more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

twenty five

This little trip to New Jersey has been an emotional one so far. The look on Lisa's face after I played her Somebody to Love brought us both to tears. She hugged me tight and told me she was so proud of me.

That is the best feeling in the world. When somebody you look up to and admire tells you they're proud of you. Lisa and Sean are the only parental figures I have in my life, so being around them is like being around family.

Once that emotional rollercoaster was over, Lanie showed them some of her designs. She still kept everything hidden from me because she wants me to be surprised during the show. My best friend is super talented, so there isn't a doubt in my mind that her clothes aren't amazing.

Grayson and Sean continued to discuss his new potential upcoming job, while Ethan asked Lisa some tips about heading over to law school. It's weird to sit in this house at twenty years old, talking about jobs and college. I no longer feel like the immature girl who used to come here to win a challenge. We all grew up, and it's weird to think about, but that's how life is.

Our afternoon came and went in a beautiful daze, but now the nerve wracking part is approaching. Family dinner. Lanie is going to be leaving soon, so that means Ethan is going to make his big marriage speech.

"Okay, dinner is finally ready!" Lisa calls from the dining room. She suggested we eat in there, sine it's a special occasion.

I squeeze onto Grayson's hand and nervously gulp. I know the announcement isn't coming yet, but it's inching closer and closer by the second.

"Everything smells so good." Lanie smiles while taking a seat.

"Well, I made sure to make a lot." Lisa chuckles.

"Kim's cooking was nothing like mom's." Ethan states while picking up his fork.

I almost forgot the Dolan's used to have a chef. She left on maternity leave last year, and Lisa decided it was unnecessary to hire another one. Lisa is a great cook, so I wasn't complaining.

"Stella, how's Jake doing?" Sean speaks up.

Since Grayson and I started dating, Jake and I stayed over at this house a few times. My brother doesn't open up much, but he did appreciate the help Sean and Lisa wanted to give us.

"Oh, he's doing okay." I shrug my shoulders.

"Is he still working at the tattoo shop?" Lisa politely asks.

"Yeah, he loves it there." I happily smile while taking a sip from my water.

"I still think Monroe and I should get matching ones." Grayson says with a little smirk.

"Knowing the two of you, it would be something stupid." Ethan shakes his head back and forth.

"That's offensive. I would never allow something stupid to be permanently on my body." I scoff at the thought.

"Stella needs to have a badass tattoo." Lanie speaks up with a laugh.

"Exactly, maybe I should get the word badass tattooed on my forehead. How would that be?" I ask with a straight face. I'm trying hard not to laugh.

"I think you should get it tattooed on your ass, it's hotter." Grayson turns to look at me, biting down on his lower lip.

"Now I'm deeply disturbed." Ethan says while glancing down at his plate.

I playfully gasp, acting appalled by his words. "Your son has a filthy mouth, you should wash it out with soap."

"He was a pretty solid kid, but there was this one time-"