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“You’re only struggling because you haven’t attempted to sell your work yet.”
I grinned. “I think you’re a little biased.”
“I appreciated your art well before I found out you were great in bed.”
A loud laugh erupted from my mouth and the couple on the next table looked my way, making me wince. “You need to get me out of here.”
Grayson smirked and rose from the table, holding out his elbow. I latched on like he was a life preserver, and he guided me towards the entrance.
As he helped me slip on my long winter coat, a female voice sounded from behind us.
“Grayson? Is that you?”
I turned to find a petite brunette with large brown eyes, standing before us, grinning ear to ear.
“Staci, hi,” Grayson said reluctantly, leaning over to greet her with a hug.
Her eyes met mine over his shoulder and her smile faltered. I had seen her face somewhere before, but couldn’t place where.
Staci’s hand remained on Grayson’s arm, making my skin crawl. “I haven’t seen you since…well, you know…” She waved it off. “How have you been?”
“Good. Busy. What brings you to the East Coast?”
“One of Mom’s fundraisers. You know how it is.”
With a quick nod, Grayson smiled tightly before Staci tilted her head in my direction.
As I stepped forward to introduce myself, Grayson’s hand slid around my elbow, steering me away. “Well, it was great seeing you, but we better get going.”
“Oh, okay,” she uttered with a shrug, “I’ll tell Melanie you said hi.”
Ah-ha! Melanie’s Hens’ night! I remembered her, but I doubt she remembered me. She was off her face on God knows what.
We walked in silence for an entire block.
“Well, that was—”
“Awkward, I know,” he blurted, running his hand down his face. “I should’ve introduced you, I’m sorry. I just…”
“Freaked out?” I chuckled, but it was forced. Is he ashamed of me?
“I wasn’t expecting to see anyone from home.”
My pace slowed and I peered up at him. “Would you have taken me out if you had?”
Grayson lowered his eyes, but remained silent.
“Maybe you should take me home.”
“No,” he retorted, before taking my hands in his. “I think it’s time everyone starts getting used to the idea.”
“Are you sure? You were pretty uncomfortable back there.”
“I’d rather Mel heard about you from me, rather than Staci, that’s all.”
I chewed on my lower lip. “Maybe you should talk to her.”
“I’m going to,” he said, with a sad smile. “I’m just waiting for the right time.”
