Chance Encounter - Jerry Cole Page 0,25
there wasn’t a time that we would’ve invited Vivian and her mom. Gram did meet her, but she stood by Gray’s decision to cut her out of his life. Even the girls were pulling back as Vivian seemed to get needier, wanting their life back.
Amy was their new best friend, and they had a blast together. Thanksgiving was full of food set up throughout the building as planned, with the appetizers in our apartment. I memorized every smile that crossed Gram’s face and laugh that filled the room. The food was incredible. By the time we finished various pies for dessert in the girl’s bohemian themed apartment, I had sworn never to eat again.
The girls did a little shopping that night and early Friday morning, buying some things for Gram and themselves. We stayed home and groaned about being full as we watched a movie with Gram. She warned us that Friday was a leftover day as well as when she made the huge pot of soup for the weekend.
“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