killer, gbd (EDITING)

19

The sound of the phone wakes me. It rings for several seconds before I am conscious enough to sit up and answer it. My eyes still fighting to open against the morning light, I hold the phone to my cheek. "Hello?"

"Morning love, it's Joey," I had figured as much from his accent. "Everything has been sorted out with your flight, you leave in 2 hours. I sent for a driver to pick you up half an hour beforehand."

"Wow," I rub my eyes and pull myself upward, finally coming to my senses. "That's great. Thank you." I yawn, but tilt the phone so that Joey won't hear it.

"It was my pleasure, I would someday like to earn your favor Ms. Patton," My brows raise and I hold in my breath, hoping he will continue. But the silence draws on, I can sense his smirk through the phone.

"Well, I am sure we will be seeing more of each other soon," I let out the rest of my breath before continuing. "But I will let you know, though they are appreciated, my favor isn't won through gifts."

He lets out a small laugh. "Indeed, but they do make it easier to like someone don't they?" He laughs, not expecting an answer. "Stay safe, I'll see you soon."

"Until then," I nod, nearly smiling.

"Until then," He echos, and the line goes blank. I put the phone back into its stand and stand from bed, stretching.

I take a quick shower before I do anything, and then eat a nice breakfast in my robe. I go to the balcony to eat, figuring that I should enjoy my last moments here.

When time begins to catch up with me, I dress into the comfy clothes I had brought for the ride home. Not having much to take with me, I leave without worry that I've forgotten something.

I step out into the sun, my eyes squinting. My eyes adjust in a moment and I see a car out front. "Aria Patton?" The driver asks, his hand sliding to the door handle.

I smile politely, walking down the few steps to him. "That's me," To that, he opens the back door for me to get in, and closes it behind me.

Once inside I take a deep breath and look back up at the hotel. Grayson makes me feel at home, but spending time alone was more relaxing than I thought it would be.

I know that Joey was trying to make me fear Grayson, make me think he is a bad person. But having lost a partner of my own several years back, I know the guilt that remains. Grayson's situation is different from mine, but I can't hate him without knowing his side first.

I can't bring myself to believe that he killed them himself, unless there was a rightful cause.

I picture Grayson face and become anxious. What am I going to say? What am I going to feel? What will his side of the story look like? What if I'd simply rather not know?

I don't find peace, my brows furrow unintentionally and my stomach tightens. The car ride isn't long, but I know that the plane ride will be.

Looking up at plane that will take me back to him, the anxious part of my brain creates warns me. This is it. You'll be forced to see him, talk to him. You won't be able to run if you hear something you don't like.

But the logical side speaks back, I couldn't drop him that quickly even if I wanted to. I know him well enough to create a realistic picture of his character.