Shadows and Stars ✔

Chapter Thirty Three

The first half of another working week has come and gone before my eyes.

In Westminster, the rain pours, saturating my coat.

As I fly into the huge lecture theatre, I'm grateful to be able to take a seat towards the back; I don't have the energy today to partake in classroom discussions. With everything clouding my mind recently, I set my head upon the desk as I wait for the class to commence.

Grayson and I have only spoken a few times since Saturday, and I still don't know who he met that night, but I have to move on from it. Or at least try.

But I'm happy that he's still interested in me—so much so that he wants to see me again—but my busy schedule somewhat prevents me from making plans with him at the moment.

Or maybe in the back of my mind I'm worried that there really is someone, or something else, going on that I don't know about, and therefore I'm putting him off.

With all my thoughts fuelling my self-doubt, I decide not to respond to Grayson's latest message about organising another date. Sighing, I place my pen to my lips, watching as the female lecturer enters and begins talking about strategic planning.

During her speech, my phone vibrates. I quickly take it from my bag, Hailey's name flashing in front of me:

Mia, we're going to throw a Halloween party at our house in a couple of weeks. Just wanted to check you're cool with it too? (Please?)

I smirk at the screen, but immediately reply:

Fine, as long as you stay out of my room...

I've sort of neglected the party scene recently, mostly due to my exhaustion from work, but also because of the time I've spent with Grayson. But a part of me is excited to let my hair down again.

When my lectures are done for the day, I grab myself a sandwich and coffee and decide to head home. The tubes are jam-packed, as normal, and by the time I finally make it back to my front door I feel I'm ready to take a nap.

     "Welcome home," Hailey calls from the lounge. She's lay with her feet up on the arm of the sofa and is stuffing her face with crisps. I swear she spends more time at home than at University.

I join her, slipping my Converses off onto the floor and pinching some crisps from the bag. "Hey," I reply flatly.

     "And what's wrong with you?" She asks, one eyebrow raised.

     "Tired. Some weeks really do feel so long."

Work has been particularly busy this week as we continue to work on the launch of the winter collection. Michael has been somewhat demanding and Danny has been on annual leave, which has meant that I've helped with picking up his work too.

     "And what about Grayson?" Hailey asks, her face even more curious than before."

     "What about him?" I ask, my eyes on the TV.

     "Have you spoken to him? Are you going to meet up again?" Hailey's inquisitive as always.

I stare to the floor, thinking over the answer to that question. I'm still not sure on the current 'status' of our relationship, and I still haven't replied to him. So who knows really.

     "We've spoken a few times," I say. "But we haven't arranged to meet again." Part of my answer isn't true, but Hailey doesn't need to know that.

As much as I want to see Grayson again, I'm worried that I think our 'relationship' is something more than he thinks it is. I can tell by Hailey's expression, however, that she thinks I'm being stupid.

     "Stop overthinking this honey." She smiles judgementally, pushing another crisp into her mouth. "You two are so cute together, you just go. I can tell."

     "Sure," I giggle. "And, we're not together," I remind her.

     "I know, but he would be lucky to have a girl like you at his side."

I blush, but dismiss the thought as my eyes fly back to the rubbish TV programme that Hailey's indulging in. I think this one has something to do with blind dates, and I briefly wonder if Grayson and I would match together in one of these shows.

Stop it, Mia.

     "So, I know just what you need to cheer you up!" Hailey booms, running over to me, her arm latched around my neck. "A super cool Halloween party!"

     "I already agreed to this," I laugh.

     "I know, just double checking," she says, winking as she proceeds to the kitchen. Minutes later, she returns with bottle of red wine and two glasses, pouring us a glass each before returning to her spot.

     "So," Hailey continues, sipping the cold red wine. "I was thinking of going as Cat Woman—as standard—what are you going to go as?"

Of course Hailey is going to go as Cat Woman; she always has done for as long as I can remember. I, however, have never really been into the whole 'dressing up' thing. I would usually just wear a black dress and be done with it.

     "No idea," I reply, relishing the refreshing sensation of the wine against my throat.

     "Come on, Mia. You've got to dress up as something. And not just a black dress this year," she teases.

I search my brain for ideas, and finally decide on a bloodied cheerleader.

     "A bloodied cheerleader," I confirm.

Hailey rolls her eyes, but I think she's just happy that I'm dressing up at all. As much as I love the occasional party, dressing up has never been for me.

     "Great!" She squeals, placing her wine on the table and taking out her phone to search for potential outfits. "We've got loads to plan—drinks, decorations, food, oh and a guest list."

I sink into the sofa, allowing my tiredness to consume me. In all honesty, I don't have the energy to plan a party right now.