“Has she always been this way?” I murmured as we went home well after midnight.
“Yes. It was wild when I was a kid. Back then, we had a house, but it’s the same wherever she is.” He shrugged as he unlocked the door. We walked inside, smelling the lingering scent of the food in our apartment.
“God, no.” I gripped my stomach, and Gray chuckled as he turned on one of our wax melters for the night.
“Here you go. It almost makes me hungry again.” I moaned as I walked to the bedroom to slip into some stretchy shorts.
We sipped one last beer together in bed, talking about the night. “I love you, Hayden,” Gray told me, smiling. “Did you have a good time?”
“It was magical.” I smiled, and he squeezed my hand. “I’ve never felt that way before.”
“I’m glad you were here.” He leaned in for a kiss, and I closed my eyes. “I’m sorry things got dark for a while.”
“It’s okay,” I replied, feeling like we moved past it. He kissed me again, and our tongues danced together.
“Are you too full for some fun?” He whispered in my ear before kissing my jaw.
“Never. We need to work off some calories.” I chuckled, and he slid his hand under my shorts.
The rest of the weekend was about food and family, which was a word I used easily now. I was in love with my boyfriend, my best friends lived just above me, and I had a growing family.
When we took Jackson and Amy to the airport first thing Monday morning, there were a lot of tears and hugs. Gram didn’t make the drive, but they had a long goodbye at the apartment.
Amy promised that she’d keep in touch with Mari and Becca as they hugged each other again. I shook hands with Jackson and watched as he pulled his girlfriend into his arms. This was a perfect mix of happy couples and something I’d never been a part of.
I walked out with Becca, Mari, and Gray to the car. I felt eyes on me, glancing over to see Ryan standing by his car as he stared me down. His eyes moved over my friends and boyfriend, filling me with rage.
“Leave me alone. Leave all of us the fuck alone.” Gray stared at me, and Becca and Mari jumped.
“What the hell?” Gray asked as he looked around. “Ryan?” He gazed at me, and I nodded. “Stay the hell away from my family.”
“Family? They’re a mess, and I feel bad for you.” Ryan looked cold as he looked us over again. “Why the fuck are you here… Maria, is it?”
“Are you kidding me right now?” She asked as I held my hand up.
“Don’t bother. Let’s go.” I got into the car, and everyone else followed. “I’m so done with him.” I didn’t know what happened with the apartment fire and his involvement. It didn’t matter now.
“Good. He’s an asshole.” Mari told us, sounding like she was going to lose it. “Why did you date him, Hayden?”
“I was an idiot. I hadn’t met my true love yet.” I reached out to squeeze Gray’s hand. He started the engine, and we pulled out of the parking lot, heading home. We discussed whether or not we should feel threatened during the brief drive, mostly for the sake of Gram.
The apartment was older, with a fence that wound around the building. It also had a locked door at the entrance.
Gray told me that he’d amp up the security around the building, starting tomorrow morning. We were just down the street from the police and fire department, so we had that on our side. Gray warned the girls always to be careful walking in, both during the day and at night. Becca was quick to say that went without anyone suggesting it.
“Has she always been that sharp?” He asked once we were inside our apartment.
“Pretty much. She’s always been street smart.” I said as we walked to our apartment. “Want to see Gram?”
“She’s usually feeling a little sad after Jackson leaves. There’s a sad time after the holidays for her.” He smiled. “I’ll check on her later tonight, but first, I need some alone time with my boyfriend. What was it you called me in the car?”
“My true love.” I smiled.
“Let’s seal the deal on that for a while.” We locked the door and went to our bedroom, making love until we dozed off. I had to work that night, showering later than normal and grumbling as I left. Gray went to check on Gram after a goodbye kiss, while I drove to the theater with Becca.
She made me several coffees to get through the night. Everyone was asking me about my holiday, and for the first time in my life, I could say that it was wonderful. It brought me out of my mood as I helped backstage, watching every scene play out. We were finishing one play and moving onto Christmas ones after this to celebrate the season.
“Do you think you’ll try out for something soon?” Kyle asked me backstage as we watched a dance performance.
“I think I will,” I replied, considering my answer. It would mean more time spent at the theater, but not working as I had been. I’d be doing something I loved. Gray would support that because we wouldn’t be avoiding each other. He’d support me.
“A Christmas Story is coming up. That will be a blast.” He smiled, and I nodded in agreement. We were having fun with the first play, moving to something more serious a week before the holiday. I knew I didn’t have to try out if I just went for a small part.
I felt wired after work, and Becca called Mari and Gray to meet as at the diner around the corner for a late dinner. Mari grumbled a bit since she was more of an early bird. Gray was up working anyway, so he drove them to meet us. Becca pulled her into the booth, kissing Mari as her girlfriend playfully grumbled
“I trust that work went well?” Gray asked after we shared a warm kiss.
“It was great. Becca kept making me drink coffee all night.” Gray rolled his eyes. “That’s why you’re here.” I grinned at my best friend. “We’re also starving.”
We chatted about life over the breakfast platters that we ordered, sipping coffee while Mari drank herbal tea. She enjoyed sleeping, and with the way that she worked so hard at the gallery, Mari deserved it. But the way her eyes glowed as she looked at her girlfriend, it was worth it to stay up a little later some nights.
I told Gray about the upcoming play later at home in bed. He assured me that he supported my passion, pulling me close to kiss my hair. “I can’t wait to see you in action.”
“You see me in action all of the time,” I teased him with a firm kiss.
Chapter Eleven
Gray
It seemed like December came the day after Thanksgiving, though it was close. Gram and Hayden each wanted fresh trees, and I suggested that we wait to get them. They didn’t like my suggestion of artificial trees that would be unaffected as long as they were up, telling me that that wasn’t a real Christmas tree.
“When did you become such a holiday snob?” I asked Hayden once we were in our apartment.
“Gram told me how much better a fresh tree is. I want the smell and the feel of real pine needles.” He went to the kitchen, dropping the keys on the counter. I had been cutting down trees for Gram since I could hold a hatchet, so I was familiar with her stance. I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it for two trees that would surely turn into three once the girls got the idea in their heads.