more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

thirty one

I wrap my comforter around my cold skin, trying to get the chill out of my body. My head rests comfortably on my pillow as my droopy eyes look at the digital clock on the nightstand. 8:07 pm.

I've been in bed all day, too tired and emotionless to move. Plus, my uterus is bleeding, which is always fun. Cramps, headaches, backaches - being a woman is just so great. A low sigh slips out of my lips as I close my eyes again.

Whenever I settle into a peaceful state, my mind replays the image of my dead father on that metal table. His pale features scare the living shit out of me and it's a sight I never want to see again.

I quickly open my eyes, inhaling a sharp breath. My throat is dry and scratchy, but my body is too lazy to get up and grab a water bottle downstairs.

"Stella?" Grayson's soft voice calls out.

Turning my head to look his way, my eyes slightly grow bigger. The love of my life is standing in our doorway with two bags in his hand. One from the drug store, one from the restaurant we went to the other night with Jake and Allie.

"Hi babe." My groggily voice speaks as I rub my eyes.

"I picked you up a few things." He walks closer, taking a seat on the edge of our bed.

"You got me food?" I stare down at the bag of takeout.

"Yup, tacos to be exact." He pulls out a styrofoam box along with a few napkins. "I know you didn't eat dinner."

"Oh my god, Dolan." My eyes glimmer with happiness as I sit up in the bed. "You didn't have to get me any food."

"I also bought you, uh, more tampons and pads." He awkwardly averts his eyes to the ground.

"Holy shit, you deserve the best boyfriend award." I lean forward and sweetly kiss his cheek. The fact that he went out of his way to buy these things makes my cheeks flush with admiration.

"I know you're not feeling good." He shrugs while staring at me.

"There's so much coming up, I think I need a day to recharge my brain." I sigh while slowly unwrapping the tacos from the box.

"I'll go get you some water." He says before rising to his feet. I watch him exit our room, and I can't help but smile.

After taking a few more bites, he comes back in with a cold water bottle. I groan with happiness and take the refreshment from his hand.

"I love you. Thank you." I unscrew the cap and allow the cold liquid to consume my mouth. It feels good against my hot throat.

He takes the feminine products and puts them in the bathroom. "So, tomorrow is the big fashion show."

"I know." I say while swallowing my food. "Is Ethan ready?"

"Yeah, I think he has everything in order." Grayson walks over to me and crawls into the bed. I scoot over so he can have more room.

"I can't wait to see Lanie's reaction to the proposal." I look down at him cuddling into the comforter.

"She'll say yes. Even if she thinks it's too soon, there's no way she would reject him. Ethan had fears that she might but it would never happen. Those two are the definition of textbook romance." He shakes his head.

"She loves him too much to say no. Are your parents still coming?" I ask while taking another bite of my food.

"Yup, my mom texted me before. They're really happy to see all of us again."

"Then next weekend is the showcase." I mutter while gulping.

"They're also coming to that, don't worry." Grayson nods with a smile.