Jersey

thirteen

Two months had now passed. Grayson and Ellie were both on an interview set, with one of the most famous talk show hosts ever, Maria Wilming. It was a big deal. This was going to be huge. It was his first official act since parting with Gabby. This was a time he'd be looking for new management.

Ellie sat nervously beside Grayson, this being her first time on tv. After Grayson posted about her being a huge part of his success and career, they insisted she come on too. Grayson placed his hands on her shaky thigh, "Ellie. Stop it."
She heavily sighed, "I'm nervous."
"Don't be."
"Easy for you to say." She said, with a slight eye roll, "You've done this nearly a million times. I'm literally a nobody."
"To them, you're much more than a nobody, Ellie. You wouldn't have been asked here if you were."
She nodded, "Okay. I guess you have a point."
Soon being greeted by Maria, Ellie got more comfortable.
Grayson gave Ellie one more encouraging nod before Maria began speaking.
"Don't adjust your screens, what you're seeing is real. Grayson Dolan is here, accompanied by his new coming girlfriend, Ellie."
Ellie's eyes widened as she used the term girlfriend, immediately turning to Grayson. She knew she was, but never thought he'd make it official to the public this way. He just winked and she lightly smiled.
"So, we haven't been able to sit down and speak with you since your last interview that went awry." Maria started, "What's been going on since then?"
Grayson cleared his throat, "Well, I went back to Jersey, spent more time with Ellie." He said, resting his hand on hers, "Stood by and watched her career kickstart which- make sure you buy her book coming to a book store near you next week."
Ellie smiled, and so did Maria, "You write, Ellie?"
She nodded, "Yeah, it's always been a big thing for me so, this book is very special to me."
Maria nodded, now focusing back to Grayson, "Your new songs were some of your best. How did it feel releasing new songs on your own, without any management or production?"
"It was definitely harder but it was completely worth it. I felt like I couldn't be myself half of the time with my management. It always felt like I had to make sure it was okay with them- before acting on anything. It's just so stupid, y'know? It's my career not theirs."
Maria nodded, "And all this fueled anger led to your departure with the company completely?"
"Yeah. It all happened at once. I'd never planned to go into the interview and spazz that way- it all just sort of came out in the worst way possible." He explained.
Ellie nodded in agreement, "I was shocked when I first saw the interview. It honestly scared me."
"You weren't aware of his feelings towards management before?" Maria asked.
"Well, I wasn't blindsided. I guess I just didn't think much of it." She said, placing an apologetic hand on Grayson's shoulder, "But I know for a fact that he's okay now and to me it's all that matters."
Maria smiled, "You two are adorable. How'd you guys meet?"
Grayson smiled, "We met in a group of friends. As time progressed, we started hanging out- just the two of us. We got really close. We were nearly inseparable and it was only a matter of time before I realized that I was in love with her."
Ellie blushed, "We dated for a while and, then he moved to California. Everything else from there was strictly fame. We broke it off there and hadn't talked in years. We met up at his jersey concert last year and- that's when he asked me to go on tour with him."
"You were on the tour?" Maria asked.
"Yeah. For some of it, at least."
"You left?" She asked again.
"Kicked off, left, same thing." She lightly laughed.
"My manager thought it'd be best if she left before her identity got out. She thought it'd be safer for her." Grayson elaborated, "When she left, is when I sort of started to rebel a little. I found it unfair and I didn't understand how my feelings could mean so little."
Maria lightly sighed, "Sounds like you two have been through a lot."
"Oh, yeah." Ellie laughed.
Grayson smiled, "All worth it in the end."
"So you're gonna be looking to get back into the professional aspects of music soon?"
He nodded, "As soon as I find someone who not only cares about my career, but me too. And one that will understand that Ellie makes me do stupid things but-" he stopped turning to her, "She's definitely worth it."
Ellie smiled, looking him in the eyes. She mouthed, 'I love you' and he smirked.
"Well I wish the both of you nothing but happiness in the near future."
"Thank you." They both said, ending it off.

When the interview aired, it got lots of hate due to some being super fans of Lily. But Ellie didn't care. Nothing could make her frown. She was with Grayson, and to her, that was the best thing ever. Snuggled into his chest, she smiled. He let soft snores escape his lips, which she kissed. His eyes fluttered open, "Why're you still up?" He groaned.
She ignored, lying back on his chest, "I love you, Grayson."
He lightly smirked, "I love you too, baby."

From that day, so much happened. Ellie's book was finally published, she was taking writing classes during the day, and Grayson had multiple meetings with potential new managers.
"I think I found someone." Grayson said, walking into the kitchen accompanying Ellie.
"Really?" She asked, "Who?"
"His names Cyrus and he seems pretty cool."
"Did he meet all of your demands?" Ellie asked sarcastically.
He rolled his eyes, "Yes, he did. I think I'm gonna hire him."
Ellie clapped, "That's great!"
He smiled, "Everything's coming together the way I want it to. I've got the career, and I've got the girl."
She playfully flipped her hair, "You are one lucky guy."
He smirked placing his hands on her waist, pulling her closer. Leading her into a kiss, she stopped midway, "Wait."
"What?" He asked.
"Morning breath." She teased.
He just rolled his eyes, proceeding to kiss her. He loved her, and he never wanted to let her go again.

Ellie met Cyrus, and she really liked him. He was a younger guy, which might've been why Grayson chose him. He understood a lot more than older people would.
As Grayson, Ellie, and Cyrus sat around the table, Cyrus raised an eyebrow, "It says here that Gabby never relinquished business rights from you."
"What?" Grayson asked.
"She has to legally drop you from her contract in order for me to take you under my wing. I'll give her a call and see what we can do."
He excused himself into the living room and Ellie sighed, "Why hasn't she relinquished rights yet? It's been months."
"She probably didn't think there'd be a need." He answered.
She sighed, "You and Gabby went through a lot. You ready to start something new- with someone new?"
"Yes, Ellie. You've asked me this a million times." He groaned, "I've never felt more right about anything."
She placed her hand on his cheek lovingly, "Just wanna make sure you don't regret it in the future."
"I won't." He assured.
Cyrus then walked back in, "She's gonna relinquish them tomorrow morning."
Both Grayson and Ellie smiled.
It really was a new start- for the both of them.