more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

nine

My eyes stay pinned on the busy city below me as I lean my head against the large glass window. The darkness shines over the area, but that doesn't stop people from rushing to their destinations. It's funny how the world works. My life could be crumbling at the surface, but everyone else's keeps moving.

You have no idea what goes on in other people's lives. Some might be celebrating a milestone, others might be overthinking every decision they've ever made. I'm doing both. It's been a little over a week since I talked to both Jake and Laura. In class she has barely looked at me, and rushes to her office once she dismisses us. I feel like I just lost the last bit of family I had left.

"You're always in front of that window." Grayson's perfect voice fills the room as he exits our bathroom.

I turn my head to look back at him. "It's my thinking spot."

"I hate to see you like this, baby." He lets out a small sigh while walking over to me.

"My family just officially fell apart. My brother hates me and my mother is avoiding me. It's been a week since I talked to them." I shrug while locking my eyes with his.

"Come on, let's take a walk." He nods his head toward the door while gently holding onto my hand. The contact between us causes my heart rate to increase.

"It's nine o'clock at night." I pout.

"So what? The city never sleeps." A smirk paints his lips as he leads us out of our room. A part of me wants to curl up in my bed and sleep, but another part of me wants to go explore the city with Grayson.

"Where are we going?" I giggle once he runs down the steps, still holding onto my hand.

"I want to show you a really cool place." He laughs while glancing back at me. We reach the bottom of the steps and before I can even blink, I'm being pulled into the elevator.

"You mean the whole city?" I laugh and wrap my arms around his back.

"You're such a cutie, Monroe." He grins before planting a sweet kiss on my forehead.

"I know." I smirk as we both start to laugh.

Once we're out of the gorgeous hotel, the cool breeze of the New York air hits my skin. Since it's the middle of September, the weather is starting to change. Good thing my denim jacket is clinging onto my body. Grayson continues to hold my hand as he looks up at the large buildings in front of us.

"Isn't it incredible? We live in a city with eight million people who are trying to find their place in the world." Grayson's eyes light up as he looks around at the bright lights illuminating the atmosphere.

"It's amazing." A wide smile spreads across my face as I take a moment to stop and look around me.

People are walking, rushing into taxis, riding their bikes. Even at night, they never take a breath. Since moving here a few weeks ago, I've been in a Juilliard bubble that only involved Jake and Laura. I never took the time to stop and look at my surroundings.

"Come on." He says while walking down the street.

"We need to go exploring more often." I remind him with a smile.

"Trust me, I have a lot of stuff planned. I just want to make sure you're focusing on your schoolwork. Not everyone can say that their girlfriend is in one of the best schools in the country." Every time Grayson mentions me attending Juilliard, his face lights up with excitement. That's definitely my new favorite sight.

"You know I am." I shake my head while looking to my left. I never want to look away from the breathtaking view around me. Oh, and the buildings are also cool.