Chapter Text
It takes relatively little time to pack up Grayson’s belongings, and it takes half that time to pack what little things I had brought with me from Vantage. Grayson, Alisa, Landon, Oren, and I all sit around in my apartment, drinking coffee and eating snacks while Alisa and Oren figure out the best way to get us to Hawthorne House without notice.
When they tell us the plan, it’s simple. Oren called a guy he knows to bring over a helicopter, which will take us to the airport and then to a private jet. Alisa then called drivers from the Foundation to come pick us up later. Landon handled the paparazzi, planting rumors of a fake location to divert the attention from the airport. The world will know we’re back, just not when.
Grayson’s hand never leaves mine, a comforting anchor to reality so I don’t spiral. I’m sure I would, had it not been for the small, comforting circles he was rubbing on my palm with his thumb. Grayson’s presence brought a sort of calming effect, the opposite of Jameson’s. While Jameson’s excitement and fiery passion were contagious at first, I quickly grew tired of everything being a game. For once I wanted something straightforward. No puzzles, no riddles. Grayson gave me that.
I still had no clue what we were, but it seemed better to not put a label on it. Whatever we were, I knew I wanted him, not Jameson, and that was enough for me. And it seemed Grayson wants me too, so my feelings aren’t unrequited…
Stop it, Avery, I think. Get over yourself, you just broke up with your five-year-plus boyfriend.
Suddenly, Alisa slams her laptop closed. “All right, plane tickets have been arranged. The helicopter will be here any minute. Let’s get to the roof.” Everyone gets up quickly, Grayson and I still holding on to each other as we ascend the flight of stairs onto the roof. The wind is stronger up here, and the view is very freeing. I can imagine Grayson itching to get his camera and take a picture.
The wind picks up more and I feel Grayson pull me back toward him as a helicopter begins landing right where I was standing moments ago. I thank him and lean back against his chest, and he wraps his arms around my front.
A minute later the pilot walks out, New York accent heavy. “Hey, you Avery Grambs?” He points to me and I nod. “Ok, you and Mr. Hawthorne get in. Oren, are you guys coming? I have room.” Oren looks at Alisa and Landon, who both nod. “I guess we are. Thanks again, Paul.” Paul grins and opens the door.
Grayson and I climb in and take our seats. Oren sits next to Paul, in the front, and Alisa and Landon sit across from us. Landon gives us a rundown of possible scenarios, and I try my best to listen without dozing off.
“Now, when we land, I want you to be on the lookout. I want emotionless faces, no physical contact, and keep. Your. Heads. Down. Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourselves.” Grayson nods, and I give a weak chuckle and a, “Yes ma’am.” Landon gives a tight-lipped smile and we land at the airport.
We are rushed to the plane by Oren’s team, and we board smoothly. The plane is empty, just the pilot and us. No flight attendants rush around the plane. It’s just comforting silence. I rest my head on Grayson’s shoulders, and after take-off, I feel myself starting to drift off.
Grayson turns on a movie that I try to stay awake for, but when I hear light snoring from Grayson next to me, I close my eyes as well and finally fall asleep.