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Caroline shifted uncomfortably in the Chesterfield lounge and William’s back straightened.
“There was no need to get us anything,” muttered Grayson’s mum as she quickly unwrapped the present. She pulled out a small frame and stared at the image inside.
I watched on nervously. “Grayson and Adam had just finished working on the monthly projections for Maude. They were so proud of their achievement they didn’t even notice I took the photo.”
Caroline swallowed and William’s body stiffened.
“Let me see that.” Grayson’s grandfather reached for it, but Caroline clutched it to her chest.
“There’s one for you too.” I smiled and Grayson handed over his matching gift. Grandpa quickly unwrapped it. “Oh, Josie. Now I see why Grayson wants you to have an exhibition. This is a beautiful photograph. You’ve captured their personalities perfectly.”
My cheeks warmed and I lowered my gaze.
“To Mr. A. Harlow, love, Josie,” Grayson said, tossing the present over to his brother.
We all watched as he tore away the wrapping to reveal a signed copy of Magnus Brayshaw’s latest album. He burst out laughing, and when Grayson saw the gift, he joined in.
My forehead creased. “You said you were a fan.”
Grayson shook his head as tears formed in the corners of his eyes. “It wasn’t the band he was a fan of.”
Adam winked at me and my mouth fell open. “Oh.” My face fell into the palm of my hand and I groaned.
“Thank you, Josie. That’s actually very thoughtful,” Adam said.
Still chuckling, Grayson found the last gift sitting under the tree. “Ah, to me, love, Josie.” He smiled warmly as I recovered from my embarrassment, and his grin only grew as he unwrapped his gift, carefully pulling out a cookie jar shaped like a Las Vegas slot machine.
“Charming.” Caroline snorted, rising from her chair to leave the room.
Ignoring his mother, I focused on Grayson’s smile. “Look inside.”
He lifted the lid and peered into a jar before erupting into another fit of laughter. Hugging the jar close to his body, he leaned towards me with sparkling eyes. “Best. Present. Ever.” He slid his hand through my hair and pulled me in for a kiss, warming my cheeks.
Adam peeked into the jar full of penis shaped candy and scrunched up his face. “You guys are fucking weird.”
Christmas dinner was a lot less eventful than the night before. Grayson’s grandfather dominated the conversation while Caroline and William spoke endlessly about the Warren family, bringing up Melanie at every opportunity. Adam remained quiet.
Each time Grayson showed affection towards me, his parents shot each other worried glances, making me more and more uncomfortable. So, I did what most people would do: I ate. Christmas dinner was an elaborate spread of roast meats, vegetables, sauces, and desserts, and left me barely functioning as I slipped into a food coma. Grayson took me to bed not long after, and we both fell asleep, wrapped up in each other’s arms.
***
18
The following afternoon, I took Luci for a stroll while I photographed the picturesque gardens. There wasn’t as much snow as the day before, giving me the perfect opportunity to explore more of the vast grounds. I left Grayson to spend time with his grandfather. I could tell they were close and he didn’t see him often, so I decided to make myself scarce for a while.
As the sun was setting, Adam ambled over with an extra coat. “If you’re going to stay out here any longer, you’ll need this.”
I warily slipped it over my shoulders. “Thank you.”
“Still avoiding our parents?”
I chuckled. “Is it that obvious?”
“You really should come inside; your lips are turning blue.”
“It’s a better fate,” I uttered, looking back towards the house.
Adam fell in step as I continued walking. “Listen, I’m sorry,” he said, shoving his hands into his pockets to keep them warm. “If I’d known how deeply Grayson felt about you, I never would have pursued you, or treated you the way I did.”
