Page 4 of Grayson

Gia arches her brow.

“Visitor’s parking is halfway across the parking lot.”

“So I shouldn’t be taking up one of your spaces.” She smiles, walking toward me. “If you follow me out you can move your bike to the space I’m occupying.”

She pauses before me and the way she is looking at me makes me think she may kiss me. But we’ve never had that type of arrangement. So when she nudges me with her shoulder instead and she pushes past me I’m relieved.

Grabbing my spare motorcycle key, I follow her out and hurry to move my bike over into the space she parked her car in overnight.

Locking the steering wheel, I jog back up the stairs and move down the hall knocking on the neighbor’s door.

I’m just about to knock a second time when the door flies open and the sassy teen that read me shit earlier fills the doorway. I had hoped it was the older cute brunette that hid in the entryway.

The older version didn’t say anything, only stared at me with an annoyed expression her face.

“Bike’s moved.”

Still she simply stares.

“Sorry about that.” Damn this girl had balls the size of grapefruits. She doesn’t shy away, doesn’t even flinch, just challenges me with an irritated smirk. “One of my friends dropped it off for me, they didn’t know which space was mine.”

“Then what’s the excuse for all the other times you’ve parked there?” Crossing her arms over her chest she only arches a brow and purses her lips.

“Not safe to drive after I’ve had a few drinks so it gets delivered.”

“Why drive if you’re going to be too loaded to drive yourself back every time you go out?”

“Good question,” I respond with a chuckle.

“Hmm.” She shrugs, looking displeased with my intrusion on her time. “I’ve got things to do so.” She starts to push the door closed and I reach out to stop her.

“I’m Grayson.”

She stares at me again.

“Grayson Hawk,” I add, holding out my hand and she glances down but doesn’t move to accept the gesture.

“Was there something else?” the girl asks and looks back up at me.

Was this kid for real?

Before I can say another word, she is answering for me. “Good then, bye now.” The door is closed and I’m left in the quiet hallway staring at the number six mounted on the metal before me. I’m left with no other option but to laugh as I shake my head and turn back toward my own front door.

“Hello.” I knock on the door as I push it open and step inside. “Dad.” I could hear him chuckling mixed with my uncle’s laughter.

Walking through the living room and into the kitchen I find my father, his best friend Willis, and my uncle Issac surrounding his old table made out of reclaimed wood.

“Look what we have here.” Uncle Issac points at me with the neck of his beer as my dad looks back over his shoulder.

“Hey, boy,” he offers while tossing his cards down on the table. “Full house,” he adds, turning back around. “Beat that,” Willis groans and Uncle Issac throws his own on the table and leans back in his chair.

“Kid, I’m thinking your ole’ man cheats.” I will always be kid to all of them, no matter how old I get.

“Oh he definitely cheats.” I grab a beer and pull out the only chair left. “Got room for another?”

“No Ruby’s tonight?” I glance around the table to find all three of them watching me. It’s almost like they have something to say but are holding back.

“No, no Ruby’s.” I tip back the bottle and take a swig, before carefully eyeing them all. “Go ahead.” I wave a hand giving them the okay to carry on. Uncle Issac chuckles and Willis goes right for it.

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