spaces | grayson dolan

𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚎

Walking through the doors of Linda's household is an exciting yet nerve wracking experience. After the emotional moment I just shared with my own parents, I'm anxious to see what path this dinner will take. I'm trying to let go of my pain and allow my happiness to radiate.

"Sorry if we're a few minutes late, Hope was finishing getting ready." Grayson announces once we step into the dining room.

"No worries, sweetheart. The food is ready now." Lisa comes over to us, planting a kiss on her son's cheek.

"Nice to see you again, Lisa. Thank you so much for having me over." I send her my warmest smile.

"It was our pleasure. We haven't seen Grayson this over the moon about a girl in ages, it's so nice to see him happy again." She pulls me into a hug, which I return.

"There's that beautiful girl!" Linda is the next to embrace me. I'm feeling all of the love this family is giving off. It's almost as if I'm part of it.

"Hi Linda, how are you?" I can't help but let out a laugh. She's the cutest old lady I have ever seen.

"I'm great, dear. Look at you, all grown up and as gorgeous as ever." She places her hands on my cheeks, giving them an endearing squeeze.

"Thank you, you're too sweet." I smile down at her.

"I remember watching you and your brother run around your front yard, playing kick ball and hide and seek. You two were very rambunctious kids."

"Yes, we certainly were." I rub my lips together, recalling the memory.

"Why don't we sit down at the table, I'm sure everyone is starving." Lisa helps her mother to a chair, while Grayson and I walk further into the room.

Mr. Dolan stands up and extends his hand out to me. "I don't believe we officially met. I'm Sean."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Hope." I reintroduce myself.

"I know, Grayson is always speaking so highly of you." He smiles before sitting back down.

"So I've heard." I glance back at my boyfriend, and his entire face is turning red.

"Hey Hope." Ethan speaks up, grabbing my attention.

"Ethan, hi. Nice to see you again." I take a seat at the table, Grayson sitting directly next to me.

"I just wanted to send my condolences about your brother. We didn't know him, but from what I heard around town, he was a real rockstar." Ethan says to me, causing my heart rate to slightly increase.

"Oh, thank you." I lowly speak.

"We heard about the latest news update. How awful, your poor family has been through enough." Linda sighs.

"Yeah, it's been tough, but I appreciate your support." I gulp.

"Did you know the boy who is being charged for this death?" Sean asks, almost scared to bring the topic up.

"Yes, Kyle used to be a good friend of my brother. It's crazy how people can change."

"And just finding this out after your accident. I bet it's overwhelming." Lisa shakes her head.

"Yeah, it is. I've been through a lot this past year, but I'm lucky to be alive. And to be here with all of you." I hold onto Grayson's hand and give it a squeeze. He sends me a wide smile.

Lisa comes around and puts chicken and vegetables around the table, allowing each of us to help ourselves. I happily fill my plate with food, smelling the delicious aroma that is spreading around the room.