by E. S Night
wasn’t expecting Riley at all until the end of June but, after mum blabbed to her about me being in hospital, she must have jumped on the first plane back home. I was glad she was back, she always confessed to feeling her mum’s spirit on the island, that’s why Riley seems to come alive again when she comes here.
Chapter Thirteen
Dating for Dummies
“So, what have I missed then? I mean, other than you being a clumsy idiot?” It seemed Riley hadn’t changed - the girl has no filter. I could always depend on her to say what was on her mind.
“You’re not funny.” I said, patting her on the head. “You didn’t have to come back you know?”
“Yes, I did, we have a code – if one of us ends up in hospital the other one has to come and visit them.”
I laughed. “We have never, ever said anything like that to each other and we don’t have a code.”
Riley started tapping me on the shoulders. “Well we should have a code and that should definitely be in it, so come on then – what have I missed? You’ve not texted me in like a week, I’m having withdrawals. Your mum mentioned a guy on the phone, do you have a boyfriend you haven’t told me about?”
“His name is Grayson Hale, he moved here about a month and a half ago.” I hoped to
squash her curiosity.
Riley looked confused by my secrecy. “Why didn’t you tell me about him?”
“It was new, I didn’t want to jinx it and say I’ve got a boyfriend.” I lied through my teeth. I didn’t tell Riley about Grayson for the same reason I didn’t mention that I was in hospital. I didn’t want to talk about everything else that has gone on. Riley would have freaked out and come back to the island. I didn’t want to be the reason she stopped living her life.
“Jinx it? Really? You’re so weird. You know I’m going to have to vet this guy, right? Need to make sure he’s good enough for you.” Riley smiled as she fooled around with my hair.
“Yes, I do.” I said laughing trying to put her hands down to the side.
“Now for the important question – is he cute? AND if he is, does he have any brothers?” She acted serious.
“He is amazing looking and yes from what he’s said he has three brothers.”
“Three brothers! Seems I’ve dropped on little one.” She shouted in my ear.
"Yes, and you’ve not heard the best part – they’re Irish!" I laughed.
Riley jumped up. “No fricking way! I love a good accent. Are any of them single?”
“I think Isaac is 26 - but Grayson made him sound out of bounds. He dropped by with Gray when I was in the hospital, but he seemed a miserable bugger to be honest. Aidan is Anna’s husband – so keep your mitts off and Colton who is our age is adorable and he’s hilarious – he kept bringing me gifts in the hospital.” I smirked.
Riley beamed. “So, you suggest Colton for my next conquest then?”
“I suggest none of Grayson’s brothers for you, I know what you’re like, leave them alone.” I spoke pushing Riles further to side of me.
“What do you mean – you know what I’m like?” She seemed irritated.
Riley was emotionally unavailable, she hasn’t had a real relationship – ever in her entire life. She lost her virginity when she was sixteen to the most popular guy in school; he wanted a relationship with her and then out of nowhere she put a stop to their little fling. I think after Diane died she was too scared of falling in love, I think she couldn’t face losing anyone else. I thought she would have grown out of that by now but, her phobia of commitment has worsened
over the years. I didn’t want Riley anywhere near Colton; it would be like feeding a spider monkey to a lion.
“Stop acting offended, you know it bugs me. All I’m saying is that Colton’s a nice guy and you are – well a fly-by-night kind of girl. He’s more of a relationship type of person and you’re just not.” I tried to be polite but, I was falling flat on my face.
“Well maybe I’ve just not met the right man yet and who the hell says, fly-by-night? You mean slag, say what you mean blonde. Have you ever thought for just one second that this Colton might be the right one?” She spoke, rising from the bed.
“Fine! I’ll see if he’s interested in going on a date with you, okay? But please don’t be stupid with his feelings, I can tell he’s all heart and I don’t want him being just another one on your list.” I feared for Colton’s future mental state.
“I won’t! You have nothing to worry about – I promise. I won’t ruin anything for you and Grayson.” She made clear.
All this catching up was making me hungry. “Thank you, now, what time is it?”
“It’s just gone half twelve, why?” Riley helped
me off the bed.
I pushed her out-of-the-way. “Good, it's dinner time – I’m hungry.”
I spent all afternoon catching up with Riley; we did each other’s hair and make-up whilst stuffing pizza down our throats. She attacked my wardrobe, trying to find an outfit for me to wear for when Grayson came by later. This quality time spent with her, gave me a chance to fill Riley in about what’s been happening on the island. She handled the information well but, that’s probably because she didn’t believe me, I don’t think I would have if it were the other way around.
We heard the doorbell ring. “Is that Grayson?” Riley asked excited to meet him. He didn’t give me a time to expect him, he said he would see me later but, he hadn’t texted me all day.
“Abigail, Grayson’s here!” Mum shouted from the hallway. I was so keyed up for him and Riley to meet. I could hear Grayson and mum whispering to one another as I came out of my room. Riley and I ran downstairs eager to see him; he stood in the doorway holding flowers, dressed to perfection as usual.
“So, this is Grayson? I’ve heard a lot about
you. I’m Riley – her best friend.” She smiled, impressed by Grayson’s appearance.
“Hi Riley, it’s nice to meet you. I didn’t know you were here. I’m sorry if I'm intruding.” He looked at me.
“Well you would have known Riley was here, if you had checked your phone I’ve been texting you all day.” I spoke, irritated by his ignorance.
“I’m sorry, I left my phone at home and I’ve been getting things ready for tonight.” Grayson said, making me regret my sly, little dig.
“Go! The man has planned a date for you. You’ve been stuck in the hospital for over a month - go have some fun. Oh, and Abigail - his accent is amazing!” Riley started pushing me out of the door.
“What about you?” I felt bad about leaving her alone.
Mum put her arm around Riley’s shoulder. “She’ll be fine with us honey, we will keep her busy. Have a good time.”
“Yeah, I’ll chill with Kathryn and Logan – don’t worry about me but if I’m asleep when you get in, wake me up, I want all the juicy gossip.” She winked at Grayson. “Now get out of here you crazy kids, I’ll see you later.” Riley laughed,
shutting the front door.
Grayson handed me the beautiful flowers while we were outside, I couldn’t help but kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck. I had waited all day to do that.
“She seems like a handful.” Grayson said walking off the porch.
I sighed. “You have no idea.”
“So where are we going?” I asked, watching Grayson open the car door for me.
He smiled. “You’ll see, you’ll love it.”
Grayson was right I did love it. We arrived at a restaurant after driving for only ten minutes and Grayson didn’t even get lost this time. He’d made a reservation at Juliet’s garden. He must have remembered me telling him that this was the place my parents had their first date when they were teenagers. I had never eaten here before because it was slightly out of my price range.
My parents continued to come here every year for their anniversary, it felt bittersweet but, it was a beautiful gesture. The restaurant’s view of the harbour was stunning at thi
s time of night; you could even see the other islands in the distance. The waiter led us out to the terrace, it
was a warm evening and Grayson insisted that we sit outside. He had made an impression on the staff. They treated me like a princess, there were roses and glasses of champagne everywhere I looked. He’d ordered almost every single dish on the menu.
I tucked into the ploughman’s crab, it tasted amazing. Grayson’s appetite must have been in full force because he ate almost everything on the table. After we had finished eating, there was no point in arguing over the bill with him because he was just going to win. We sipped on champagne all night and I could feel myself getting a little tipsy.
Grayson seemed nervous; it wasn’t something I’d seen before in him. “I’ve got you a present, I saw it in the jewellery shop in town and I thought of you.” He brought out a small, black case from his jacket pocket.
“You’ve got me a gift? You’ve done so much for me tonight already.”
Grayson opened the leather box; it was a silver necklace with a wolf charm fastened onto it. I stared straight into his brilliant eyes and there was only one thing that came into my mind.
“I’m in love with you.” I spoke, breaking eye
contact with him.
Grayson pulled my face back to look at him. “I love you too.” He confessed kissing me.
Grayson held my hand, pulling me up into a standing position. I heard music coming from inside the restaurant and saw two members of staff smiling at Grayson. The other customers were encouraging me to dance with him. He pulled me into his chest and moved my arm carefully around his shoulder.
“Tell me if it hurts.” “I will.” I said, reaching out to hold his right hand.
We danced to the most wonderful Irish ballad that Grayson had paid the musician to play. Two other couples came and danced with us outside, I was glad because I didn’t much care for the attention we were getting. When the song ended, Grayson kissed me on the cheek and left a cheque for a substantial amount of money to the restaurant owners. My eyes lit up at the number he’d put down as he led me out of the side gate, thanking the staff as we walked out of the restaurant.
“I have one more thing left to show you.” He shared building up my curiosity. Grayson had done so much for me already, what was he going
to do? Lasso the moon? I shuddered to think. We headed back to his car and set off to my next surprise.
Grayson parked the car right near the Garrison Wall. I hadn’t noticed that he had opened my side door; I was too busy looking at the view. He picked me up in his arms and carried me the short distance to my usual spot. It was a night picnic with candles, champagne and strawberries. I couldn't catch my breath; he’d done all of this for me. Grayson placed me on the blanket he’d filled with rose petals laid out on the ground. I knew we were spending the night here when I saw the tent he’d pitched up next to the wall.
“So, this is what you were whispering with mum about?” I smiled at him.
He nodded. “Yes, I was asking for permission from your mum.”
“Are you trying to seduce me Grayson Hale?” I reached for his hand.
“I knew you would say something like that.” He laughed. “I wanted us to spend the night together in your favourite place, that’s all; I’m not expecting anything – that’s not why I did this for you.”
I believed him; I must admit it’s a strange feeling having a man I could trust. “I know, it’s okay – it’s beautiful. This has been by far the best night of my life, thank you for doing this for me.” I pulled him closer. We cuddled for hours, watching the sun go down over the horizon. It became a lot chillier leading us to move into the tent. I kissed him passionately hopefully giving him the idea to take things further; I didn’t even care about my stupid injuries any more. I wanted him.
“I love you.” I was longing for him to touch me. Desire was fuelling our feelings of lust, but I was so nervous, my body couldn’t stop trembling.
“I love you too.” Grayson said, pulling me closer whilst his mouth opened over mine.
He must have been able to feel my body shaking under his touch. “Are you okay? We don’t need to do this. I don’t want to rush you.”
“No, I want to do this, I love you, I’m just nervous I guess, okay - a lot nervous.” I panicked.
He smiled, trying to put me at ease. "There’s nothing to be afraid of, it’s just two people showing how much they love each other, but if
you’re not ready, we don’t need to, and I don’t care Abigail. I didn’t do all of this because I wanted us to -" His words resonated in my mind, I saw in his eyes he was being honest with me. It didn’t make a difference to him at all if we went through with it or not. I knew he was the one I was supposed to be with, it made it feel right. Everything was perfect; I mean the guy had made every effort to impress me.
“No, I want you, I want this.” I pushed my lips closer to his. Grayson’s hands shivered as he rushed over me, caressing my skin and pulling my hips tightly towards his. I could tell he was just as petrified as I was. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.
“Wait, I need to tell you something. You need to know before we -” Grayson stopped himself. Why was he doing this now? There was nothing any more that he could tell me that would make me not want to be with him.
“Nothing else matters, just this - okay? I don’t care about any of it any more, I’m done interrogating you. I love you and trust you - that’s it.” I said, stroking his hair.
“Okay.” Grayson exhaled; letting go of whatever it was he thought he needed to tell me.
“I need you to let me know if it’s too painful or anything.”
“It will be fine; I’m a lot tougher than I look.” I kissed him, drawing his chest nearer to mine.
My body felt electrified, pressing against Grayson’s skin was mind-blowing as he kissed my neck. My lips found his once again, passionately, falling deeper in love with each other.
Chapter Fourteen
Coming Clean
I woke up, still wrapped in Grayson’s arms. I could feel the cool breeze pressing against my skin. He was still asleep. I could never understand why anyone would want to watch someone sleep before, but I did now, I could watch Grayson for hours.
I got dressed, trying not to disturb him as I crept outside. The sunrise seemed particularly beautiful this morning. Suddenly, the tent moved, I heard Grayson shuffling his feet.
“Abigail?” He whispered, walking towards me. “Oh, wow.” Grayson drew his attention to the sunrise.
I smiled at his reaction; it was as if he hadn’t seen one before. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“You’re beautiful.” Grayson enclosed his arms around my chest.
“Last night, was -” I spoke, leading him to interrupt me.
Grayson seemed unsure of himself. “It was wonderful, but Abigail there’s something I need to tell you. I should have told you last night
before –” He explained.
“What you’re about to say – will it make me happier than I am now, or will it make me unhappy?” I joked.
He looked so serious. “I don’t know, less happy.”
“Then I don’t want to hear it, this minute – right now is just so perfect, I want nothing to ruin it.” I held his hands, moving them around my waist.
Grayson hesitated, bothered by something. “Okay - what if I tell you tonight after you come and meet my family for dinner?” I turned around to face him.
“You want me to meet your whole family? Didn’t I meet everyone when I was in hospital?” I laughed.
“Yes, but you’re my girlfriend now and I want them to meet you properly.”
I had the biggest grin on my face. “You’ve not called me your girlfriend before.”
“Well you are – aren’t you?” Grayson smiled.
“Yes, I am – I like hearing you say it for the first time, that’s all and I’ll have dinner with your family if it means that muc
h to you.” I pulled his arms tighter around me.
“Thank you.” He kissed me.
Grayson told Isaac that we would be out of here by eleven. He’d arranged some deal with his brother for us to stay the night without being caught - although, I’m sure Isaac didn’t sign off on our other activities. We got our stuff together and headed for the car. Grayson dropped me off at home, leading him to kiss me again.
“I’ll pick you up at five, that okay?” He asked.
I beamed. “Yes, I’ll be ready, see you later.”
“Abi, I love you.”
“I love you.” I smiled, walking inside the house. I knew as soon as the door slammed shut Riley and mum would interrogate me. The game twenty questions has nothing on these two – try a thousand questions.
I heard a voice from upstairs echoing throughout the house.“She’s back!” Riley shouted causing me to enter the living room. Logan was playing with the laptop on the couch, unnerving me with his smile. I heard Riley and my mum running down the stairs. Even Konrad had fallen victim to his curiosity and appeared through the garage door into the kitchen.
“Hey kid, how was your date?” Konrad bellowed, walking closer.
“How did it go?” Mum asked as I sat next to Logan; I had a feeling this line of questioning would go on for a while.
I coughed. “It was perfect - everything was faultless. He’s taking me for a meal with his family tonight, will you be okay Riley?” I asked, feeling awful about leaving her for two nights in a row.