Penance - Uncovering the truth, Secrets and confessions, and Twisted pasts

Chapter 9

"So, what's the plan?" Alison asked, seeking clarity on his intentions.

Grayson nodded slowly, observing Alison's features. Her long black hair and piercing blue eyes were striking, but there was something else - a fire that burned deep inside her.

"We're going to The Ritz-Carlton Boston," Grayson suggested. "The hotel's sophisticated interiors and refined aesthetics would provide us with the privacy and focus we need to create our best work."

Alison seemed oblivious to Grayson's words, instead taking in the luxurious interior of the limousine. It was likely her first time in such an extravagant vehicle.

"Are you listening?" Grayson asked, trying to draw her attention away from the fancy limo.

Alison turned to look at him, her blue eyes meeting his gaze. "Yes, The Ritz-Carlton Boston with a pool top view. Sounds perfect," she said with a smile.

How did she know there was a pool top view?  Grayson pondered to himself. I suppose most people are aware of the hotel's amenities, he concluded.

Grayson couldn't help but feel a twinge of suspicion. He knew nothing what so ever about Alison. He had tried to find information about Alison but had come up empty-handed. It was odd, especially when compared to how easy it was to gather information about Avery. The only logical explanation was that Alison was part of a wealthy family, similar to his own. It was possible that her family had connections that allowed them to keep their information private. Grayson knew first-hand how easy it was for his grandfather to erase any information he wanted. Toby's fake death was proof of that.

The limo smoothly pulled up in front of the grand hotel, and Grayson quickly got out, holding the door open for Alison. She stepped out, feeling a bit nervous but excited at the same time. Grayson didn't say anything but simply led the way towards the entrance of the hotel, with Alison trailing behind.

Once inside, Grayson turned to Alison and spoke, "I think it would be better if you wore something simple, like a white dress."

Alison giggled, "You don't happen to have a dress on you, do you?"

Grayson replied flatly, "There's a clothes shop right around this turn, if you can afford it."

Alison didn't say anything until they reached the shop. She went in, but Grayson stayed outside, waiting for her.

"Don't just stand there, make yourself useful," she called out to Grayson. Grayson raised an eyebrow. "My assistance is not needed, and I'm sure you're capable of choosing your own dress, let alone paying for them," he replied, his rich voice washing over Alison's words. However, Alison rolled her eyes and pulled him inside the shop.

"I appreciate your confidence in my abilities, but I value your opinion as a photographer, so I would really like your input on what would look best for the shoot," her voice was stern, but there was a slight buzz of energy to it.

Grayson opted not to argue as he didn't want to cause a scene, especially with a surprising number of people shopping around them, and followed, wondering what he had gotten himself into. He led Alison to the dress section and picked out some dresses for her to try on.

While he chose other clothes, he noticed that she had lost more weight since yesterday, and he wondered if she had been eating properly. But he pushed the thought aside, reminding himself that it wasn't his place to comment on her personal life.

After a few minutes, Alison emerged from the dressing room, looking stunning in the light blue dress that Grayson had chosen. "You have a good eye for things, don't you?" Alison beamed with a smile. She twirled around, and the dress flowed gracefully around her, accentuating every curve of her body. The light blue fabric perfectly complemented her porcelain skin, making her radiate like a goddess. Grayson felt his heart skip a beat as he watched her dance, completely captivated by her beauty.

Alison looked down at the dress and ran her fingers over the fabric. "What do you think?" she asked, seeking his approval. They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's gaze, before Grayson finally spoke. "It's good enough."

"That is the nicest thing you have ever said to me," Alison's smile returned, brighter than before.

As they walked towards the cash register, Grayson couldn't help but think to himself, If only she knew that 'good enough' was the highest praise I had ever given anyone.