more for us | grayson dolan (book two)

thirty seven

There are seven hours until the mid-semester showcase starts. The second I step out of the cab, I can feel my entire body start to tremble. Letting out a deep breath, I grip onto the gorgeous Valentino dress that is neatly placed in a dry cleaning bag.

Lanie let me to borrow black heels to complete my look. They're a drastic change from my regular converse and sneakers. I'm eternally grateful that she allowed me to wear her dress. She's also doing my hair and makeup later. That girl is truly a lifesaver.

Campus is packed, not that I expected anything else. It's Saturday afternoon and classes aren't in session. Everyone is on edge about the big performances tonight. I'm one of those people.

Once I enter the large building, I get directed to head backstage so I can drop my stuff off in the girls dressing room. I nervously gulp and head back there, gripping onto my bag.

"Stella!" A happy voice calls out.

I look to my left, seeing Carter approaching me with a huge smile on his face. An older woman with long brown hair is walking next to him.

"I want you to meet my mother. She flew in last night from Alabama."

"I have heard so much about you!" The woman smiles brightly and throws her arms around me, embracing me with a pure smile. "Sorry, I'm a hugger."

"No worries." I giggle and happily hug her back. "It is so nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Samuels."

"Please, call me Dawn. I have heard such incredible things about you. Carter sent me an audio recording of one of your rehearsals." She excitedly grabs onto my hand and lets out a loud gasp. "It was pure magic. You have incredible talent."

"Thank you so much." Her kind words cause my cheeks to flush. "But your son is the real talent. If he doesn't get signed to a record label after this performance, it would be a damn shame. I've never heard anyone sing as well as he does."

"Aw, thank you sweetheart." Dawn turns back to look at her proud son. "Carter has been singing since he was just a little boy. I can't wait to see your performance."

"It's going to be the best one yet." Carter says with his usual cocky attitude.

"I'm going to head off to your aunt's apartment now. I know you two need to keep practicing." She lets out a small laugh, which causes me to grin. "We will see you all tonight."

"See you then." I say while waving goodbye to her.

Carter gives her a loving hug before she heads down the hallway. He turns to look at me while shaking his head. "She's been dying to meet you all day."

"I bet. I'm pretty awesome." I tease while walking over toward the dressing room.

"So, Andrew and his band are set up in the chorus room. We're going to hold a private rehearsal so we can work everything out."

"Perfect." I nod while quickly walking into the room.

Carter waits by the door while I hang my dress in the corner, away from the other gowns. I can only imagine what the girls will be be wearing tonight. This place is going to look like the Met Gala. After placing the bag with my shoes next to my dress, I head back to Carter.

Every girl that is in here is talking to him. They're basically panting at his appearance. It's hilarious that he could care less about any of them.

I roll my eyes when I see Violet flirting with him. I'm assuming Ian never mentioned to her that they're both gay and having a secret love affair. She once found it funny that my partner was keeping secrets from me, when hers is doing the same exact thing.