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“Yeap, a month off. I need some space from mybelovedfamily, so I’m going off grid for a few weeks.”
“Anywhere nice?” Ivy asked, welcoming me into her office, Ethan close behind.
“Honestly, I have no clue. I just need some space.”
“Are you okay?” Ivy questioned, genuine concern in her eyes. “How’s the therapy? The OCD?”
My eyes flicked between her and Ethan.
“We don’t keep secrets, Gray. Not about anything. It’s why we work so well together,” Ethan replied to my unspoken question.
“I’m managing.”
“And will being on your own help?” he asked something I’d not even paused to consider.
I shrugged. “I just want some time to be Gray and not Gray from the Cosmic Gods. It’s a lot. It’s been a lot for years. I don’t think we’ve had more than a weekend off since we signed with the label four years ago, so my therapist is demanding I take some time to myself. I’ll take care of myself. I promise.” I winked at him, but he still looked at me with worried eyes. I hated that look. Pity for the broken boy who couldn’t control his thoughts. “I’m fine. Thank you. Shall we sort the photos and then I can get out of your hair?” I hardened my face, trying to push down the self-hatred that haunted me.
Ivy stepped towards me, running her fingers along my jawline, making my eyes close and my heart pound, remembering her smell, her taste, and the feeling of her body against mine.
“Hey, Grayson. No one is pitying you or feeling sorry for you. We’re just worried. You’re our friend. We care about you. I’ve got an idea. Let’s get this work sorted and have a glass of wine… stay for dinner. In fact, stay the night. At least let us help you decide where to spend your time off. Otherwise, you’ll end up in some dive, counting down the days until you can come back home.”
“I’m making lasagne,” Ethan murmured behind me, and my skin tingled as his warm breath hit my neck.
“I can’t remember the last time someone cooked for me, other than my mum. I don’t want to impose. I’m sure you had plans for a nice, quiet night together.”
“You could never impose, Grayson, I promise. Stay. Please.” She smiled and right then I would have given her anything she asked me for.
“Okay, if you’re sure. It would be nice to have a plan. Winging it isn’t something I’m good at.”
“Do you have a bag with you? Give me your keys and I’ll move your car to the garage and get your stuff out,” Ethan offered, and I loved how cared for I felt. Not cared for because someone was paying them to meet my every whim. Cared for because they wanted to make me happy.
Stop it, Gray. Stop reading into this. It’s dinner and bed for the night. Nothing more.
“I do, but it’s a huge bag, so don’t think I’m trying to move in.”
Ethan smiled, taking my keys.
“Finish off in here, princess, and I’ll open the wine. Red okay?”
We both nodded, and he walked out, closing the door behind him.
“Can we start with a hug, Grayson? I’ve missed you.”
She wrapped her arms around me, and I buried my face in her curls, breathing her in before whispering, “I’ve missed you too, firefly.”
It took us less than half an hour to agree on the photos. They were all stunning. I signed off on the ones Ivy suggested and then chose a whole heap more that I just really liked. Ones where we looked like real people and not the robots of the record label, we all felt like most of the time.
I pulled out my phone and messaged Addi.
Me: Photos all sorted. Ivy will send them over. I’ve also chosen some other great ones. I think we should create a photo coffee table book. Us, behind-the-scenes, type thing. I don’t want to talk about it now. I’m just giving you it as an idea because I will forget. Right, this is me… of the grid for 4 weeks. Love you. Don’t kill Tanner.
Addi: Great idea. I’ll look into it. ‘Take care of you.’
Me: We watch Pretty Woman way too much.
Addi: Have fun. But not too much and promise me - therapy and call me if you feel like you’re slipping.
Me: Promise x
