R.E.M

forty three

GREYSON'S POV

"We can turn around and say no still," Ariana offered while I loaded our bags in her car. She was helping me ensure everything fit, making sure to pack the trunk properly. Although, I knew she was nervous for us to go, since she had been poking at the same bags for about twenty minutes or so.

"It's fine, let's just do it,"

"Greyson please,"

"Do you really want me to stay?"

"Because I think they're gonna scare you away,"

"They won't," I chuckled, just as she stepped in the way of the trunk, standing in front of me.

"Or we could stay," Ariana prompted, a smirk rising to her lips, "We are home alone,"

"As fun as that sounds, I wanna meet the rest of your family, babe,"

"Are you sure?"

I rolled my eyes playfully, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Yeah, so let's go now so we aren't late,"

The Grande family were getting together right before the summer at Joan's house for memorial day weekend. The rest of my family would be together, but Joan and Frankie asked me to come and meet everyone else, so I was excited. We were in the hills at golden hour and I was watching the love of my life look out of the window, not even catching my glances every so often. Her hand was in mine and sometimes I could feel her staring, our eyes often meeting in the rear view mirror. With Giveon playing in the back, everything was perfect.

"Got high hopes, just like you. Truth be told, we both have things to lose," I mumbled, my left hand loosely holding the wheel.

Ariana smiled, looking at me curiously, "I didn't know you could sing so well,"

"Not as good as you, for sure," I told her, letting out a small laugh, "My mom was calling me back when I was in New York, she was excited you loved your studio,"

"Really?" Ariana blushed, "She came over at least once a week to make sure I was okay while you were gone. I haven't left the studio since I got it,"

"I know, she told me she had to drag you out of it some days. I didn't know you guys were so close,"

"Yeah, we started getting lunch on Tuesdays together,"

"Tuesdays? Lunch?" I frowned, watching Ariana laugh, "Maybe I should start taking Joan out for lunch."

"She'd love that actually, she hasn't stopped talking about you,"

"Neither has mine, she loves you."

"Yeah well mine loves you more than me sometimes, she's been telling everyone about you nonstop,"

"Damn," I mumbled while Ariana only grew confused, "I gotta be the best girlfriend anyone's ever brought home or else I'll be a let down,"

She smiled, rolling her eyes, "You already are, babe,"

***

Ariana was wrapped around my bicep, following her mom outside to everyone, where she introduced us to the rest of the Grande family, "Everyone, this is Ariana's girlfriend Greyson," Joan explained, some of the kids' mouths dropping while others waved and nodded.

I did the same, while Ariana pulled me over to what looked to be some of her favorite cousins, who were equally excited to see her.

"Damn Ari, you look happier!" One of them said, embracing her in a hug, "I haven't seen you in months,"