“So, where’s the new boyfriend?” Megan asked as we all sat around drinking in Johnny’s living room. “Addie keeps telling us about him. Are we actually going to get to meet this guy?”
“Yeah, eventually. He’s catering a wedding tonight, so I probably won’t get to see him until sometime tomorrow. Although Addie and I have a busy day planned, so I don’t know,” I responded. “I don’t know what I’m doing. It seems too good to be true. I thought that with Dillon also, and look how that turned out.”
“You can’t be jaded by that Mal,” Addie chimed in. “This guy seems genuine. The whole set up with all your rules is an interesting concept, but it could work.”
“Rules? What rules?” Steve asked curiously. Addie and Megan knew all about it, but I hadn’t really explained the arrangement to the whole group. It was a little weird to talk about. I explained the whole thing and watched their puzzled faces.
“So I don’t get it. Why can’t you just proceed like a normal relationship? You guys actually discussed specific things you want the other person to do?” Johnny asked. “I don’t understand women. Not one bit.”
“It was his idea, actually,” I responded. “I know it seems weird, but I don’t know. It just kind of works. Neither one of us has had a successful relationship, so I guess we’re just trying to find a way to logically get around that.”
“Mal, no one has successful relationships. No offense Addie and Griffin,” Megan said apologetically to the newly engaged couple. “I mean, even those who make it to marriage, most of those are unsuccessful too. So what’s the point? You’ve just gotta live. Let what happens happen. Go with the flow, love when their worth loving, then get out.”
“Geez, Meg. Could you be any more pessimistic?” Steve responded. “I think it’s actually kind of a cool idea. You get to explain what you want up front, that way no one has to be disappointed with false expectations or miscommunication about what they want. And then instead of some dramatic break-up, which you think about and mull over for weeks before it even happens, you just end it by not showing up for dinner. It’s like a free trial run. I think it could work,” Steve said nodding in agreement.
“Thank you Steve,” I said, winking at him. “Look, I know it’s unconventional. But I don’t know that I would have given this guy the time of day otherwise. I like that he came up with a different approach to the whole relationship thing, that’s all. And it’s only three weeks. How bad can I fall for this guy in just three weeks if it doesn’t work?” I tried to sound confident as I spoke, but I knew I was already in too deep not to be affected by the outcome of this whole thing if it didn’t work out.
Around eleven-thirty, my phone buzzed. I leapt off the couch and into another room to answer it.
“How did the wedding go?” I asked eagerly as I answered the phone.
“It was great, actually. All the food turned out perfectly. The bride and groom were very happy with the whole thing, so I would consider it a success. I’m finally back at my place. Can you come over? I want to show you something,” Greyson asked in his sultry voice.
“Oh yeah? What is it?”
“Saturn is out tonight,” he responded.
“Um, is that like a name for your…”
Greyson cut me off before I continued. “As in the planet,” he said with a soft laugh. “I have a telescope on my patio. It looks really amazing.”
“You want me to come over to see Saturn, the planet, which you already rushed home and looked at before even calling me? Is that some kind of nerd aphrodisiac talk?” I asked playfully.
“Just come, please. I haven’t seen you for three days. It’s killing me. We don’t have to look at Saturn at all, I promise,” he said eagerly.
“That’s more like it,” I responded. “I’m on my way.”
I quickly said goodbye to all my friends, thankful they knew me well enough not to make me feel bad for ditching out on the rest of the night over a guy. I wondered what they would all say about me when I left. This was unusual behavior for me. It’s not like I was all mushy-gushy over Greyson or anything. But still, I typically talked about the bakery more than I ever talked about Dillon, so I think my friends at least noticed that something about Greyson had me a bit more smitten.
As soon as I arrived at Greyson’s condo, his front door opened up and he swept me inside, kissing me hungrily. I had to admit, it felt good to see him after his absence. We stood in the hallway, my body pressed up against his wall. I could feel the outline of his muscles and the protruding bones from his hips as he pressed against me.
“Can I ask you something crazy?” he said between kisses, brushing some hair back from my face.
“As long as it isn’t about astronomy,” I responded playfully.
“Move in with me,” he said softly, kissing my neck.
“That didn’t sound like a question,” I replied, kissing him back.
“Sorry. Will you move in with me? I know it’s way too soon and that probably freaks you out. Maybe it’s completely irrational. But I don’t really care,” he said, kissing my jaw line, making my body shiver.
“Greyson, no way.” I put my hand on his chest, hoping he would actually listen to me. “There is nothing practical about that. Living above my bakery is one of my favorite things. It takes me fifteen seconds to get to work. That’s a big deal at six a.m.,” I answered honestly. “And yes, that is a completely irrational question. It’s way too soon.”
“I missed you,” he said breathily as he continued to kiss me.
“Interested in making up for lost time?” I said with a suggestive glance. He nodded his head and swooped me up, carrying me into his room. Apparently Saturn would have to wait.
Chapter 16
I awoke with my heart pounding, startled by Greyson's sweaty body shaking next to me.
"Greyson, wake up," I said softly. "Are you okay?"
"I hit the water," he said in a haze, running his hands through his thick blond messy hair. "The cliff... I jumped, and then I..." His voice trailed off as he tried to catch his breath. He looked warm and completely out of sorts.
"Can I get you some water or something?" I asked politely.
He shook his head no, and then rubbed his forehead. He looked terrible.
“I have to get to work so I can finish in time for dinner tonight with your family,” I stated. I was a little surprised that I wasn't even bothered by my set plans tonight to see his family since it was Sunday. Something about it seemed comforting.
“I feel awful,” he said sleepily.
“Why? What happened? You feel awful about dinner?” I asked, confused.
“No, I mean I don’t feel well. I think I’m sick,” he muttered. He rolled over onto his back and I felt his forehead. He actually felt feverish.
“Do you think it's from the dream you were having? You’re probably just worn down from the last few days. I shouldn’t have kept you up so late every night on the phone while you were so busy preparing for the job,” I said apologetically.
“It was worth it,” he said with a half smile.
“How about I make you a quick breakfast? Can you break the rule on that?” I asked. He must’ve felt off to not be in the kitchen already cooking for me, something he apparently loved to do.
“Sorry, I don’t think I can eat. I really feel sick,” he said, resting his hand on his forehead.
“Well do you mind if I head into work? I’d love to stay and keep you company, but I really do have a lot to do today,” I said awkwardly. This was one of those girlfriend moments I usually botched, and I wasn’t sure how this would go. Relationship-code probably stipulated that I was supposed to stay home too and take care of him. But, if this was an honest relationship, I really didn’t want to miss a whole day at the bakery when I had so much to do if he was just going to be lying around and resting. I was never good at being sensitive to this type of thing. Although technically, one of my rules stated that he couldn’t complain about me working too much. So I
had a pass on this one, right?
He propped himself up on an elbow and looked at me with sincere eyes. “Go to work. I’m fine, really. I am just going to rest and take it easy today. Don’t even worry about it,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll call you later if I feel better.”
“How about you call me later either way? I’m up for dinner tonight in Reno if you still want to go,” I said honestly. In some way I actually looked forward to getting to spend another Sunday night family dinner with his relatives. I at least felt better prepared and less nervous for it this week.
“Go,” Greyson said one more time, playfully shoving me out of his bed. I turned and kissed his forehead. “Wait,” he said, reaching into the top drawer of his nightstand. “Take this,” he said, handing me a small gold key.
“What is this for?” I asked, confused by it.
“Don’t freak out, Mal. I know you changed the subject and tried to distract me with your sultry eyes last night when I asked you to move in,” he said hesitantly.
“Greyson, I meant what I said. Aside from it being way too soon, and a completely psychotic gesture after just a few days together, it will never work. I live at the bakery, figuratively and literally. I think you’re crazy,” I said half seriously.
“Well just keep the key. You know, in case we’re meeting here and I’m not home yet or something. I want you to have it Mal,” he said sincerely. “It’s just an open gesture. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”
“Fine. But I’m only saying that because I’m late for work and I’ll never win this argument with you, even if I give you twenty reasons why you’re delusional,” I said, kissing his forehead one last time. I put the key on my key ring, vowing to never use it out of principle. I turned and left, and headed into work.
Time flew by at the bakery, which was nice. Addie and I practiced a few new recipes, something we loved to do together. It was always nice finding a new dessert we could add to our ever-expanding menu. Megan stopped by with some Chinese take-out for a quick lunch, which was a welcome break. We planned another group camping trip before the end of summer, which was something we tried to do a few times a year. It was a great way for us to connect with each other in the midst of our busy lives.
By the time I finished up at the bakery around five-thirty, I called Greyson to see how he was feeling.
“I’m so sorry Mal, but I’m really sick. I already talked to my mom and she knows we’re not going to make it to dinner tonight. It’s been a rough day. I’m glad you haven’t been around for it, honestly. It hasn’t been pretty,” he said shyly.
“Well I don’t want the specifics, trust me,” I said with a slight, unexpected giggle. “Do you want me to come by? I can bring some movies or something? Maybe something to eat?”
“I would love to see you Mallory, I really would,” he responded. “But I’m just really out of it. I kind of just want to take a nap, maybe eat some crackers, and crawl back in bed. Can I see you after work tomorrow? I’ve got to feel better by then.”
“Sure thing,” I said sympathetically. I hung up the phone and took a quick shower, trying to think of what I wanted for dinner tonight. I thought about Greyson for a moment, feeling bad that he was so miserable today. Maybe I should make an effort to cheer him up? I wasn’t sure what kind of food he could stomach, but there was a little café near my bakery. I could get some soup and pick up a movie and swing by just for a bit. Just so he would know that I genuinely cared about him. It seemed like the right girlfriend thing to do. In fact, it made me almost giddy to think about it. Just a week ago I felt virtually nothing for this guy, and now I was trying to think of ways to heal him and make his world a little better.
I quickly dried my hair and put on a little make-up. I walked down to the corner café and got two kinds of soup and some fresh bread. I made the ten minute drive to his condo, surprised to see a car I didn’t recognize in his driveway. Perhaps his mom drove up to bring him some food? Or perhaps it was just someone who stopped by to see his roommate Ben, although I didn’t see his car parked in its usual spot either.
I walked up to the door, my arms weighed down by the bag of food I was carrying in. I gently knocked in case he was asleep. There was no answer. I genuinely didn’t want to wake him if he was out of it, but I also didn’t know what to do with all the soup in my arms. I thought for a moment about the key. I figured I could just open the door, set it in his kitchen, and leave him a note. Just a nice little gesture that I stopped by. But then again, I vowed not to use the key. I didn’t want to give into any of his ideas. I knocked softly one more time, but there was still no answer.
Reluctantly I turned the key in his door and unlocked it, quietly making my way in. As I walked down the hall towards the kitchen, I could hear voices out on the patio. Suddenly Greyson made eye contact with me. He walked back in the house towards me. He was still shirtless with messy hair like I had left him this morning. Although instead of a happy greeting, he looked angry and annoyed.
“Hi. Sorry. Maybe I should have called,” I said, hearing another voice coming from outside.
“Mal, this is really bad timing,” he said, shaking his head.
“What’s going on?” I asked, as a tall pretty blonde girl walked up behind him. She had on tight jeans and a low cut shirt.
“Who’s this, Greyson?” the woman asked skeptically.
Who’s this? Shouldn’t I be asking that question?
“Look Mal, I don’t… I just…” Greyson’s voice trailed off and he looked defeated.
“I’m sorry, I thought you were sleeping so I used the key. This is exactly why I shouldn’t have a key,” I said, setting the bag of food down on the counter. I angrily grabbed my keys back out of my purse and fumbled to pull his key off the key ring. I tossed the key onto his kitchen counter, shaking my head.
“Wow, she has a key Greyson?” the blonde woman asked snidely. She glared at me, her blue eyes full of judgment.
“Mallory, look. I… She, I mean I…” Greyson stammered.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you. I should have called first,” I said with a shaky voice. “I thought you were sick. I just brought you some food.” I turned and began walking back down the hall towards the front door, fighting back burning tears that began to well up in the corners of my eyes. I couldn’t comprehend what I had just walked in on.
“Mallory, wait,” Greyson said, still trying to get his words right. “It’s not what you think,” he said sincerely.
“Well maybe I’m not thinking anything at the moment,” I said angrily, turning to face him. I really was so caught off guard by this beautiful woman in his condo, I wasn’t sure I had any rational thoughts at all.
Suddenly a small child, probably around two or so, walked up towards us and grabbed on to the woman’s leg.
“Mal, just let me explain,” Greyson pleaded, gazing down at the boy.
“Come on Grey, let’s give them a minute,” the woman said, picking up the child.
Grey?!
The woman stepped back a few feet, but was still very much within conversation range.
“I think I’ll go. I really just came by to drop off the soup. Maybe you can call me tomorrow or something,” I said, my voice wavering.
“Mallory, this is Brianna,” he said cautiously.
“Brianna? As in your dead fiancé?” I exclaimed.
“You told her I was dead?” the woman said angrily to Greyson.
“No. Who said anything about her being dead?” Greyson asked, confused. "How do you even know about Brianna?"
“Ben told me about her,” I huffed. “You never mentioned her, but Ben did.”
“Ben is telling people you have a dead fiancé? Is that some weird wingman thing to help you get the girl?” Brianna asked angrily.
“Look, Mal,” he said apologetically.
“I thought she was out of your life a couple years ago,” I said sternly, staring directly at Greyson.
“She was. I mean she is,” Greyso
n responded. “She just showed up here. I didn’t know she was coming.”
“Why is there a two year old boy with her, Greyson? I suppose there is an explanation for that as well? You know I suck at math and all, but if this has been over for two years…” My voice trailed off. My body felt hot and I didn’t even feel present in this moment. I felt so disconnected from whatever was happening in front of me that my limbs felt numb. I carefully turned to walk back down his front steps. He followed after me.
“I swear it’s not what you think, Mal. I haven’t seen her for years,” Greyson said as I headed outside and climbed in my car.
“You never even mentioned her, Greyson. All that time we spent talking, getting to know each other. You never mentioned one word about her,” I said, starting up my car.
“If you knew about her why didn’t you ask me?” he said angrily.
“Oh no. You don’t get to put this on me, Greyson. I thought she was dead. Why would I want to bring that up? Had that actually been true, that would be pretty insensitive of me to make you talk about something traumatic you hadn’t even told me about in the first place. Goodbye, Greyson. I wish I could say this has been fun, but I’m pretty sure this is a worse ending than any other sunken relationship I ever had.” I backed my car out of the driveway and headed back home.
The drive felt infinite, and hot tears poured down my cheeks. I was beyond angry. Worse than that, I was hurt. Completely broken. How did this guy get me to trust him so quickly? How did this fall apart so fast?
I finally pulled into my apartment lot and ran up the metal steps. I opened up my front door, slammed it behind me, and fell face-first on my couch, letting the tears flow freely. I didn’t cry after Dillon told me I was unlovable. But this… This was real. It was real, and it hurt, and it sucked.
Six Rules: Book Two in the SIX Series Page 9
