw it was quiet and dull. Ethan travelled a lot, so he was rarely home and in the loop. He wasn't even aware of Grayson's doings. They hadn't talked in a while, but all things were good. He walked upstairs, showering and getting into bed. Being in his own bed felt amazing. He let out a small sigh before shutting his eyes, happy to be back in Jersey.

Three months later, and Grayson was still as happy as the day he first got here. Ellie ran in plopping on his bed. He let out a groan, having just woken up. She smiled, pulling back the covers climbing in. They both turned to face each other with cheeky glances.
Over this period of time, Grayson realized he was still in love with her. Ellie had been aware of her feelings when she first joined the tour, but it took Grayson some time to process it, hence his relationship with Lily. Grayson and Ellie had many encounters where they wanted to kiss each other- but neither of them knew when the right time would be. Neither of them wanted to come off too strong and ruin what they already had.
"How'd you sleep?" She asked.
"Fine." Grayson responded with a heavy sigh.
Her nose wrinkled, "Ew. Morning breath."
He rolled his eyes, sitting up, "What are you even doing here this early?"
"Today's the day I turn my book in to the editors." She squealed.
He then remembered, "Oh yeah. You ready?"
"I proof read the book at least five times last night and I still feel like there's some typos."
"Stop stressing." Grayson commented, "Your book is amazing."
"I hope they think so." She said nervously, "I don't know what to wear. It's not like I've officially published the book so I don't wanna dress too fancy."
"Yeah, no keep it casual." Grayson offered, "Maybe some jeans and a nice sweater."
"I love a man who knows fashion." She joked.
Grayson laughed, "Funny. You brought your sense of humor."
"Always." She responded, now sitting up, "Are you gonna come?"
"I don't know. I think I'm busy." He replied.
Ellie smiled, "Hey you brought your sense of humor too."
Of course Grayson didn't have anything to do. Everything he did now revolved around Ellie.
"I'm picking you up in two hours. Be ready."
"You sound like Gabby." Grayson winced.
Ellie then turned around, "Still haven't talked to her?"
He shook his head, "Nothing to talk about."
"Grayson this whole fixation you have that she just used you for money is ridiculous and you know it."
Grayson didn't want to listen.
"Don't you have to go get dressed?" He asked.
She slyly smiled, "Fine. Ignore it."
"Thank you." He called after her as she began to walk out.
She then peeked her head in again, "I can smell your morning breath from out here."
He rolled his eyes, "Goodbye Ellie."
She laughed, leaving Grayson's house.
She was excited to finally be turning her book into a reality. She'd been looking forward to it for a while, and today it was finally happening. She got dressed and ready, before going to pick up Grayson. He hopped into the passenger seat letting out a deep breath, "I'm hungry."
"Should've made a sandwich." She replied, quickly pulling out of his driveway, immediately hitting the road.
Grayson sighed, "We can't stop for just a bagel or something?"
Ellie shook her head, "We don't know how traffic is going to be- and i can't be late."
He groaned, "Okay, but I'm still gonna he hungry."
She turned to him for a split second, "There's a water bottle and granola bar in the back seat. Knock yourself out."
Grayson shrugged, helping himself.
They drove with the music blaring until they got to the corporate office.
Ellie squealed, "Okay. Walk confidently. Head high."
"You know it's not me they're gonna be paying attention to, right?" He reminded.
She rolled her eyes, "Yes but you're accompanying me and you can't make me look bad so- let's go."
They walked into the building with smiles. Ellie clutched her book in her hands eyeing the signs she saw.
"This way." She directed. Grayson just followed closely by.
After they stopped at a door, Ellie took a deep breath.
"This is her office. Ms. White."
"Well, let's do this." He said reaching for the knob.
Ellie smacked his hand away, "Stop it!"
"What?" He asked pulling his hand away.
Ellie began to get nervous.
"I will open the door."
A few seconds passed of them still standing by a closed door.
"Open the door when?" He asked.
She shot him a death glare, "Don't get smart."
"Ellie you got this." He encouraged, "Don't be scared, they're gonna love it."
"Okay." She said taking a deep breath, "I'm ready."
She then opened the door, immediately being stared down by Ms. White who looked up from her computer.
"Ellie." She smiled.
"I've got the book." She said happily, placing it on her desk.
Ms. White merely eyed it, "I can't wait to read it. I'm sure it'll be great."
"It will." Ellie assured, "I put everything i could into this book."
"I love that enthusiasm." Ms. White complimented, then taking a look behind her, "Who's this?"
Ellie turned, seeming to forget Grayson was even in the room.
"Oh, this is Grayson. My best friend."
They greeted each other warmly before Ms. White spoke again, "I will have this back to you by the end of the month with my final decision on publication."
"Got it." Ellie said happily, "Enjoy."
Ellie left the office confidently.
"She's gonna love it. I know it." She babbled.
Grayson laughed, "Of course she's going to love it. You're the best writer out there."
She smiled, "Now we can go get some food."
"Good because I am starving."