Black and Grey | Book 1

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After I had managed to wipe away my tears, without ruining my makeup, I lifted my head up high and walked out of the toilets. I didn't make eye contact with anyone and went back to the place where I was previously sitting at. I felt a pair of eyes burning through my head, but I didn't pay any attention.
It was probably Grayson.
My heart ached slightly at the thought of him, but I pushed it to the back of my mind.
"You look tired, do you want to go back?" Asked someone and I looked up to see Marcello.
"Yeah okay." I said and sighed. He nodded and looked at the dance floor.
"Tell Ethan that I told him to drop you off back at the hotel." He said and I tried to butt in. I didn't want Ethan to stop having fun just because of me, but I backed down once Marcello raised an eyebrow at me, making me slightly nervous.
He was an intimidating man.
He nodded at me and finally walked away. I sighed and stood up, to go get Ethan who was on the other side of the dance floor.
I kept my eyes down, moving past the happy people dancing. I bumped into someone, but tensed up when I realised who it was. I didn't need to look up to know it was Grayson. I didn't pause to look at him, instead I kept my eyes straight and walked on, feeling his eyes on me, which irritated me.
I wanted to turn back around and scream at him, but I didn't have the energy or the guts to. Not in front of everyone.

"Ethan." I called out and he looked up, coming towards me looking concerned.
"Hey, you okay?" He asked and I nodded, attempting to pull a big smile.
"Marcello told me to tell you to drive me back to the hotel." I said, but I realised how much fun Ethan was having and I felt guilty.
"But you don't have to! I'll just call a taxi or something." I said, getting ready to leave, but he shook his head and placed his hand on my arm.
"Iris. It's okay, I'll drive you. Just wait here,I need to go get my suit jacket." He said and I nodded, gratefully.

****

We were in the car and Ethan was driving in silence.
"Are you okay? You're quiet today Iris." He noticed and I shrugged half-heartedly.
"I'm doing okay." I replied back and he glanced at me.
"If it's about Gray-"
"Its whatever." I cut in quickly, not ready to talk about him.
"But-"
"Ethan!" I snapped, but felt an immense amount of guilt when I heard him go quiet.
I sighed and ran my hand through my hair.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap. I just- I just don't want to talk about him. It still hurts." I said, gulping.
"It's alright. Instead of going back to the hotel, let's go get ice cream." He said and I looked at him in surprise.
"It's almost midnight Ethan. Plus, we're dressed up. People are going to stare at us." I said and he chuckled.
"Exactly, it's almost midnight. No one is going to be around." He said smartly and I rolled my eyes.
"Will the shop even be open?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yes, it's always open till late." He said.
"How do you know?" I asked curiously and he sent me a cheeky wink.
"May have been a few times, when I'm in my feels of course." He said and I laughed, not noticing that Ethan had been staring at me.
"Aww." I said as he pulled in to park the car.
We got out of the car and walked inside, Ethan in front, since I was too shy, just in case there were people inside.
There was no one inside apart from a guy at the counter staring at the walls in boredom.
"Um hello." The guy said when he noticed us coming in. He assessed us, frowning at why we were dressed up so elegantly. His eyes landed on Ethan and he put on a big smile.
"Ethan! You're back. I knew it wouldn't be too long before you came back again!" The guy, who's name was Clark said cheerily.
"You know each other?" I asked, sort of surprised. Clark looked around 18 or 19.
Clark nodded his head and Ethan shrugged.
"Like I said, I've been here a few times." He said and Clark scoffed.
"A few times? You come here like every single day." He said and I smiled at Ethan in amusement, as he looked embarrassed.
"Whatever. Get me the usual Clark." He grumbled.
"What would you like?" Ethan asked me and I looked at all of the options.
"Can I have the cookie dough one please?" I asked Clark and he nodded.
Once he gave us our ice creams, Ethan was about to whip out his wallet to pay, but Clark shook his head and denied the money.
"It's on the house." He said and Ethan rose an eyebrow.
"What's the special occasion?" He asked and Clark smirked and nodded at me.
"This beautiful lady." He said and Ethan rolled his eyes. I smiled sweetly at Clark and Ethan narrowed his eyes.
"So I've been a loyal customer. Coming here every single day, and yet I still pay. Every. Single. Day." Ethan emphasised. Clark shrugged at Ethan.
I patted Ethan on the shoulder.
"Tough luck pretty boy, now come on, let's go sit at a table." I said and he followed after me.

Me and Ethan talked for hours and ordered more rounds of ice cream. I was so grateful to have Ethan, I knew he wanted me to take my mind off of things. He made me laugh and I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun.

We were now at my hotel door, since Ethan insisted on walking me right up to my room, despite me saying it would be fine.

"Thank you for tonight Ethan. I really appreciate it." I said and hugged him. He hugged me back, but didn't let go, so his arms were loosely around my waist.
"Iris." He began and I leant back and looked at him. He looked like he was hiding something and I saw him gulp.
"I really wish something more could've happened between us." He admitted and I looked at him in shock. I didn't know what to say, but I saw the pain behind his eyes. Being romantically involved with Ethan would've been great, but I guess my heart wanted Grayson.
I removed myself from Ethan's arms and sighed to myself sadly and frustratedly.
I didn't want to think of Grayson, but I couldn't help it.
"I'm sorry Ethan. You already know-"
"Yeah... Grayson." He said and paused, looking down at the floor. He suddenly looked up, covering his pained expression.
"Anyways, just forget about this. I just wanted to let you know how I felt. You'll always be my friend Iris, and I'll always be there for you." He said, reassuring himself more than me.
"Goodnight Iris." He said and stepped forward to kiss my cheek lightly. I didn't say anything and watched him go. My heart slammed in my chest forcefully, as my eyes landed on Grayson, who was standing there staring at us two, looking furious.

A/N:
I added a little bit of Ethan and Iris moments for those who are on Ethan's side.
I think this chapter is interesting lol, anyways I'm debating atm.
Should I download twitter? I'll make like a wattpad account and keep you guys updated on what would be happening with this book, and future books. Would you guys like that? Please comment and let me know.
Hope you guys enjoyed!
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Until then ♠️