Side by Side
All of Me
Awkward was the word of the week. Gray had felt strange every since she bolted out of Perrie’s apartment. It was like she was sucked into a neverland and then bounced back out. Did that really happen? She would be lying if she tried to deny the sexual attraction between them. They would always have that bond. How could she not. Liam was hot, and he knew how to work his body to drive her wild. He had been doing that for years to her. A couple of moves and poof, she was back under his spell. History had to change. She spent the rest of the week doing anything she could not to think about him. It wasn’t an easy task, but now at least she had a nice and clean apartment. Now she just had to go through the shoot on Sunday. Martin had spoken to her more about it, apparently there would be some very famous and influential people which made her nervous. A photographer’s job is to stay out of the light and not draw attention to herself. Should be easy enough.
Her phone going off in her purse caused her to pull out of her thoughts. She looked down to see she was holding the same dress since before she stared off into a daydream. My god, how long had she been standing there with the same stupid dress? Gray quickly pulled out her phone and answered, thankful someone could spring her out of her thoughts.
“Hello,” she cheerfully answered.
“Hi. Where are you?” His short tone made her heart leap. Liam’s bold and demanding side always did something to her.
“Hello Liam, nice to hear from you too. I’m good, thanks for asking,” Gray joked and rolled her eyes. She balanced her phone between her shoulder and ear and got back to searching through dresses. She could hear him sigh through the line.
“That is good to hear Gray, now where are you? I stopped by your place but no one answered,” Liam replied, his harsh tone diluted with niceness.
“I’m shopping at Macy’s. Do you always show up to people’s homes unannounced,” Gray casually flirted back. She knew she was walking a fine line right now, but man he was just so easy to mess with.
“I do when they are in my family. Stay there, I’m coming to meet you,” he quickly said back. Gray could hear the surge of his car through the phone. What was the hurry?
“I’m going to be home soon. Do you really need to come here and create a scene?” Gray looked around the floor trying to quickly count everyone who was there. Without Liam or any of the boys no one recognized her. She walked through town easily and kept Spencer covered. As soon as someone showed up at her place or anywhere near her, all hell broke loose. It was like these fans had a GPS on them.
“No one will even see me, quit getting worried. I’m hanging up now, be there soon.” Gray didn’t even have a chance to rebuttal before he hung up. She quickly cursed his name under her breath as she continued to search for something to wear to this function. Everything she owned had lace in it. How she bought every dress it practically be the same was beyond her. She needed something new and fresh that wasn’t lacy or black.
“The one on the left is nice,” a voice said behind her. The hairs stood up on the back of her neck. That boy drives fast. Gray turned around and stared at the him. Her heart started to beat like crazy and her hands got clammy. My god he was something else. Liam had on a dark jean jacket with a plain black shirt underneath, dark aviators and a regular bent baseball hat. No snapbacks here. The damn man looked like a freaking model.
“Not not sure.. I have enough black,” she quickly told him, trying to cover up her impure thoughts. Liam sidestepped next to her and dug through the racks.
“Why are you looking at dresses,” he asked quietly. Gray could tell her was looking around the store making sure no one would bother them.
“I need something new for Sunday. Everything I own is black and lacy, and I’ve worn them all before.” Gray wished she didn’t say that. Her black number from their engagement party still hung in her closet like it was a trophy.
“Do you still have the one from my birthday,” Liam questioned her quietly, practically reading her thoughts. Gray didn’t look up when she answered. Keep your eyes low and your comments short.
“I do.”
Liam took another step away from her and continued to keep his eyes on the clothes.
“I see. You should go with navy, it looks good on you,” he commented.
“Oh really?” When did he become a fashionista?
“Yes. Matches your hair color quite well. It looks nice by the way; I forgot to tell you that.” Gray’s fingers went to her hair automatically, twirling the ends around her skin. She went back to a rich brown right before leaving for London. Being a long haired blonde wasn’t working for her anymore.
“When do you become so into fashion,” Gray questioned him while she pulled two navy dresses from the rack. Hopefully he didn’t notice, but Gray knew Liam had a point.
“I dabble,” Liam said. She raised an eyebrow to him.
“Dabble?” Liam shot back one of his signature smiles to her. Gray felt the heat in her cheeks raise a degree.
“Well, how about you dabble over here and watch your daughter so I can try these on,” Gray suggested. Liam walked over and maintained his position behind Spencer’s stroller and followed her into the dressing room. Gray peeked over her shoulder to see Liam looking down at his daughter giving her a smile. Too beyond cute.
“Sit here, I’ll be fast,” Gray ordered making her way into the room.
“Come out and show us. You need our approval,” Liam smiled at her. He took a seat in the makeshift chair but the mirrors of the main room and worked at getting Spencer out of her seat.
“Please, I’ll quick try on and you can be on your way. It’s fine,” Gray shot back. She really would not have to put on a show for every dress she had. Gray shut the door and started to undress. On and off, on and off. One of these had to be the one and then they could leave.
“Still think you should show me,” Liam shouted over the door. Gray rolled her eyes and laughed as she slipped on the first one. It was a tight, bondage style dress that was dark green and came barely to the middle of her thighs. Way to risky to be wearing to a work function, maybe a club but not where your boss could be.
“Gray, you alive? Come on, we are bored,” Liam whined from the other side of the door. Spencer tiny voice squawked back too, making her laugh again.
“Fine, keep your hat on Payne.” She swung open the door and positioned herself for Liam to see. His eyes got dark, and she could see his hands tightening but the look on his face didn’t change.
“I think that is a no,” he said, his voice strained, almost like he was in pain. Gray laughed at him.
“Duh, half my crap is hanging out.” She closed the door without anything else and moved on to the next one. Each dress sucked. Gray had made it through three of them already and none fit the bill. Either they were too short, too itchy or just not her. Gray slipped on the last dress she had, a navy satin number that was one shoulder and had ruching down the entire thing. Gray whipped open the dress ready to show it off. This was definitely the one. Liam though wasn’t there. Just an empty chair and a empty stroller stared back at her. She walked down the small hallway and peaked out. Where did he go? The last thing she wanted to do what scream his name through a popular store and watch people go crazy. Luckily, his black baseball cap bobbed up and down from the other side the store coming towards her. Liam got closer and stared her up and down. A smile over took his face, that dress was definitely the one. She walked back into the dressing room area as he followed.
“You look very nice Gray,” he whispered to her. She looked beautiful, really more than beautiful to him. The dress hugged her every curve of her body making her figure stand out more. He would have brought the dress for her if she didn’t. Gray was amazing.
“Thanks, I think I am going to get this one for sure.” Gray checked herself out in the three way mirror again, making sure to not make any eye contact with Liam. Friends do this; they shop together and stay platonic. Even friends who could fill a department store with sexual tension easily. She gave him a quick smile before heading back into the fitting room.
“Wait, Gray. We picked a dress out for you.” Liam handed over the long navy blue dress to her. For the looks of it, the dress was a stunner but a bit too formal for Gray.
“We,” she asked, looking up at him.
“Spencer’s idea. She told me. Now try it on,” Liam laughed back to her, nudging their small baby closer to Gray.
“Well it’s very nice but a little formal, don’t you think,” Gray asked. She tried to imagine kneeling on the ground in a dress like that. It would surely leave her falling on her butt and creating a scene.
“Probably but please enlighten us. Go try it on,” Liam ordered. Gray felt like bitching him out, but it was too much work. She would throw on this dress, please the man and get out of there. Her stomach was starving for a burger at this point. He did seem to have good taste though, Gray realized it as she pulled the dress up her body. It was a long navy blue dress that had draping that led to the center point of her stomach and framed her butt in the back. The mesh of the top made a yoke type pattern, creating just the bit of sleeve to cover her bare shoulder. The best part though was the neck line. Big clusters of jewels went along the mesh, just like a built in necklace. After checking it out below her, Gray looked in the mirror. She took a sharp breath checking herself out. The dress transformed her, almost to be a real Greek goddess.
“Gray, you alive,” Liam commented from the other side of the door. She took a breath and opened up to show Liam.
“Holy shit Gray,” he whispered out. His eyes trailed down her body trying to remember each curve. Gray brushed past him and looked at herself in the large mirror. He knew this was the time to act. Liam quickly placed Spencer back in her seat before walking up behind Gray. He could feel her whole body got hard, it made him smile inside knowing he still had that effect on her. They were barely centimeters apart, his chest to her back. Gray watching him with wide eyes through the mirror.
“Here, let me get that,” Liam said, his voice coming out husky and quiet. His large fingers reached up to her neck and snapped the button of the mesh together, completing her look. His fingers trailed along the top of her shoulders on each side leaving a trail of goosebumps behind. Even the mesh of the dress couldn’t protect her from him. Her breath had changed into sharp ones while Liam continued to drive her mad.
“You would look lovely with your hair to the side,” he mentioned, sweeping her hair up in his hands and bringing it all over her left shoulder. His face rested close to hers on the left. She could feel his facial hair scratch her chin as she continued to stare at him in the mirror. What on earth was he doing, other than driving her wild. They were that close in the middle of a public area where anyone could walk in on them right now. To the normal eye, it would look like the cover or a romantic smut book. The dark dangerous villain yet lover holding onto his frail little treasure as he stood behind her. Gray couldn’t even breathe, he was just too close. She could smell the mixture of cologne and soap on his body from here, it was such a familiar smell. Her brain was raging inside telling her to move away, back up, run; anything to get away from such the same space they were in.
“I-I think I’ll get the other one,” she whispered. Liam eyes shot up, staring into hers through the mirror. He was it, the one she always wanted. The breath taking yet beautiful man that would do almost anything for her. That’s where it stopped though, almost wasn’t enough for her.
“Back it on up Jail- Liam,” she told him, almost making another mistake. Jailbait wasn’t allowed in her vocabulary anymore. He reluctantly stepped away from her, but didn’t let his eyes leave the mirror. She knew right then and there. That moment was enough for her. Gray could see it in his eyes, it was the same look he always gave her when they were together. Gray knew he didn’t mean to, but it just always happened. It was a mix between pure passion and a lack of self confidence mixed into one. Whatever you call it, it melted her heart like clockwork. Gray gave him a quick smile before making it back into the dressing room. She tried not to run like her feet wanted to, hopefully Liam didn’t catch on. She wasn’t running from him, she was running from her feelings.
“Be ready in a flash,” she called over the door. Liam didn’t answer her though, which made her feel even worse. She quickly threw on her clothes and hung up the last dress before walking out. Liam was there covering up Spencer. He wouldn’t look at her, she could tell he was doing it on purpose.
“I’ll just pay for this, then we can go. Or you can go, or yeah..” she fumbled over her words as she followed him to the cashier. They quickly paid before heading outside.
“Did you drive,” he asked, breaking his silence. Gray shook her head.
“No car, so we take the subway, or whatever you all call it.” It was a bad joke, but she hoped it would clear the tension.
“Would you like a ride?” Oh hell, might as well.
“Sure, if it’s no trouble.” Liam pushed the stroller to his Ranger Rover and unlocked the doors. He effortlessly picked up Spencer’s seat and placed her in the back.
“When did you get that,” Gray asked, pointing to the base where Spencer’s seat snapped into.
“Bought it in case I needed to move her around,” he simply stated. Gray kept staring at him as he buckled up and pulled out of the lot.
“What don’t you have a car,” he asked, breaking the silence.
“I can take the subway, it works fine,” she shrugged. A car never was on her plate of things to buy. They went back to silence, him staring out the windshield while she looked out the passenger window. This was weird, everything was weird right now.
“Can I ask you something?” She just needed to hear some sort of truth. Liam nodded his head but didn’t say anything.
“Why did you come here today? Like to us,” Gray asked.
“To see you both. You said I could visit anytime.” His eyes still hadn’t left the road in front of them.
“I see. Sorry, it’s just weird for me,” Gray honestly told him.
“What do you mean weird,” he asked. She fidgeted with her hands in her seat.
“Just is. I went all this time without you around and now you just pop up out of nowhere. I don’t mind it, you are a good friend, so don’t take it that way. It’s still just weird.” Liam rubbed his hand over his face.
“I have made some mistakes, a lot of mistakes that I cannot fix. I’m trying to not do it again,” he quietly told her. They stayed quiet in the car all the way until Liam pulled up in front of her building. He turned off the ignition and turned to her. Gray looked away, unable to stare him directly in the eyes.
“Did you receive my letter?” She gulped down a breath.
“I did. That was very nice of you.” God, that sounded better in her head.
“What is your response to it,” Liam asked her.
“I’m not sure Liam. I haven’t really had a chance to get about it with work and everything going on. I just need some time. I like where we are right now. Able to be in the same room without tearing each other apart, you know?” It was a very sorry excuse, but the best she could make up off the top of her head.
“That’s. Fine.” His voice was strong and firm on his answer. Gray gave him a quick smile and jumped out of the vehicle. She quickly grabbed the dress bag and the stroller before joining Liam on the other side.
“Hey, can you check on Niall for me on Sunday? I know you have to work, but if you get a chance? I don’t think I will be able to while shooting,” Gray blushed and asked him. She snapped Spencer’s seat into the stroller and looked at him.
“Of course. Bye Gray.” She walked up to the curb and turned to watch him drive away. Why did it feel like she wouldn’t have this kind of moment in her life again?
----
“Gray! I’m here!” Niall’s voice came shouting through the door. She looked at the clock, eight o’clock right on the dot. That boy doesn’t mess around. She quickly ran over and opened up.
“Nice look,” he smirked at her. She was still trying to get herself ready. Black high heels, shorts and a tank top with half her head curled seem to be the look.
“Shut it. Come in.” She opened the door wider so he could walk through with ease. Gray quickly closed the door after and hurried back to the bathroom.
“Make yourself at home. She just ate a while ago so should be fine until I get back. If you need me you can call, otherwise Liam should be available too. I told him to check up on you. Worst case scenario you can call my mom too,” Gray shouted from the bathroom as she finished her hair.
“Hey Gray, not my first time watching a kid. Remember, I’m an uncle.” She could hear him laughing from the back of the place. Butt head. Gray quickly slipped on her new dress making sure everything was covered before heading back into the living room.
“Okay, any questions?” Niall eyes turned away from the TV and stared her down.
“Um Gray, you look good. Like really hot. Don’t tell Liam I said that, but it’s true.” She looked down at her outfit, knowing it was true. This dress did something to her, made her feel like a model instead of a mom. She went a bit bigger with the makeup too, borrowing a page from Perrie’s handbook exactly.
“Well thanks. And who cares about what Mr. Payne thinks anyway,” she laughed. A look came over Niall’s face, but Gray decided to blow it off. Whatever he was thinking could wait for another day, this was her big break coming, not the time for foolery.
“I’ll be back later, hopefully by eleven.” She gave Spencer a kiss from where she was with Niall on the couch and headed to the door.
“Time to teach your kid something about football,” Niall shouted to her.
“My daughter will not play soccer, fat chance boy,” Gray laughed back.
“It’s football, American! Come on!” Gray laughed at him again and opened the door.
“Goodbye Niall, be good!”
The ride over to the Botanical Gardens sucked. Having to carry her heavy camera bag through the tube killed her shoulders, and after missing her first exit, she had to walk a good mile outside to the entrance. Her coat didn’t shield any part of the wind off her body and it made her remember how bad those heels hurt. Luckily when she got close the excitement started to run through her veins and pump her up. Limos and fancy BMW’s had past her for the last ten minutes on the way to the show, where the outside of the building was lit up in fancy lighting. She couldn’t have been more excited to take pictures of random, inanimate objects. Gray walked up to the service door like she was told with her head held high.
“Gray Cameron, photographer.” She told the bouncer at the door. He checked her name and handed over the press pass without saying anything else. Gray walked through the doorway before he come stop her. Photographers were on each side of her in the small world working in their own little world. Some were on their phones while others were putting the pieces of their camera together. Gray decided to follow suit and picked out a quiet corner on the right. She sat in the chair connecting the zoom lens onto the front of her camera and adjusted the neck strap to her liking.
“There best be some good celebrities here today. It’s way too late for me to be at the Botanical Gardens.” Gray swiftly moved her head over to listen to the conversation. Two girls, who looked like they needed three more inches on the bottom of their dresses sat next to her.
“Doubt it. Who comes to ‘Night Essences’ at the Gardens? People like Helen Mirren and Michael Caine. If you think a One Direction guy or Adele is coming here you are sadly mistaken,” the blonde with too much eyeliner said. The comment made gray bite her lip. Man, if the public only knew who she was. Having that camera in her hand made her a normal person. Maybe later she would rub it in their faces.
“Listen up please.” Gray looked over to see a middle aged woman hollering at them in a smoldering red hot dress. The room got quiet as they all paid attention.
“The exhibit will be open for thirty minutes for you all to do what you need to do without the crowds. After that, the guests will be coming in. We cannot guarantee that your shots won’t be covered with our guests, nor is it our issue. If there is something you want to see, get it done before hand. You are allowed to stay until 10:45, no longer. Please hand in your press pass at the end of the night. Any questions?” The room stayed silent, no one wanting to piss off the devil room.
“Good, have a nice night.” Gray took that cue to pick up her camera and get to work. The rest of the room filed out, each heading to a certain part looking for that one great shot. Gray took a minute to just stare at the open building, taking it in. She had never been to a place like this before, but it was magnificent. The entire room was dark, almost to the point of not knowing where you were stepping. Each plant, flower and bush was illuminated with colored lighting. It gave the effect of an upscale Alice in Wonderland story. Gray knew she could make some killer shots in here; it was time to get to work.
----
"Attention, Attention. The exhibit will be opening in five minutes." Gray looked up from her lens, snapping out of her work. Five minutes left, where did the time go? Gray thought about packing up now, but thought of getting some shots with people in them sounded great. They had a huge tree of some sort that was surrounded in mirrors. It reminded Gray of a disco ball and could be the money shot.
"Oh my god. Alexis come here, now!" Gray turned to see the first blonde from the press room waving over the blonde #2. Both whispered back and forth before jumping up and down. Gray smirked at them and laughed. She wondered how old they even were. Hopefully their Prince Charming was here, like David Beckham walking through the hall in his underwear. Heck, even Gray wouldn't mind that. She walked back to the side of the room, positioning herself by the tree. She was going to get that shot even if it killed her. The guests stared filing in, dressed to the nine's in their best dresses. Perhaps Liam was right, the long dress would have been more suiting everyone else had them on. She started to get self conscious as they kept coming in. Gray stood on the side snapping away catching handful of drinks glimmering in the lights. It was perfect. Screams came from the other side of the room making her jump. What in the hell? Flash bulbs went off practically lighting up the entire place. Curiosity was getting the best of her, she really wanted to see who it was.
"Oh my god, he is so hot," The two blondes gushed as they walked closer to her.
"Excuse me, who is over there," Gray asked them. Both of the blondes looking her down with ugly smirks.
"Yeah, never mind then." Gray bit her tongue, trying not to curse. She can be a plain bitch too. Screw whatever celebrity was over there. Her feet killed and there had to be a winner in the four hundred pictures she took. It was time to go home.
----
"Honey I'm home," she whispered as she opened the door. The living room was dark, other than the glare from the TV. She quietly pulled off the horrendous heels and headed to the kitchen.
"Thank God! How was it, tell me what happened now," Niall urged her as he popped up from the fridge.
"Other than some bratty girls, pretty good. Took enough shots for ten calendars." She laughed, but he stayed the same. Bad photographers joke apparently. Gray grabbed the bottle of wine on the top and popped it open. She was ready to kick him out and relax in the tub.
"What else," Niall questioned.
"About it. I came, I saw, I'm ready to relax." Niall abruptly threw his hands in the air.
"Come on! Nothing? Nothing at all," he shouted. Gray looked at him like he had two heads.
"No. Keep your voice down. What's going on Niall?" She was starting to catch on. Niall never acted this nuts, something else was missing.
"You didn't see him? I know he was there. Did you deliberately hide from him because you are scared," Niall barked at her not lowering his voice. Gray took a drink right out of the bottle.
"Who Niall? What in the hell are you talking about? And keep your voice down," she quietly shouted back to him.
"Liam, Gray. Liam. He was there." She had to grip the bottle with both hands as the blood left her face.
"How.. why." Full sentences couldn't come to her right now. Why did he go? It was a mandatory function for them, otherwise Niall wouldn't be at her house.
"He came for you Gray. Our manager had to pull some serious strings to get a ticket there as the event was already closed. He wanted to see you and finally tell you how he feels. There was no work for him tonight, it was all a cover up. Jesus Gray, can't you just let thing happen without ruining it!" His hair went through his hair, tugging it at the roots. He was fuming at this, the whole thing had been planned down to the minute and once again nothing happened. It was enough. Both of them needing to get their shit together.
"Niall, I'm really sorry but I never saw him. He.. he must of been the person those girls got excited about. Ugh, that would make sense. I asked them Niall but they ignored me. I just didn't know," she told him honestly. It happened, but it was a sign. There was a reason she never saw him, it was a sign from God.
"Fuck that Gray. I'm sorry, and mind my language but fuck that. You act all sweet and fancy and clueless. How can you not see it? The boy fawns over every step you take hoping you'll walk right back into his arms. You just ignore him Gray. Tell me, tell me now. Do you have feelings for him or not," Niall questioned her again. His voice went down, but it was still louder then usual. If he was yelling at her right now she would be laughing. An angry Irish was kind of adorable.
"I don't Liam, I'm sorry." Gray told him, putting on her best act hoping he would believe her. Niall laughed at her in a very evil way.
"Gray, I'm Niall not Liam." What? Shit.
"I meant you, I'm just exhausted," she said, waving him off. The conversation needed to end.
"That's bullshit and you know it. You still love him Gray. I'm not stupid. We all saw the night as Zayn's. You and Liam's cat and mouse game was far more entertaining than the movie. Stop Gray! I beg you to stop thinking only about yourself for once. How do you think he feels? Or how Spencer is going to feel when she gets old. Do you know he carries around your ring every day? What kind of sap does that?Tell me now, honestly. Do. You. Want. Him." Gray's eyes stared at him. It was like Niall was a completely different person right now. His face was angry and his eyes dark as he stared her down in the kitchen.
"Yes." Her voice came out weak and small.
"Good, get your crap. We are going to his house. Spence is already in her seat." He quickly brushed past her throwing on his shoes. Gray could barely wrap her head around this. One second he was screaming on her, the next he was trying to run out of her house.
"Wait, Niall stop. I'm not going anywhere," she said. Niall stopped mid shoe and stared back at her.
"Yes, you are. It's time to end this." Gray sighed and walked over to him.
"You should talk to Perrie next time before you go crazy Niall. I've already spoken to her about this. I do love him, with everything I have but I cannot go through this back and forth with him. It's not fair to anyone. I'm staying away and saying no. I have to keep everything friendly between us for the long run," she explained to him.
"Oy Gray, you are still throwing bullshit at me. I'm begging you, myself to come with me. Please don't be this foolish." She opened her mouth to stay something but Niall stopped her.
"Just look at this picture. Pretty sure it says more than a thousand words." Gray looked down at his phone and gasped. There on the screen was Liam and Gray wrapped up in each other's arms. It was the night at Perrie's, she could see those infamous star pajama pants coming out from under the blanket. Liam's head rested on her stomach while they held hands with each other.
"You people in your picture taking," she groaned. Really though, she loved every part of it. They looked so serene, and of course Gray had a smile on her face in her sleep. Just like Liam always talked about. Every moment of them came flooding back in her brain. Their first date in the diner where she learned she was a cougar, that first night together in the back of the bus that always smelled like boys. Gray surprised him in Australia, the koalas, and him showing up at the hotel the first time she got her butt kicked. Liam always came back to her, every time. No matter what went wrong or who started the fight first, he was there. Liam protected her at every moment. From fans, carrying her drunk butt home safe, coming to her rescue no matter what, and always making sure she was happy. God how could Gray bottle up these feelings for so long? She had been in denial over and over again. She loved him. Every fiber in her being loved him. Liam was it.
"Well," Niall asked her, lightening his tone.
"Grab Spencer, I have to get my tennis shoes. I hope you drove." She hussled down the hall to her room and threw on her shoes and sweatshirt.
"Let's Roll!"
----
Fear kicked in as soon as they pulled into the underground parking ramp of the building. Good god what was she doing? Here is was, so close to midnight and she was making an impromptu appearance to pour her heart out to him. This was the time to pray that he didn't reject her. They had been through their second or third chances already, at some point luck would run out. It couldn't be today, Gray couldn't let it happen. This was supposed to happen, even though it was weeks too late.
"Breathe Gray, it will be fine," Niall smiled at her. The quietly walked through the garage and into the elevator. Eight floors and they would be there.
"What would you have done if I didn't come along," Gray asked to break the silence.
"Left. It's sounds mean but I would have. We've pushed you two together long enough. Although I probably of came back the next morning and yell at you all over again," he laughed. Well at least the boy wouldn't give up. The elevator opened and they walked off to the side.
“Do you want me to take her to my place,” Niall asked while he motioned to Spencer.
“No. I need her as protection. He won’t yell if she is in the same room,” Gray told him, grabbing the seat from his hands.
“You always did play dirty. If anything happens you come up to my place. I’ll be up for a while. Good luck Gray.” He jumped back on the elevator and gave her a small wave as the doors closed. This was it now, she was alone in the dimly lit hallway ready to pour her heart out to him. Gray quietly walked down until she was at his door. She hadn’t been this nervous in a very long time. It beat the first time they met at that Denny’s even.
“Here goes nothing,” she whispered to herself before knocking. Three strong taps of her knuckles went through the hallway, but nothing happened. Liam did not come running to the door, giving her one of those one of a kind smiles and ushering her inside. She was here, dressed like an idiot with a baby in the hallway of a very luxurious apartment complex. Her heart sank, he wasn’t here. Of course not. Liam was probably partying it up with the rest of the rich and famous from the garden event. Screw this. She had gotten this far without backing down and it wasn’t time now. Gray quietly sat down Spencer’s seat and slid down the wall to the ground. She was waiting her no matter how long it took.
Me: I’m at your apartment. Will you be back soon? We need to talk.
Her phone chimed back almost immediately.
Liam: Why are you there? It’s midnight. I’m leaving now.
Gray smiled, she knew he was probably beside himself right now trying to figure out why she was there. There was no need to text back, she needed to wait and collect her thoughts. How was she going to tell him everything that she felt without breaking down or just completely messing it up?
“Liam, I wanted to tell you I really liked your letter, it meant a lot,” Gray started but shook it off. Not sincere enough by far.
“Liam, I’m sorry that I am a stupid girl who cannot control her feelings. I should have come to you earlier.” No, that was all about her. It needed to be about him. How awesome he was, a terrific father even through the bumps in the road, and the way his heart is so big. He really did unconditionally love her. Gray still wondered what exactly happen the night of their big fight but it didn’t matter. She didn’t care of the horrible things they said to each other, it didn’t matter. It was one bad night fueled by their strong personalities. God she prayed this would go well. Her hands clasped on her lap and she bowed her head.
“Dear God, I really need some help on this one. Please let this go well.” She continued to keep her eyes tightly shut and think when the elevator dinged. Gray looked up to see him standing at the beginning of the hallway looking back at her. It was the showdown of all stares. Once again, she couldn’t get a read on his attitude. Gray quickly stood up and walked towards him, taking small steps hoping it would make him crack.
“What are you doing here,” he said to her in a harsh, hushed tone. Liam’s hands adjusted his tie more before pulling out from his collar. The dressed up look made Gray’s heart flutter even more. He had on black slacks, a white shirt and a black suit jacket. So simple yet so hot.
“I came to speak with you.” Gray wanted to kick herself. Why did she keep sounding so formal?
“Can we please do it inside? I’d rather not let this include my neighbors,” he spat at her. His icy tone was throwing her for a loop but Gray wasn’t backing down. Liam picked up Spencer’s seat and opened the apartment. Gray followed behind him, ignoring that Liam let go of the door practically letting it her in the chest. Liam moved down the hallway with Spencer.
“Wait, Liam stop. Can she stay here in the living room with us please, “Gray spoke, the words coming out soft.
“Why? So you can bolt when you don’t get your way,” Liam shot back. Gray had to force herself not to show emotion right now. He was really coming out with a bang tonight.
“No, that’s not it. If she’s here we won’t yell and wake her up. This way we can stay calm. What’s up with you tonight,” Gray asked. Liam placed Spencer’s seat in the corner of the room, making sure she was covered up before approaching Gray.
“My problem? You want to know my problems finally? Well let me tell you. Here I am, going to an event just for you when I could care less about gardens only to turn out you left before I even got a chance to speak to you like usual. So I decide to go out with Andy, get a drink and then you text me. Not even giving me a shot mind you, you just announce that you are at my place and expect me to come over right then and there. So start Gray, start yelling at me for shopping up are your workplace and making things hard for you again,” Liam seethed at her trying never hard not to raise his voice. Oh my god, he thought she was going to freak out about him being there. Liam didn’t know, not at all. Gray tried to stop herself from laughing but it didn’t work well.
“Why in God’s name are you laughing at me,” he barked back at her.
“I didn’t come to yell at you for being there. I came to tell you that I love you,” Gray breathed out. The expression on his face changed immediately. The lines by his eyes got softer, almost like he was amazed.
“What,” he asked, taking a small step towards her. Gray took a deep breath, this was it.
“I came to tell you that I love you. Really I haven’t stopped loving you, I was just too scared and stupid to admit it earlier. I thought it would just be easier as friends so we wouldn’t fight anymore. It would have been easier for everything, not just us. I had this perception that you didn’t want me either, you were just doing what a typical guy would have done. Cared for the mother of his child to make everything kosher but I know that’s the truth with me. I thought so at first when you took me and Spence to the hospital but the more I’m around you the more I know. The night on the couch, waking up with you, the dressing room and even showing up there tonight. You love me, I know you do. You have gone out of your way to show me, I’ve just been too blind to see it. I love you Liam, I love you with everything I have.” It came out far too fast for her liking. One sentence ran into the next making her rush. She didn’t are though, he needed to hear it all. Liam stayed across from her not saying anything. At this point, she wanted him to do anything to at least acknowledge her.
“Can you really say something right now? Please. You can yell at me, or laugh. Just something to let me know you heard me, please Liam.” She told herself in to the hallway to keep her emotions in check, but that was easier said than done. Tears were falling out of her eyes at rapid speeds while she stared back at him. Liam unbuttoned the top of his shirt and stripped off his jacket. He laid it down on the breakfast bar before walking very slowly over to her. Her breath stopped when he was in front of her, just centimeters open between their bodies. Liam grabbed her face with both hands. She stared into his eyes covered in fear and excitement. The pads of Liam’s thumbs traced underneath her eyes, brushing off any of the tears.
“Don’t cry love,” he spoke softly. Gray felt like her heart had burst out of her chest. Love, she was his love.
“Well I’m a girl, we cry,” Gray barely joked with him. He continued to stare into her eyes, wiping away ever tear that fell.
“You’ve cried too much with me,” he whispered.
“Passionate people cry. I’m passionate about you.” Gray grabbed his hips with her hands and pulled him closer. Her body craved the contact between them.
“I’ve wished for the moment for a long time. You finally realize your feelings toward me. Now that it’s hear it terrifies me. You been hurt, so hurt around me. What if I can’t protect you this time,” Liam whispered. He moved his arms doing, pulling her into his. Gray could feel his hands shaking on her back.
“It happens, and I’m sure I will get hurt again. We fight, we make up. It’s our thing,” Gray explained.
“Two concussions, crutches, and broken arm and a dislocated shoulder shouldn’t be our thing Gray.” Gray pulled back and looked at him.
“Nothing of those even counts. I could be in a full body cast and still wouldn’t be able to stay away from you. You are it Liam. You get that? You are the only thing I want in my life. You, me and Spencer until the end. I cannot stay away from you or run away from you anymore. I love you Liam, I really do. Heck, you can beat me to a pulp right now and I still probably won’t stop,” Gray smiled to him.
“So what are you saying Gray,” he smirked at her. Gray swapped roles and grabbed his face.
“I’m in love with you.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond before pulling his lips into hers. Everything erupted in her body once they touched. It felt like every part of her skin and body was getting pricked by small tiny needles. It had been forever since they had been like this. Liam pulled her body in closer to him, unable to break away. They both missed each other so much, they could feel it in the kiss. The passion, the fire, and most of all, the love for each other was still there. Gray broke away trying to let herself catch her breath.
“I have missed this so much. I can’t believe you finally came back. I tried so hard to let you have your space yet make you miss me,” Liam confessed, nuzzling his face in her hair.
“I was dense,” Gray smiled back. She still wondered how she missed it all.
“It killed me Gray, you don’t know how many hours I have missed sleep on just thinking about you, or how I could get to you. I thought you knew that night at Perrie’s. I swore you felt it between us yet you still left that day without a second thought. Poor Perrie, I just about broke her coffee table from my anger. I wanted you so much, just like I want you now.” Gray squeezed him tighter as the tears came to her eyes. Liam’s arms wrapped around her waist tighter as he picked her up and carried her body to the couch.
“I don’t want to let go of you,” Gray whispered out as he pulled their bodies down.
“You don’t baby, never.” He kissed her forehead and she snuggled into his lap. Gray rested her head on his chest while both her legs straddled him. His hands were locked on her butt, not even giving her the chance to run if she wanted.
“Tell me what I missed.”
“What do you mean,” he asked her.
“All the chances you tried, I want to know where I went wrong,” she told him.
“You never went wrong, so please don’t think that. But yes, I did try. I told Perrie to go to your house for dinner. I didn’t know she read the letter, that wasn’t supposed to happen but I was hoping she could coax the information out of you. Perrie has always been dominant so figured you would break under pressure. That went to shit though, she told me everything that night when she came over,” Liam explained. Gray moved from her spot and looked at him.
“Man, she went over to your place? This isn’t far,” Gray groaned. Liam pushed her head back and squeezed her more.
“She told me you didn’t want me anymore. I’ve never felt so crushed. Every bone in my body literally hurt. I sobbed in front of her. Now that I think about it, that was quite embarrassing. She told me not to give up you. At first I was ready too, but that night you came into the kitchen with my pants on, I knew. Sooner or later I’d have you back.” Gray laughed from his chest nervously.
“To be fair, I didn’t know those pants were yours. Honest." She told him not moving from his chest.
"I could tell when I spoke to you. Sorry I was so harsh. Once you went to lay Spencer down I snap at the rest and told them to leave that spot on. I wanted to be nice to you. Although sleeping on top of you wasn't in the plan, that just sort of happened."
"Did you know then you were going to come tonight? I remember Perrie or Zayn, one of them saying you had to record," Gray asked. Liam's hand unclasped from her butt and his fingers ran up and down her back. It made Gray squirm on his lap. She could hear a faint laugh deep in his chest.
"No, but I knew they would help me think of something. I originally planned on taking Niall's place but then I knew you wouldn't have left and I didn't want to jeopardize your career. I showed up tonight and searched for you everywhere. After a while I realized you were gone. I called Andy and was ready to drink my thoughts away until you texted me. Now look. I have my favorite girls home." He kissed the top of her head and sighed.
"I'm not quite sure what to say right now Liam. I feel completely awful yet extremely happy all at the same time," Gray told him. It was true. Things went into a whirlwind as soon as she showed up. Within an hour they were here, on the couch, being with each other.
"Don't. I have no regrets right now, other then almost breaking a coffee table. And the night of our fight, that was very stupid of me." Gray waved him off.
"Can't we forget that night ever happened?" She shuddered at the thought just thinking about it.
"More then happy too." Gray sat up and stared at his face.
"Where do we go from here," she asked sincerely.
"Slowly, and together," he smiled back.
"I like that, but no rings though okay? I'm not quite ready for that." Her thoughts went back to what Niall told her about Liam carrying around her engagement ring. That was just too soon, they needed to get back to ground zero together.
"No, definitely not. Boyfriend and Girlfriend. We seemed to have better moments back then anyway." Gray winked back at him and stared to crawl off his lap.
"Where are you going," he asked, gripping her wrists so she couldn't move.
"Your girlfriend needs to get home with her kid. I don't have anything here for her," Gray responded. It the heat of the moment she left without grabbing the always packed diaper bag by the door. All she had was a couple of diapers that always stayed in her purse and nothing else.
"Don't." She gave him a look.
"What do you mean 'don't'." Gray could feel the attitude rising in her body, she needed to keep it cool.
"Can I show you something," he asked. Gray nodded at him and let him take the lead. Liam stood up and grabbed her hand pulling her down the hallway of his place. He stopped a door, but she knew it wasn't his room.
"Know mind you, my mum and I did this a long while ago, I didn't plan this while you were in London," he told her quietly. Gray looked at him wondering what was behind. Liam took a breath before opening the door. The light flickered on showing Gray a open of pink and white. The small room was covered in soft blush tones on the curtains, walls and floors. The middle of the room was a large off white crib with a matching dresser and rocking chair on both sides. It was Spencer's room, Liam had a room for her. Gray said nothing as she walked in touching the fabric as she went.
"Mum may of went a bit crazy with the pink," he said sheepishly from the doorway. Gray looked behind her shoulder and smiled at him.
"It's perfect." She walked back to him and pulled Liam in close. God, she was stupid for going this long without the perfect man.
"Does that mean you will stay? I have diapers and formula too." She could through his body language that he was nervous.
"For the night, yes." Liam brightly smiled at her and her a quick peck. They worked together getting Spencer out of her seat and into the freshly made crib. Liam worked fast and effortlessly changing Spencer into pajamas for the night. Gray stepped awy and took the time to watch Liam in control. For not being his daughter a lot, he sure did know what he was doing. It was like he hadn't missed a day in her life.
"If you want to go change you can. I do know you like my pajamas," Liam smirked at her. Gray felt her cheeks blush.
"Honest, we are good." She sighed and left the room. It was a different feeling having someone else taking care of her daughter. It always was her job, but not it finally got to be his. Gray walked into his room and shook of the evening gown dress and sweatshirt for a pair of his boxer shorts and a plain white tshirt. She crawled into the large bed and inhaled. Every inch of it smelled like him. Such a magificent smell. She pulled the covers up higher and let herself sink in. His bed was so much better then hers. Gray closed her eyes and sighed, this was nice.
"You okay?" Liam's voice startled her. She opened her eyes to see him at the end of the bed changing. All that was left to come off was his pants. Every muscle of his chest flexed making Gray squirm. He had been hitting the weights a lot more then the last time she saw him like this.
"Stop staring wench," Liam flirted with her. Gray rolled her eyes and turned away. Liam threw on a shirt and crawled into bed next to her. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her in close. His head nuzzled her hair making her smile.
"Still wondering if this is a dream fueled by alcohol," he whispered. Gray locked their fingers together on her hip.
"I'm always here forever," Gray yawned. She squeezed his fingers once more as sleep started to overcome her. By now it was in the middle of the night and the events of everything caught up to her.
"Love you Gray Goose."
"Love you jailbait," she whispered as her eyes closed bringing her into a world of darkness.
----
Dreams of them passed through her head. Liam in a tux yelling at her, the moments of them in the dressing room mirror. Everything swirled around in her head before being tossed away in the black cloud. Gray shook in her sleep letting the beginning of a nightmare take over. Liam was there with Spencer in his arms running away from her. They were on a street that looked a lot like her home in Chicago but all the houses were gone. It was just her standing alone watching him run out of sight. It didn't wake her up completely but enough to razzle her. Her subconscious removed the dream from her head letting another one in. Liam's face was right up next to her screaming out 'I DON'T LOVE YOU' over and over. Tears screamed down her face and her body rolled in the bed trying to get away from it all. She woke up in a sweat, not willing to open her eyes and find out it was all a dream. Any other time Lia's body would be suctioned cup to her, right now she felt nothing. Gray opened her eyes and sat up. This wasn't her room, was it all a dream? Fingers wrapped around her wrist making her look over. Liam was on his side with his eyes still closed. Next to him was Spencer on her back. Her little hands were balled up about her head, what she usually did when she was deep asleep. It wasn't a dream. Everything that happened last night was real, they were together as a family once again. She stayed upright, letting her body calm down before joining her mini family again. Gray laid down and grabbed Liam's hand. Together they made a circle around their little girl. It was finally an unbreakable bond, nothing would be able to him anymore. Their strong relationship was there again. It was time to move on together being happy, loving and free.
Team Gram -er forever.
Her phone going off in her purse caused her to pull out of her thoughts. She looked down to see she was holding the same dress since before she stared off into a daydream. My god, how long had she been standing there with the same stupid dress? Gray quickly pulled out her phone and answered, thankful someone could spring her out of her thoughts.
“Hello,” she cheerfully answered.
“Hi. Where are you?” His short tone made her heart leap. Liam’s bold and demanding side always did something to her.
“Hello Liam, nice to hear from you too. I’m good, thanks for asking,” Gray joked and rolled her eyes. She balanced her phone between her shoulder and ear and got back to searching through dresses. She could hear him sigh through the line.
“That is good to hear Gray, now where are you? I stopped by your place but no one answered,” Liam replied, his harsh tone diluted with niceness.
“I’m shopping at Macy’s. Do you always show up to people’s homes unannounced,” Gray casually flirted back. She knew she was walking a fine line right now, but man he was just so easy to mess with.
“I do when they are in my family. Stay there, I’m coming to meet you,” he quickly said back. Gray could hear the surge of his car through the phone. What was the hurry?
“I’m going to be home soon. Do you really need to come here and create a scene?” Gray looked around the floor trying to quickly count everyone who was there. Without Liam or any of the boys no one recognized her. She walked through town easily and kept Spencer covered. As soon as someone showed up at her place or anywhere near her, all hell broke loose. It was like these fans had a GPS on them.
“No one will even see me, quit getting worried. I’m hanging up now, be there soon.” Gray didn’t even have a chance to rebuttal before he hung up. She quickly cursed his name under her breath as she continued to search for something to wear to this function. Everything she owned had lace in it. How she bought every dress it practically be the same was beyond her. She needed something new and fresh that wasn’t lacy or black.
“The one on the left is nice,” a voice said behind her. The hairs stood up on the back of her neck. That boy drives fast. Gray turned around and stared at the him. Her heart started to beat like crazy and her hands got clammy. My god he was something else. Liam had on a dark jean jacket with a plain black shirt underneath, dark aviators and a regular bent baseball hat. No snapbacks here. The damn man looked like a freaking model.
“Not not sure.. I have enough black,” she quickly told him, trying to cover up her impure thoughts. Liam sidestepped next to her and dug through the racks.
“Why are you looking at dresses,” he asked quietly. Gray could tell her was looking around the store making sure no one would bother them.
“I need something new for Sunday. Everything I own is black and lacy, and I’ve worn them all before.” Gray wished she didn’t say that. Her black number from their engagement party still hung in her closet like it was a trophy.
“Do you still have the one from my birthday,” Liam questioned her quietly, practically reading her thoughts. Gray didn’t look up when she answered. Keep your eyes low and your comments short.
“I do.”
Liam took another step away from her and continued to keep his eyes on the clothes.
“I see. You should go with navy, it looks good on you,” he commented.
“Oh really?” When did he become a fashionista?
“Yes. Matches your hair color quite well. It looks nice by the way; I forgot to tell you that.” Gray’s fingers went to her hair automatically, twirling the ends around her skin. She went back to a rich brown right before leaving for London. Being a long haired blonde wasn’t working for her anymore.
“When do you become so into fashion,” Gray questioned him while she pulled two navy dresses from the rack. Hopefully he didn’t notice, but Gray knew Liam had a point.
“I dabble,” Liam said. She raised an eyebrow to him.
“Dabble?” Liam shot back one of his signature smiles to her. Gray felt the heat in her cheeks raise a degree.
“Well, how about you dabble over here and watch your daughter so I can try these on,” Gray suggested. Liam walked over and maintained his position behind Spencer’s stroller and followed her into the dressing room. Gray peeked over her shoulder to see Liam looking down at his daughter giving her a smile. Too beyond cute.
“Sit here, I’ll be fast,” Gray ordered making her way into the room.
“Come out and show us. You need our approval,” Liam smiled at her. He took a seat in the makeshift chair but the mirrors of the main room and worked at getting Spencer out of her seat.
“Please, I’ll quick try on and you can be on your way. It’s fine,” Gray shot back. She really would not have to put on a show for every dress she had. Gray shut the door and started to undress. On and off, on and off. One of these had to be the one and then they could leave.
“Still think you should show me,” Liam shouted over the door. Gray rolled her eyes and laughed as she slipped on the first one. It was a tight, bondage style dress that was dark green and came barely to the middle of her thighs. Way to risky to be wearing to a work function, maybe a club but not where your boss could be.
“Gray, you alive? Come on, we are bored,” Liam whined from the other side of the door. Spencer tiny voice squawked back too, making her laugh again.
“Fine, keep your hat on Payne.” She swung open the door and positioned herself for Liam to see. His eyes got dark, and she could see his hands tightening but the look on his face didn’t change.
“I think that is a no,” he said, his voice strained, almost like he was in pain. Gray laughed at him.
“Duh, half my crap is hanging out.” She closed the door without anything else and moved on to the next one. Each dress sucked. Gray had made it through three of them already and none fit the bill. Either they were too short, too itchy or just not her. Gray slipped on the last dress she had, a navy satin number that was one shoulder and had ruching down the entire thing. Gray whipped open the dress ready to show it off. This was definitely the one. Liam though wasn’t there. Just an empty chair and a empty stroller stared back at her. She walked down the small hallway and peaked out. Where did he go? The last thing she wanted to do what scream his name through a popular store and watch people go crazy. Luckily, his black baseball cap bobbed up and down from the other side the store coming towards her. Liam got closer and stared her up and down. A smile over took his face, that dress was definitely the one. She walked back into the dressing room area as he followed.
“You look very nice Gray,” he whispered to her. She looked beautiful, really more than beautiful to him. The dress hugged her every curve of her body making her figure stand out more. He would have brought the dress for her if she didn’t. Gray was amazing.
“Thanks, I think I am going to get this one for sure.” Gray checked herself out in the three way mirror again, making sure to not make any eye contact with Liam. Friends do this; they shop together and stay platonic. Even friends who could fill a department store with sexual tension easily. She gave him a quick smile before heading back into the fitting room.
“Wait, Gray. We picked a dress out for you.” Liam handed over the long navy blue dress to her. For the looks of it, the dress was a stunner but a bit too formal for Gray.
“We,” she asked, looking up at him.
“Spencer’s idea. She told me. Now try it on,” Liam laughed back to her, nudging their small baby closer to Gray.
“Well it’s very nice but a little formal, don’t you think,” Gray asked. She tried to imagine kneeling on the ground in a dress like that. It would surely leave her falling on her butt and creating a scene.
“Probably but please enlighten us. Go try it on,” Liam ordered. Gray felt like bitching him out, but it was too much work. She would throw on this dress, please the man and get out of there. Her stomach was starving for a burger at this point. He did seem to have good taste though, Gray realized it as she pulled the dress up her body. It was a long navy blue dress that had draping that led to the center point of her stomach and framed her butt in the back. The mesh of the top made a yoke type pattern, creating just the bit of sleeve to cover her bare shoulder. The best part though was the neck line. Big clusters of jewels went along the mesh, just like a built in necklace. After checking it out below her, Gray looked in the mirror. She took a sharp breath checking herself out. The dress transformed her, almost to be a real Greek goddess.
“Gray, you alive,” Liam commented from the other side of the door. She took a breath and opened up to show Liam.
“Holy shit Gray,” he whispered out. His eyes trailed down her body trying to remember each curve. Gray brushed past him and looked at herself in the large mirror. He knew this was the time to act. Liam quickly placed Spencer back in her seat before walking up behind Gray. He could feel her whole body got hard, it made him smile inside knowing he still had that effect on her. They were barely centimeters apart, his chest to her back. Gray watching him with wide eyes through the mirror.
“Here, let me get that,” Liam said, his voice coming out husky and quiet. His large fingers reached up to her neck and snapped the button of the mesh together, completing her look. His fingers trailed along the top of her shoulders on each side leaving a trail of goosebumps behind. Even the mesh of the dress couldn’t protect her from him. Her breath had changed into sharp ones while Liam continued to drive her mad.
“You would look lovely with your hair to the side,” he mentioned, sweeping her hair up in his hands and bringing it all over her left shoulder. His face rested close to hers on the left. She could feel his facial hair scratch her chin as she continued to stare at him in the mirror. What on earth was he doing, other than driving her wild. They were that close in the middle of a public area where anyone could walk in on them right now. To the normal eye, it would look like the cover or a romantic smut book. The dark dangerous villain yet lover holding onto his frail little treasure as he stood behind her. Gray couldn’t even breathe, he was just too close. She could smell the mixture of cologne and soap on his body from here, it was such a familiar smell. Her brain was raging inside telling her to move away, back up, run; anything to get away from such the same space they were in.
“I-I think I’ll get the other one,” she whispered. Liam eyes shot up, staring into hers through the mirror. He was it, the one she always wanted. The breath taking yet beautiful man that would do almost anything for her. That’s where it stopped though, almost wasn’t enough for her.
“Back it on up Jail- Liam,” she told him, almost making another mistake. Jailbait wasn’t allowed in her vocabulary anymore. He reluctantly stepped away from her, but didn’t let his eyes leave the mirror. She knew right then and there. That moment was enough for her. Gray could see it in his eyes, it was the same look he always gave her when they were together. Gray knew he didn’t mean to, but it just always happened. It was a mix between pure passion and a lack of self confidence mixed into one. Whatever you call it, it melted her heart like clockwork. Gray gave him a quick smile before making it back into the dressing room. She tried not to run like her feet wanted to, hopefully Liam didn’t catch on. She wasn’t running from him, she was running from her feelings.
“Be ready in a flash,” she called over the door. Liam didn’t answer her though, which made her feel even worse. She quickly threw on her clothes and hung up the last dress before walking out. Liam was there covering up Spencer. He wouldn’t look at her, she could tell he was doing it on purpose.
“I’ll just pay for this, then we can go. Or you can go, or yeah..” she fumbled over her words as she followed him to the cashier. They quickly paid before heading outside.
“Did you drive,” he asked, breaking his silence. Gray shook her head.
“No car, so we take the subway, or whatever you all call it.” It was a bad joke, but she hoped it would clear the tension.
“Would you like a ride?” Oh hell, might as well.
“Sure, if it’s no trouble.” Liam pushed the stroller to his Ranger Rover and unlocked the doors. He effortlessly picked up Spencer’s seat and placed her in the back.
“When did you get that,” Gray asked, pointing to the base where Spencer’s seat snapped into.
“Bought it in case I needed to move her around,” he simply stated. Gray kept staring at him as he buckled up and pulled out of the lot.
“What don’t you have a car,” he asked, breaking the silence.
“I can take the subway, it works fine,” she shrugged. A car never was on her plate of things to buy. They went back to silence, him staring out the windshield while she looked out the passenger window. This was weird, everything was weird right now.
“Can I ask you something?” She just needed to hear some sort of truth. Liam nodded his head but didn’t say anything.
“Why did you come here today? Like to us,” Gray asked.
“To see you both. You said I could visit anytime.” His eyes still hadn’t left the road in front of them.
“I see. Sorry, it’s just weird for me,” Gray honestly told him.
“What do you mean weird,” he asked. She fidgeted with her hands in her seat.
“Just is. I went all this time without you around and now you just pop up out of nowhere. I don’t mind it, you are a good friend, so don’t take it that way. It’s still just weird.” Liam rubbed his hand over his face.
“I have made some mistakes, a lot of mistakes that I cannot fix. I’m trying to not do it again,” he quietly told her. They stayed quiet in the car all the way until Liam pulled up in front of her building. He turned off the ignition and turned to her. Gray looked away, unable to stare him directly in the eyes.
“Did you receive my letter?” She gulped down a breath.
“I did. That was very nice of you.” God, that sounded better in her head.
“What is your response to it,” Liam asked her.
“I’m not sure Liam. I haven’t really had a chance to get about it with work and everything going on. I just need some time. I like where we are right now. Able to be in the same room without tearing each other apart, you know?” It was a very sorry excuse, but the best she could make up off the top of her head.
“That’s. Fine.” His voice was strong and firm on his answer. Gray gave him a quick smile and jumped out of the vehicle. She quickly grabbed the dress bag and the stroller before joining Liam on the other side.
“Hey, can you check on Niall for me on Sunday? I know you have to work, but if you get a chance? I don’t think I will be able to while shooting,” Gray blushed and asked him. She snapped Spencer’s seat into the stroller and looked at him.
“Of course. Bye Gray.” She walked up to the curb and turned to watch him drive away. Why did it feel like she wouldn’t have this kind of moment in her life again?
----
“Gray! I’m here!” Niall’s voice came shouting through the door. She looked at the clock, eight o’clock right on the dot. That boy doesn’t mess around. She quickly ran over and opened up.
“Nice look,” he smirked at her. She was still trying to get herself ready. Black high heels, shorts and a tank top with half her head curled seem to be the look.
“Shut it. Come in.” She opened the door wider so he could walk through with ease. Gray quickly closed the door after and hurried back to the bathroom.
“Make yourself at home. She just ate a while ago so should be fine until I get back. If you need me you can call, otherwise Liam should be available too. I told him to check up on you. Worst case scenario you can call my mom too,” Gray shouted from the bathroom as she finished her hair.
“Hey Gray, not my first time watching a kid. Remember, I’m an uncle.” She could hear him laughing from the back of the place. Butt head. Gray quickly slipped on her new dress making sure everything was covered before heading back into the living room.
“Okay, any questions?” Niall eyes turned away from the TV and stared her down.
“Um Gray, you look good. Like really hot. Don’t tell Liam I said that, but it’s true.” She looked down at her outfit, knowing it was true. This dress did something to her, made her feel like a model instead of a mom. She went a bit bigger with the makeup too, borrowing a page from Perrie’s handbook exactly.
“Well thanks. And who cares about what Mr. Payne thinks anyway,” she laughed. A look came over Niall’s face, but Gray decided to blow it off. Whatever he was thinking could wait for another day, this was her big break coming, not the time for foolery.
“I’ll be back later, hopefully by eleven.” She gave Spencer a kiss from where she was with Niall on the couch and headed to the door.
“Time to teach your kid something about football,” Niall shouted to her.
“My daughter will not play soccer, fat chance boy,” Gray laughed back.
“It’s football, American! Come on!” Gray laughed at him again and opened the door.
“Goodbye Niall, be good!”
The ride over to the Botanical Gardens sucked. Having to carry her heavy camera bag through the tube killed her shoulders, and after missing her first exit, she had to walk a good mile outside to the entrance. Her coat didn’t shield any part of the wind off her body and it made her remember how bad those heels hurt. Luckily when she got close the excitement started to run through her veins and pump her up. Limos and fancy BMW’s had past her for the last ten minutes on the way to the show, where the outside of the building was lit up in fancy lighting. She couldn’t have been more excited to take pictures of random, inanimate objects. Gray walked up to the service door like she was told with her head held high.
“Gray Cameron, photographer.” She told the bouncer at the door. He checked her name and handed over the press pass without saying anything else. Gray walked through the doorway before he come stop her. Photographers were on each side of her in the small world working in their own little world. Some were on their phones while others were putting the pieces of their camera together. Gray decided to follow suit and picked out a quiet corner on the right. She sat in the chair connecting the zoom lens onto the front of her camera and adjusted the neck strap to her liking.
“There best be some good celebrities here today. It’s way too late for me to be at the Botanical Gardens.” Gray swiftly moved her head over to listen to the conversation. Two girls, who looked like they needed three more inches on the bottom of their dresses sat next to her.
“Doubt it. Who comes to ‘Night Essences’ at the Gardens? People like Helen Mirren and Michael Caine. If you think a One Direction guy or Adele is coming here you are sadly mistaken,” the blonde with too much eyeliner said. The comment made gray bite her lip. Man, if the public only knew who she was. Having that camera in her hand made her a normal person. Maybe later she would rub it in their faces.
“Listen up please.” Gray looked over to see a middle aged woman hollering at them in a smoldering red hot dress. The room got quiet as they all paid attention.
“The exhibit will be open for thirty minutes for you all to do what you need to do without the crowds. After that, the guests will be coming in. We cannot guarantee that your shots won’t be covered with our guests, nor is it our issue. If there is something you want to see, get it done before hand. You are allowed to stay until 10:45, no longer. Please hand in your press pass at the end of the night. Any questions?” The room stayed silent, no one wanting to piss off the devil room.
“Good, have a nice night.” Gray took that cue to pick up her camera and get to work. The rest of the room filed out, each heading to a certain part looking for that one great shot. Gray took a minute to just stare at the open building, taking it in. She had never been to a place like this before, but it was magnificent. The entire room was dark, almost to the point of not knowing where you were stepping. Each plant, flower and bush was illuminated with colored lighting. It gave the effect of an upscale Alice in Wonderland story. Gray knew she could make some killer shots in here; it was time to get to work.
----
"Attention, Attention. The exhibit will be opening in five minutes." Gray looked up from her lens, snapping out of her work. Five minutes left, where did the time go? Gray thought about packing up now, but thought of getting some shots with people in them sounded great. They had a huge tree of some sort that was surrounded in mirrors. It reminded Gray of a disco ball and could be the money shot.
"Oh my god. Alexis come here, now!" Gray turned to see the first blonde from the press room waving over the blonde #2. Both whispered back and forth before jumping up and down. Gray smirked at them and laughed. She wondered how old they even were. Hopefully their Prince Charming was here, like David Beckham walking through the hall in his underwear. Heck, even Gray wouldn't mind that. She walked back to the side of the room, positioning herself by the tree. She was going to get that shot even if it killed her. The guests stared filing in, dressed to the nine's in their best dresses. Perhaps Liam was right, the long dress would have been more suiting everyone else had them on. She started to get self conscious as they kept coming in. Gray stood on the side snapping away catching handful of drinks glimmering in the lights. It was perfect. Screams came from the other side of the room making her jump. What in the hell? Flash bulbs went off practically lighting up the entire place. Curiosity was getting the best of her, she really wanted to see who it was.
"Oh my god, he is so hot," The two blondes gushed as they walked closer to her.
"Excuse me, who is over there," Gray asked them. Both of the blondes looking her down with ugly smirks.
"Yeah, never mind then." Gray bit her tongue, trying not to curse. She can be a plain bitch too. Screw whatever celebrity was over there. Her feet killed and there had to be a winner in the four hundred pictures she took. It was time to go home.
----
"Honey I'm home," she whispered as she opened the door. The living room was dark, other than the glare from the TV. She quietly pulled off the horrendous heels and headed to the kitchen.
"Thank God! How was it, tell me what happened now," Niall urged her as he popped up from the fridge.
"Other than some bratty girls, pretty good. Took enough shots for ten calendars." She laughed, but he stayed the same. Bad photographers joke apparently. Gray grabbed the bottle of wine on the top and popped it open. She was ready to kick him out and relax in the tub.
"What else," Niall questioned.
"About it. I came, I saw, I'm ready to relax." Niall abruptly threw his hands in the air.
"Come on! Nothing? Nothing at all," he shouted. Gray looked at him like he had two heads.
"No. Keep your voice down. What's going on Niall?" She was starting to catch on. Niall never acted this nuts, something else was missing.
"You didn't see him? I know he was there. Did you deliberately hide from him because you are scared," Niall barked at her not lowering his voice. Gray took a drink right out of the bottle.
"Who Niall? What in the hell are you talking about? And keep your voice down," she quietly shouted back to him.
"Liam, Gray. Liam. He was there." She had to grip the bottle with both hands as the blood left her face.
"How.. why." Full sentences couldn't come to her right now. Why did he go? It was a mandatory function for them, otherwise Niall wouldn't be at her house.
"He came for you Gray. Our manager had to pull some serious strings to get a ticket there as the event was already closed. He wanted to see you and finally tell you how he feels. There was no work for him tonight, it was all a cover up. Jesus Gray, can't you just let thing happen without ruining it!" His hair went through his hair, tugging it at the roots. He was fuming at this, the whole thing had been planned down to the minute and once again nothing happened. It was enough. Both of them needing to get their shit together.
"Niall, I'm really sorry but I never saw him. He.. he must of been the person those girls got excited about. Ugh, that would make sense. I asked them Niall but they ignored me. I just didn't know," she told him honestly. It happened, but it was a sign. There was a reason she never saw him, it was a sign from God.
"Fuck that Gray. I'm sorry, and mind my language but fuck that. You act all sweet and fancy and clueless. How can you not see it? The boy fawns over every step you take hoping you'll walk right back into his arms. You just ignore him Gray. Tell me, tell me now. Do you have feelings for him or not," Niall questioned her again. His voice went down, but it was still louder then usual. If he was yelling at her right now she would be laughing. An angry Irish was kind of adorable.
"I don't Liam, I'm sorry." Gray told him, putting on her best act hoping he would believe her. Niall laughed at her in a very evil way.
"Gray, I'm Niall not Liam." What? Shit.
"I meant you, I'm just exhausted," she said, waving him off. The conversation needed to end.
"That's bullshit and you know it. You still love him Gray. I'm not stupid. We all saw the night as Zayn's. You and Liam's cat and mouse game was far more entertaining than the movie. Stop Gray! I beg you to stop thinking only about yourself for once. How do you think he feels? Or how Spencer is going to feel when she gets old. Do you know he carries around your ring every day? What kind of sap does that?Tell me now, honestly. Do. You. Want. Him." Gray's eyes stared at him. It was like Niall was a completely different person right now. His face was angry and his eyes dark as he stared her down in the kitchen.
"Yes." Her voice came out weak and small.
"Good, get your crap. We are going to his house. Spence is already in her seat." He quickly brushed past her throwing on his shoes. Gray could barely wrap her head around this. One second he was screaming on her, the next he was trying to run out of her house.
"Wait, Niall stop. I'm not going anywhere," she said. Niall stopped mid shoe and stared back at her.
"Yes, you are. It's time to end this." Gray sighed and walked over to him.
"You should talk to Perrie next time before you go crazy Niall. I've already spoken to her about this. I do love him, with everything I have but I cannot go through this back and forth with him. It's not fair to anyone. I'm staying away and saying no. I have to keep everything friendly between us for the long run," she explained to him.
"Oy Gray, you are still throwing bullshit at me. I'm begging you, myself to come with me. Please don't be this foolish." She opened her mouth to stay something but Niall stopped her.
"Just look at this picture. Pretty sure it says more than a thousand words." Gray looked down at his phone and gasped. There on the screen was Liam and Gray wrapped up in each other's arms. It was the night at Perrie's, she could see those infamous star pajama pants coming out from under the blanket. Liam's head rested on her stomach while they held hands with each other.
"You people in your picture taking," she groaned. Really though, she loved every part of it. They looked so serene, and of course Gray had a smile on her face in her sleep. Just like Liam always talked about. Every moment of them came flooding back in her brain. Their first date in the diner where she learned she was a cougar, that first night together in the back of the bus that always smelled like boys. Gray surprised him in Australia, the koalas, and him showing up at the hotel the first time she got her butt kicked. Liam always came back to her, every time. No matter what went wrong or who started the fight first, he was there. Liam protected her at every moment. From fans, carrying her drunk butt home safe, coming to her rescue no matter what, and always making sure she was happy. God how could Gray bottle up these feelings for so long? She had been in denial over and over again. She loved him. Every fiber in her being loved him. Liam was it.
"Well," Niall asked her, lightening his tone.
"Grab Spencer, I have to get my tennis shoes. I hope you drove." She hussled down the hall to her room and threw on her shoes and sweatshirt.
"Let's Roll!"
----
Fear kicked in as soon as they pulled into the underground parking ramp of the building. Good god what was she doing? Here is was, so close to midnight and she was making an impromptu appearance to pour her heart out to him. This was the time to pray that he didn't reject her. They had been through their second or third chances already, at some point luck would run out. It couldn't be today, Gray couldn't let it happen. This was supposed to happen, even though it was weeks too late.
"Breathe Gray, it will be fine," Niall smiled at her. The quietly walked through the garage and into the elevator. Eight floors and they would be there.
"What would you have done if I didn't come along," Gray asked to break the silence.
"Left. It's sounds mean but I would have. We've pushed you two together long enough. Although I probably of came back the next morning and yell at you all over again," he laughed. Well at least the boy wouldn't give up. The elevator opened and they walked off to the side.
“Do you want me to take her to my place,” Niall asked while he motioned to Spencer.
“No. I need her as protection. He won’t yell if she is in the same room,” Gray told him, grabbing the seat from his hands.
“You always did play dirty. If anything happens you come up to my place. I’ll be up for a while. Good luck Gray.” He jumped back on the elevator and gave her a small wave as the doors closed. This was it now, she was alone in the dimly lit hallway ready to pour her heart out to him. Gray quietly walked down until she was at his door. She hadn’t been this nervous in a very long time. It beat the first time they met at that Denny’s even.
“Here goes nothing,” she whispered to herself before knocking. Three strong taps of her knuckles went through the hallway, but nothing happened. Liam did not come running to the door, giving her one of those one of a kind smiles and ushering her inside. She was here, dressed like an idiot with a baby in the hallway of a very luxurious apartment complex. Her heart sank, he wasn’t here. Of course not. Liam was probably partying it up with the rest of the rich and famous from the garden event. Screw this. She had gotten this far without backing down and it wasn’t time now. Gray quietly sat down Spencer’s seat and slid down the wall to the ground. She was waiting her no matter how long it took.
Me: I’m at your apartment. Will you be back soon? We need to talk.
Her phone chimed back almost immediately.
Liam: Why are you there? It’s midnight. I’m leaving now.
Gray smiled, she knew he was probably beside himself right now trying to figure out why she was there. There was no need to text back, she needed to wait and collect her thoughts. How was she going to tell him everything that she felt without breaking down or just completely messing it up?
“Liam, I wanted to tell you I really liked your letter, it meant a lot,” Gray started but shook it off. Not sincere enough by far.
“Liam, I’m sorry that I am a stupid girl who cannot control her feelings. I should have come to you earlier.” No, that was all about her. It needed to be about him. How awesome he was, a terrific father even through the bumps in the road, and the way his heart is so big. He really did unconditionally love her. Gray still wondered what exactly happen the night of their big fight but it didn’t matter. She didn’t care of the horrible things they said to each other, it didn’t matter. It was one bad night fueled by their strong personalities. God she prayed this would go well. Her hands clasped on her lap and she bowed her head.
“Dear God, I really need some help on this one. Please let this go well.” She continued to keep her eyes tightly shut and think when the elevator dinged. Gray looked up to see him standing at the beginning of the hallway looking back at her. It was the showdown of all stares. Once again, she couldn’t get a read on his attitude. Gray quickly stood up and walked towards him, taking small steps hoping it would make him crack.
“What are you doing here,” he said to her in a harsh, hushed tone. Liam’s hands adjusted his tie more before pulling out from his collar. The dressed up look made Gray’s heart flutter even more. He had on black slacks, a white shirt and a black suit jacket. So simple yet so hot.
“I came to speak with you.” Gray wanted to kick herself. Why did she keep sounding so formal?
“Can we please do it inside? I’d rather not let this include my neighbors,” he spat at her. His icy tone was throwing her for a loop but Gray wasn’t backing down. Liam picked up Spencer’s seat and opened the apartment. Gray followed behind him, ignoring that Liam let go of the door practically letting it her in the chest. Liam moved down the hallway with Spencer.
“Wait, Liam stop. Can she stay here in the living room with us please, “Gray spoke, the words coming out soft.
“Why? So you can bolt when you don’t get your way,” Liam shot back. Gray had to force herself not to show emotion right now. He was really coming out with a bang tonight.
“No, that’s not it. If she’s here we won’t yell and wake her up. This way we can stay calm. What’s up with you tonight,” Gray asked. Liam placed Spencer’s seat in the corner of the room, making sure she was covered up before approaching Gray.
“My problem? You want to know my problems finally? Well let me tell you. Here I am, going to an event just for you when I could care less about gardens only to turn out you left before I even got a chance to speak to you like usual. So I decide to go out with Andy, get a drink and then you text me. Not even giving me a shot mind you, you just announce that you are at my place and expect me to come over right then and there. So start Gray, start yelling at me for shopping up are your workplace and making things hard for you again,” Liam seethed at her trying never hard not to raise his voice. Oh my god, he thought she was going to freak out about him being there. Liam didn’t know, not at all. Gray tried to stop herself from laughing but it didn’t work well.
“Why in God’s name are you laughing at me,” he barked back at her.
“I didn’t come to yell at you for being there. I came to tell you that I love you,” Gray breathed out. The expression on his face changed immediately. The lines by his eyes got softer, almost like he was amazed.
“What,” he asked, taking a small step towards her. Gray took a deep breath, this was it.
“I came to tell you that I love you. Really I haven’t stopped loving you, I was just too scared and stupid to admit it earlier. I thought it would just be easier as friends so we wouldn’t fight anymore. It would have been easier for everything, not just us. I had this perception that you didn’t want me either, you were just doing what a typical guy would have done. Cared for the mother of his child to make everything kosher but I know that’s the truth with me. I thought so at first when you took me and Spence to the hospital but the more I’m around you the more I know. The night on the couch, waking up with you, the dressing room and even showing up there tonight. You love me, I know you do. You have gone out of your way to show me, I’ve just been too blind to see it. I love you Liam, I love you with everything I have.” It came out far too fast for her liking. One sentence ran into the next making her rush. She didn’t are though, he needed to hear it all. Liam stayed across from her not saying anything. At this point, she wanted him to do anything to at least acknowledge her.
“Can you really say something right now? Please. You can yell at me, or laugh. Just something to let me know you heard me, please Liam.” She told herself in to the hallway to keep her emotions in check, but that was easier said than done. Tears were falling out of her eyes at rapid speeds while she stared back at him. Liam unbuttoned the top of his shirt and stripped off his jacket. He laid it down on the breakfast bar before walking very slowly over to her. Her breath stopped when he was in front of her, just centimeters open between their bodies. Liam grabbed her face with both hands. She stared into his eyes covered in fear and excitement. The pads of Liam’s thumbs traced underneath her eyes, brushing off any of the tears.
“Don’t cry love,” he spoke softly. Gray felt like her heart had burst out of her chest. Love, she was his love.
“Well I’m a girl, we cry,” Gray barely joked with him. He continued to stare into her eyes, wiping away ever tear that fell.
“You’ve cried too much with me,” he whispered.
“Passionate people cry. I’m passionate about you.” Gray grabbed his hips with her hands and pulled him closer. Her body craved the contact between them.
“I’ve wished for the moment for a long time. You finally realize your feelings toward me. Now that it’s hear it terrifies me. You been hurt, so hurt around me. What if I can’t protect you this time,” Liam whispered. He moved his arms doing, pulling her into his. Gray could feel his hands shaking on her back.
“It happens, and I’m sure I will get hurt again. We fight, we make up. It’s our thing,” Gray explained.
“Two concussions, crutches, and broken arm and a dislocated shoulder shouldn’t be our thing Gray.” Gray pulled back and looked at him.
“Nothing of those even counts. I could be in a full body cast and still wouldn’t be able to stay away from you. You are it Liam. You get that? You are the only thing I want in my life. You, me and Spencer until the end. I cannot stay away from you or run away from you anymore. I love you Liam, I really do. Heck, you can beat me to a pulp right now and I still probably won’t stop,” Gray smiled to him.
“So what are you saying Gray,” he smirked at her. Gray swapped roles and grabbed his face.
“I’m in love with you.” She didn’t give him a chance to respond before pulling his lips into hers. Everything erupted in her body once they touched. It felt like every part of her skin and body was getting pricked by small tiny needles. It had been forever since they had been like this. Liam pulled her body in closer to him, unable to break away. They both missed each other so much, they could feel it in the kiss. The passion, the fire, and most of all, the love for each other was still there. Gray broke away trying to let herself catch her breath.
“I have missed this so much. I can’t believe you finally came back. I tried so hard to let you have your space yet make you miss me,” Liam confessed, nuzzling his face in her hair.
“I was dense,” Gray smiled back. She still wondered how she missed it all.
“It killed me Gray, you don’t know how many hours I have missed sleep on just thinking about you, or how I could get to you. I thought you knew that night at Perrie’s. I swore you felt it between us yet you still left that day without a second thought. Poor Perrie, I just about broke her coffee table from my anger. I wanted you so much, just like I want you now.” Gray squeezed him tighter as the tears came to her eyes. Liam’s arms wrapped around her waist tighter as he picked her up and carried her body to the couch.
“I don’t want to let go of you,” Gray whispered out as he pulled their bodies down.
“You don’t baby, never.” He kissed her forehead and she snuggled into his lap. Gray rested her head on his chest while both her legs straddled him. His hands were locked on her butt, not even giving her the chance to run if she wanted.
“Tell me what I missed.”
“What do you mean,” he asked her.
“All the chances you tried, I want to know where I went wrong,” she told him.
“You never went wrong, so please don’t think that. But yes, I did try. I told Perrie to go to your house for dinner. I didn’t know she read the letter, that wasn’t supposed to happen but I was hoping she could coax the information out of you. Perrie has always been dominant so figured you would break under pressure. That went to shit though, she told me everything that night when she came over,” Liam explained. Gray moved from her spot and looked at him.
“Man, she went over to your place? This isn’t far,” Gray groaned. Liam pushed her head back and squeezed her more.
“She told me you didn’t want me anymore. I’ve never felt so crushed. Every bone in my body literally hurt. I sobbed in front of her. Now that I think about it, that was quite embarrassing. She told me not to give up you. At first I was ready too, but that night you came into the kitchen with my pants on, I knew. Sooner or later I’d have you back.” Gray laughed from his chest nervously.
“To be fair, I didn’t know those pants were yours. Honest." She told him not moving from his chest.
"I could tell when I spoke to you. Sorry I was so harsh. Once you went to lay Spencer down I snap at the rest and told them to leave that spot on. I wanted to be nice to you. Although sleeping on top of you wasn't in the plan, that just sort of happened."
"Did you know then you were going to come tonight? I remember Perrie or Zayn, one of them saying you had to record," Gray asked. Liam's hand unclasped from her butt and his fingers ran up and down her back. It made Gray squirm on his lap. She could hear a faint laugh deep in his chest.
"No, but I knew they would help me think of something. I originally planned on taking Niall's place but then I knew you wouldn't have left and I didn't want to jeopardize your career. I showed up tonight and searched for you everywhere. After a while I realized you were gone. I called Andy and was ready to drink my thoughts away until you texted me. Now look. I have my favorite girls home." He kissed the top of her head and sighed.
"I'm not quite sure what to say right now Liam. I feel completely awful yet extremely happy all at the same time," Gray told him. It was true. Things went into a whirlwind as soon as she showed up. Within an hour they were here, on the couch, being with each other.
"Don't. I have no regrets right now, other then almost breaking a coffee table. And the night of our fight, that was very stupid of me." Gray waved him off.
"Can't we forget that night ever happened?" She shuddered at the thought just thinking about it.
"More then happy too." Gray sat up and stared at his face.
"Where do we go from here," she asked sincerely.
"Slowly, and together," he smiled back.
"I like that, but no rings though okay? I'm not quite ready for that." Her thoughts went back to what Niall told her about Liam carrying around her engagement ring. That was just too soon, they needed to get back to ground zero together.
"No, definitely not. Boyfriend and Girlfriend. We seemed to have better moments back then anyway." Gray winked back at him and stared to crawl off his lap.
"Where are you going," he asked, gripping her wrists so she couldn't move.
"Your girlfriend needs to get home with her kid. I don't have anything here for her," Gray responded. It the heat of the moment she left without grabbing the always packed diaper bag by the door. All she had was a couple of diapers that always stayed in her purse and nothing else.
"Don't." She gave him a look.
"What do you mean 'don't'." Gray could feel the attitude rising in her body, she needed to keep it cool.
"Can I show you something," he asked. Gray nodded at him and let him take the lead. Liam stood up and grabbed her hand pulling her down the hallway of his place. He stopped a door, but she knew it wasn't his room.
"Know mind you, my mum and I did this a long while ago, I didn't plan this while you were in London," he told her quietly. Gray looked at him wondering what was behind. Liam took a breath before opening the door. The light flickered on showing Gray a open of pink and white. The small room was covered in soft blush tones on the curtains, walls and floors. The middle of the room was a large off white crib with a matching dresser and rocking chair on both sides. It was Spencer's room, Liam had a room for her. Gray said nothing as she walked in touching the fabric as she went.
"Mum may of went a bit crazy with the pink," he said sheepishly from the doorway. Gray looked behind her shoulder and smiled at him.
"It's perfect." She walked back to him and pulled Liam in close. God, she was stupid for going this long without the perfect man.
"Does that mean you will stay? I have diapers and formula too." She could through his body language that he was nervous.
"For the night, yes." Liam brightly smiled at her and her a quick peck. They worked together getting Spencer out of her seat and into the freshly made crib. Liam worked fast and effortlessly changing Spencer into pajamas for the night. Gray stepped awy and took the time to watch Liam in control. For not being his daughter a lot, he sure did know what he was doing. It was like he hadn't missed a day in her life.
"If you want to go change you can. I do know you like my pajamas," Liam smirked at her. Gray felt her cheeks blush.
"Honest, we are good." She sighed and left the room. It was a different feeling having someone else taking care of her daughter. It always was her job, but not it finally got to be his. Gray walked into his room and shook of the evening gown dress and sweatshirt for a pair of his boxer shorts and a plain white tshirt. She crawled into the large bed and inhaled. Every inch of it smelled like him. Such a magificent smell. She pulled the covers up higher and let herself sink in. His bed was so much better then hers. Gray closed her eyes and sighed, this was nice.
"You okay?" Liam's voice startled her. She opened her eyes to see him at the end of the bed changing. All that was left to come off was his pants. Every muscle of his chest flexed making Gray squirm. He had been hitting the weights a lot more then the last time she saw him like this.
"Stop staring wench," Liam flirted with her. Gray rolled her eyes and turned away. Liam threw on a shirt and crawled into bed next to her. His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her in close. His head nuzzled her hair making her smile.
"Still wondering if this is a dream fueled by alcohol," he whispered. Gray locked their fingers together on her hip.
"I'm always here forever," Gray yawned. She squeezed his fingers once more as sleep started to overcome her. By now it was in the middle of the night and the events of everything caught up to her.
"Love you Gray Goose."
"Love you jailbait," she whispered as her eyes closed bringing her into a world of darkness.
----
Dreams of them passed through her head. Liam in a tux yelling at her, the moments of them in the dressing room mirror. Everything swirled around in her head before being tossed away in the black cloud. Gray shook in her sleep letting the beginning of a nightmare take over. Liam was there with Spencer in his arms running away from her. They were on a street that looked a lot like her home in Chicago but all the houses were gone. It was just her standing alone watching him run out of sight. It didn't wake her up completely but enough to razzle her. Her subconscious removed the dream from her head letting another one in. Liam's face was right up next to her screaming out 'I DON'T LOVE YOU' over and over. Tears screamed down her face and her body rolled in the bed trying to get away from it all. She woke up in a sweat, not willing to open her eyes and find out it was all a dream. Any other time Lia's body would be suctioned cup to her, right now she felt nothing. Gray opened her eyes and sat up. This wasn't her room, was it all a dream? Fingers wrapped around her wrist making her look over. Liam was on his side with his eyes still closed. Next to him was Spencer on her back. Her little hands were balled up about her head, what she usually did when she was deep asleep. It wasn't a dream. Everything that happened last night was real, they were together as a family once again. She stayed upright, letting her body calm down before joining her mini family again. Gray laid down and grabbed Liam's hand. Together they made a circle around their little girl. It was finally an unbreakable bond, nothing would be able to him anymore. Their strong relationship was there again. It was time to move on together being happy, loving and free.
Team Gram -er forever.
Notes
Title Creds: "All of Me" by John Lennon.Well my friends, this is it. Team Gram is finally over. Not going to lie, I'm really glad it's over. Writing this one was so much harder then PYPM. Probably why it took me so long, so I apologize.
The spin off story is in the works. Team Niall girls, it's all for you! I'm quite excited for this one. It will be up in probably a week to ten days. I haven't picked a title yet though. BUT - when it starts I'll link it in a chapter for this one, so make sure you subscribe to get the update! Thank you for sticking me with for so long. Heart you all :D
- Elyse
10/9/13