I laugh wildly as we fishtail, the wind rushing past us once the wheels gain traction against the sand. Grayson drives like a bat out of hell, taking turns at a far higher speed than I dared, zigging and zagging and racing over hills quick enough for us to go airborne for a second or two before landing and continuing onward.
Shawn would never believe me if I told him Grayson is the daredevil he should have been worried about all along. Not that our agent will hear a word about this.
As our hour draws to a close, Grayson drives us back in the direction of the attendant. He barely slows, only slamming on the brakes in the last couple seconds, turning the wheel harshly such that we spin twice in a controlled slide before coming to a perfectly parked position beside the other vehicles.
“Good God,” I say to Grayson, more than a little impressed. “If we ever need a getaway driver, you’re up.”
He chuckles, straightening his cap once more before unclipping himself. The attendant’s eyes are big as we walk his way. Grayson slaps the keys onto the counter in front of him. “Thanks. That was fun.”
The guy’s eyes stay on my friend as he walks off. “Is that…?”
“Yep,” I answer.
His gaze pings my way next. “And you?”
I give him a wink. “Sure am.”
I chuckle to myself as I follow Grayson through the nearly empty parking lot. We slip into my vehicle, Grayson smiling almost serenely as he gazes out the window.
“Hungry?” I ask, fairly sure I know the answer.
“As a horse.”
We decide on takeout, bringing it back to the hotel so we can eat in privacy. Grayson wolfs down his burger at the tiny table inside our room, finishing it in four bites. I eat a little slower, my heels on the end of the bed, our drapes open to let in some light.
“We should do this more often,” I tell him.
“What? Disregard theno reckless behaviorpart of our contracts?”
I huff a laugh. “No. Just…get out. Go somewhere. Madison is in college now, you’re divorced, we can just…go.”
“When we’re not filming?”
I shrug. “Or film less.”
Grayson looks at me carefully, chewing his fries before speaking. “You want to take a step back?”
“Maybe,” I admit. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Shit’s about to change for us anyway. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to…slow down a little. It might be nice, actually.”
Grayson considers that for a long moment. “What would we do?”
I lean toward him, my grin huge. “We could see all the places we’ve wanted to visit but haven’t had a chance to. Go skydiving. Read more. Find the most obscure antiques shops in the tiniest towns across the world. Finally learn how to make meringue.”
He looks amused. “That’s quite the varied list.”
“We could do whatever we want, Gray,” I say more seriously. “We could even sit at home and do nothing at all. We could be so boring the world forgets about us.”
Grayson’s smile is rueful. “Somehow, I doubt that’s possible.”
“Then we ignore them.” I drop my feet to the floor, my heart hammering. I’m not sure how to explain this frantic edge I’m feeling. Even so, I try my best. “In a few years, we’ll be fifty.Fifty. We’re not young anymore. Our lives could easily be half over, and I just… I want to make the most of what I have left. With you.”
Grayson swallows heavily, his lips pressing together for a moment as if he’s doing his best to stow his emotions. Pushing away from the table, he stands and motions for me to do the same. The second I’m out of my seat, Grayson’s arms come around me tight. He’s safe and warm, and my breath stutters with it.
My friend speaks softly. “We have time. What is it you said to me the other day? It’s just now hitting you?”
I nod, my throat tight.
“I know what this is, Ez. I knew the moment you asked me to move in what you were really asking. I said yes, and I mean it. It’s you and me. For the rest of our lives. Unless you get sick of me.”
