more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

one

two years later

New York City really lives up to the title of "the city that never sleeps." The constant crowd of people, the flashing lights on the tall skyscrapers, the loud sound of horns and sirens at all hours of the day. It's loud, crowded, and has an array of different smells.

But there's something about the energy that makes it worth it. There's so many opportunities for every person who lives here. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, and there's never a dull moment. The most famous tourist attractions in the world are located only minutes away from my new place. The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and of course, Times Square.

I've lived on the East Coast my entire life, but never had the honor of taking the trip to the big apple. It wasn't until I got a full scholarship to Juilliard, which is the best performing arts school in the country, that I realized how much my life was going to change.

Two years ago I started my real academic career at the community college in my shitty hometown back in New Jersey. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get to where I am, but I made it.

"What about this?" My best friend's cheery voice asks me.

My green eyes move up to look at the five thousand dollar bracelet in Lanie's hand. The gasp files out of my mouth as I blink a few times. I would ask if she's joking, but she isn't. Lanie Johnson would never joke about her diamonds, especially on fifth avenue.

"It's beautiful, for you." I watch her roll her eyes at me.

"Come on, Stella. I wanna buy it for you."

"No way." I dismiss the idea.

"One of these days I will get you into jewelry!" She pouts while looking down at the stunning piece.

"Sorry, but it's not going to happen." I smirk while glancing around the most elegant store in the world - Tiffany & Co. The jewelry on the wall literally laughs in my face and calls me poor. Not that I mind, I heard it my whole life

"You're officially in New York now. Did you not see where we're living? In a penthouse!"

"I keep forgetting." I admit, the idea makes me cringe. I never imagined myself living the lifestyle of a socialite, but that's what happens when you date the son of one of the wealthiest families in the state of New Jersey.

My boyfriend refused to let me dorm on campus and debunked the idea when I suggested we get a small apartment together. Nope, he had to go all out and buy a frickin' penthouse in the nicest hotel I have ever seen.

"You've only been with us for three days, you'll adjust." She pats my shoulder while swinging her shopping bags around. Since she attends a fashion school, Lanie is always buying all different types of outfits and accessories.

"I hate that Grayson dropped out of Rider University for me." I still feel guilty about it. He claims college isn't for him, and he's wealthy enough to be financially stable. We were planning on doing long distance, but he refused.

"He's whipped, Stella. You know how much he loves you." Lanie gives me an endearing smile. "And his first two years weren't the greatest. He's happier taking a few semesters off."

"I just feel bad about it. That's two years down the drain." I shake my head.

"But now we all get to live together. That was such a fast process." She says while picking up a diamond necklace to admire.

My eyes scan her lilac dress paired with white sandals. My own appearance is giving the security men standing by the door a laugh. A simple white t-shirt with denim shorts and converse. That's it. That's the outfit.