Ineedto hear. I need to know this side of Grayson. It will only help because deep down in my heart... I know I should walk away from him. I need a push.
Her voice fills the car, her throat tight and careful, much like a battered woman.
“Grayson? You... you there?”
My heartcracks. She’s calling him. Calling her attacker. Such a confused girl.
Just like me.
His head drops forward, pressing his forehead against the steering wheel.
“What do you want?” he grumbles, annoyed.
So uncaring!
“Are... are you gonna come home?” she squeaks, then sniffles.
He side-glances, his beautiful eyes searching mine. For what, I am unsure, but I keep my expression flat, hiding the gloom and chaos swirling inside.
The silence must rattle Meghan because her voice turns rushed and desperate.
“Grayson. She’s pathetic. Fucking her is charity work. Loving her? That’s just stupid. Youknowthat.”
Well, that’s kinda mean.
His eyes flick to mine, but she continues before he can respond.
“Think about it. She’s trash, baby. White trash. Too immature. Just a wet hole. That’s all she has to offer you.”
Hey now! That’s harsh.
I am about to yell to defend myself, but she bites first.
“You’re a lion, and she’s a pig. Too dumb to know she’s already bleeding. You know she can’t handle you like I can.”
Rude!
My mouth hangs open, stunned as insecurity blankets me.
I peek at Grayson, feeling as inadequate and ugly as Meghan just said I am.
He squints at me, studying. He slams the mute on the display. “Charlotte. Is she right? You know my past now. I scare you, don’t I? You want out, already.”
“Grayson?” Meghan says, confused by the silence.
I stammer as my heart races faster. I just can’t form words.
“That’s what I thought,” he mumbles and looks away. He unmutes the line and says, “Meghan, she’s not the problem. I’m done with Tampa.”
“Done with Tampa?” she repeats, incredulous. “Or done with me?”
“Both.”
“Grayson, please...” But the sweetness curdles fast. Like a viper, she strikes, her spit hitting the mic. “Grayson! If you don’t come homeright now, I swear to God I’ll kill myself! Is that what you want?”
Whoa.
He slumps and sighs, like her threat is meaningless, then grumbles, “Your dad should have pulled out.”
