Hello Stranger

Chapter 18

I decided to help Aaron with the dishes after dinner. He didn't want me to help because I already made the food, but I didn't mind helping. Cleaning was something that helped me to clear my head. 

"What's on your mind?" Aaron asks as he playfully bumps me.

I smile up at him. "Nothing."

"Asher told me you clean when you need to think," Aaron states.

"I know, but I've actually grown to just like cleaning. I thought I'd have something to think about, but I don't know," I answer honestly. I thought the whole Grayson, Jackson, and Joesph thing would've filled my thoughts. But to my surprise, it didn't.

Aaron raised an eyebrow at me, "You sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure," I say happily.

"Can I ask about Grayson?" Aaron asks.

I shrug, "Sure. But you know him better than I do."

"What's going on between you guys?" Aaron asks.

"Nothing," I state. I should've known he would say something about me and Grayson.

"Honestly?" Aaron asks. It was clear he didn't believe it in the slightest.

"To be honest, yeah. Was there something before? Yes. But now I just don't know. I'm just going with the way things are. With everyone," I explain.

Aaron eyes me carefully. "What is your secret?"

"What do you mean?" I ask.

"You're so strong and smart. It's clear that there's more to you than you show. There's more than you're telling. What's your secret?" Aaron questions as he faces me.

I look right back at him. "What's yours? Big fancy house with five teens living here all on their own. Where does the money come from? What secrets lie within this house?" I challenge.

Aaron chuckles lightly, "I did say you're smart, didn't I? But I can assure you it's nothing that concerns you."

"It concerns me as long as I'm staying here," I state. "And I don't share information if I'm not guaranteed any in return."

"You're smart, sweetheart. But I don't think you can handle the answers you're asking for," Aaron replies.

"I don't think you can handle giving me the answers I'm asking for," I push.

"I'm being serious," Aaron says sternly.

"I don't have to tell you that I am too. You know I'm being serious," I reply.

"Okay. You'll get your answers," Aaron says. Someone clears their throat from the kitchen doorway causing us to look in that direction. Grayson stood there in grey sweatpants and a black shirt that clung to his torso. Damn, he looks good. Aaron sighs and places the last dish into the drying rack and heads toward the stairs. "I'll give you two a minute." He pats Grayson on the shoulder on his way out.

I lean against the counter as I watched him. He walked over to the counter that was across from me and leaned against it the same way. "Yes?" I ask trying to remain calm. 

"We should talk," Grayson says as he nervously scratches his neck.

"We should?" I question casually. "About what?" I knew my attitude slip through with that one.

"Are you mad?" Grayson asks.

"No, not anymore," I shrug.

"But you were?" Grayson asks carefully. I nod. "Why?"