Eleanor & Grey(83)
Tears filled her eyes as she walked over and wrapped me into a hug. “You are the son I always prayed for.” That choked me up more than she knew. After a moment, she pulled back and placed her hands on my cheeks. “Now go,” she whispered, her voice filled with nothing but love. “Fly.”
47
Eleanor
Once I’d received my cardigan from Greyson and the girls, I wouldn’t take it off. I wore it out to my birthday dinner with Shay. When we made it back to the apartment, I curled up on the couch with my newest novel, and even though I wanted to dive deep into the world of my characters, I couldn’t. My focus was shot, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Greyson.
Out of all the gifts I’d ever received, that dragonfly cardigan was at the top of my list.
After time passed and I’d only gotten through eight pages of my novel, I put the book down for the evening.
When my thoughts wouldn’t remain silent, I pulled out my phone and began typing an email.
FROM: [email protected] TO: [email protected]
DATE: August 24th, 10:34 PM
SUBJECT: Dragonflies
Greyson, I just wanted to thank you for today. You have no clue how much today meant to me…how much this cardigan means to me. I would come over now to thank you again in person, but I would start crying like a crazy person, and I don’t want you to have to deal with that.
I love it so much, Grey. I’m going to treasure this forever.
Also, today I was talking to Karla, and I realized something that might help you with reconnecting with her. It might be a small step, but maybe it’s something worth looking into.
She feels lost, and she feels like you don’t really trust her in a way. I think showing a little trust might go a long way, even if it’s just letting her take care of Lorelai for a few hours a week. She’s really great with her sister, and I think it might make her feel a bit more independent and useful in a way.
Again, just an idea. Feel free to ignore it. I just wanted to pass it on.
-Ellie
FROM: [email protected] TO: [email protected]
DATE: August 24th, 11:02 PM
SUBJECT: Re: Dragonflies
Eleanor, I’ll take any tips and tricks you can think of.
Thank you.
Also, there’s this big launch party happening for EastHouse’s new line of whiskeys. My friend Landon is coming to host it, and it’s going to be a big event. Would you and Shay like to attend? I remember parties not really being your scene, but you are more than welcome to bring your own book.
I’ll make sure you have an antisocial corner to hide in.
-Grey
FROM: [email protected] TO: [email protected]
DATE: August 24th, 11:09 PM
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Dragonflies
Grey, You had me at antisocial corner to hide in.
We’ll be there.
-Ellie
FROM: [email protected] TO: [email protected]
DATE: August 24th, 11:17 PM
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Re: Dragonflies
Happy birthday, Ellie.
I hope all of your dreams and wishes came true.
-Grey
48
Eleanor
The night of the whiskey launch, Shay and I got ready at Greyson’s guesthouse. Greyson had arranged for the three of us to ride there together in a limousine, so it made sense for us to get ready at his place.
The event was supposed to be one of the biggest of the year, and with Landon being the celebrity guest and inviting his other celebrity friends, I knew it was going to be a wild night.
Even so, I brought a big enough purse to hold the novel I was currently reading, because the introvert within me was still alive and well.
“Does this look okay?” Shay asked, smoothing out the black gown that fit her perfectly. She looked freaking incredible, but that wasn’t hard for her to do. She could’ve worn a potato sack and looked like a million bucks.
“It’s amazing,” I said, stunned by her beauty. I turned back to my mirror and put on red lipstick, the finishing touch to my whole look. “And me?”
I was wearing the fanciest golden dress I’d ever seen, thanks to Shay. She took me shopping for it, and once I tried it on and noticed it sparkled alluringly when I turned, I thought it was overwhelmingly over the top, but Shay had convinced me that Hollywood was too much, which meant the dress was perfect.
We finished getting ready, slid on our high heels, and then headed over to Greyson’s. The limo was already sitting outside waiting for us, and when I saw that, a knot formed in my stomach. This was going to be the weirdest night of my life, I was certain of it.
“Do you think Chris Evans is going to be there?” Shay asked as we approached the front porch. “I need Captain America to be there. Or Chris Hemsworth, or hell, Chris Pratt. Honestly, I’m not picky. I just need a Chris.”
“Are you sure you don’t need a Landon?” I joked, mocking her first high school crush.
Her face tensed and she made a gagging sound. “You know what’s worse than dating a boy who becomes a famous celebrity and therefore being forced to see his face everywhere? You know what’s worse than that?”