Page 53 of Grayson

I can’t look at Tori because the memories of that call were tugging at my emotions.

“We weren’t able to save them, because less than two minutes later there was an explosion somewhere in the house and the upstairs floor gave way.”

“They died.” I nod as I clear my throat.

“The news covered the story and seeing the pictures of the man and his child hit us all pretty hard. Alcohol doesn’t fix anything, it doesn’t make the memories disappear, but after shift all of us went to Ruby’s and tried anyway.”

“Smart,” she mumbles and the corner of my mouth tips up. I love this kid and her sarcasm, even when it’s directed at me.

“I passed out on my living room floor, after a couple buddies dropped me off. I don’t even remember locking my door. But I woke up from someone knocking and to be honest I thought it was Skye.”

“No, it was one of your fake bimbos with the loud squeals.”

“Are you ever going to let that go?”

“Probably not.” At least she’s honest.

“Anyway, nothing about what took place after I opened that door was planned. I didn’t invite Gia in?—”

“Gia,” she says in a mocking tone that makes me laugh.

“She followed me when I darted for the bathroom, emptying the excessive amount of alcohol I’d consumed.

“She made ya puke huh? She a dog? Is it the whole beer goggles thing, she looked better when you were hammered and when you’re not it’s like waking up next to an ogre.”

“Something like that.” I chuckle before continuing on. “Gia is one of those girls that doesn’t like to lose. When I told her to leave in front of everyone is was a hit to her ego. But she and I were never a couple.”

“Just screw buddies.” This is one of those moments when Skye would have chastised her for her choice of words, so I hold her stare and she rolls her eyes. “Okay, bedroom buddies.”

I can’t help it, I smile. “Truth is kid, there isn’t anyone out there that will out beat you and your sister.”

I notice how quickly her mouth presses into a tight line. I’ve placed another little knick in her armor.

“I don’t let people in, yeah, I’ve got the guys and my family, even Rose.”

“Rose?” She narrows her eyes. “Is this another one of your many that is going to create drama?”

“Rose is sixty-two, the station Granny and her and I have never crossed a line.”

Immediately Tori cracks a smile before quickly biting her lips to hide it.

“She bakes like a goddess and aside from my family and the guys at the station she is the only person I’ve ever loved, besides you and Skye.”

I watch and wait for her reaction. The way she nibbles on the inside of her cheek and looks to the mattress, instead of making eye contact.

“I didn’t kiss Gia, I didn’t invite her and I have no intentions of ever doing so. Not with her or any other woman outside of your sister.

“Gross.” She wrinkles her nose in disgust but I know it’s only her way of hiding her feelings.

“I meant what I said about not hurting Skye. It was never my intention and it kills me knowing that you don’t trust me now to follow through on that.”

She lifts her gaze to meet mine. “The two of you are part of my family, and no matter what, I am loyal and honest with my family.”

36

Skye Simmons

My stomach is in knots and has been since Grayson entered Tori’s room. I keep waiting for the sounds of someone screaming in pain, or sirens. Tori doesn’t forgive easily, she doesn’t forget either.

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