Despicable Arrogance

Chapter 5: 'You have the nerve to show up here.'

“You have the nerve to show up here,” he snapped.

I looked around with furrowed eyebrows. “Where? At my job?”

He glared at me but walked over to his phone and pressed the play button. I pressed the pause button again and walked away. As I was going up the stairs, I heard the music start to play again.

“Grayson!” I shouted over the sound of the music.

I’m guessing he didn’t hear me over the sound of his deafening music. “Grayson!”

I tried again. “Grayson!”

I then realized that he was ignoring me. I scoffed. Like I care, it makes things easier for me. I continued my walk to the couch and took out my book. I opened to the page where my bookmark sat before I attempted to read. I could barely hear myself think. My mind couldn’t focus with music playing. I tried again and failed. I slammed the book down on the table and walked over to the banister.

I glanced down and saw Grayson wiping down the tables. I watched as he sprayed the table and wiped it, while singing and dancing. Why can’t I multitask like that? I remembered why I was angry. “Grayson!”

Instead of answering me, he walked over to his phone. He looked up at the banister and gave me a challenging look as his eyes met mine and he increased the volume. I glared at him before walking over to the couch. I sat down and waited until it was 11:50. I galloped down the stairs and turned off his music. I noticed that he’d set everything up on the tables, including the origami paper with the instruction books, craft lace, and things needed to make bracelets. I heard shuffling and I saw Grayson exit the lounge. He picked up his phone and placed it into his pocket. The sound of doors opening greeted the library and I smiled.

“Audrey!” The little girl’s voices greeted my ears and I couldn’t help but smile. They wrapped their arms around my waist. There were 7 of them: Hailey, Taylor, Grace, Michelle, Asia, Cara, and Bella.

When the other girls let me go, I smiled at them and looked down to see the youngest girl, Grace, frowning at Grayson. He was staring straight at her, a confused look on his face. He’s probably wondering why she’s staring at him. If I’m being honest, I am, too. Isn’t it a coincidence that my favorite girl-scout’s name was so similar to my most hated person’s?

“What’s wrong Grace?” I asked her and she looked up at me with a bright smile. She was missing one of her bottom teeth.

She stood onto the tips of her toes, her blonde hair bouncing around as she cupped her mouth. “Who is he?”

I couldn’t help but notice the twinge of interest in her voice. I smirked as I kneeled down in front of her. “That’s Grayson, why?”

“We have similar names," she blushed and I snorted.

“I noticed that,” I smiled at her. “Now why are you so curious about him?” I poked her stomach and she giggled.

“He’s cute,” she smiled, causing me to roll my eyes.

“I’m gonna tell him!” I giggled as I stood up. She shook her head, latching onto my leg.

“If you tell him, I’ll kill you,” she whispered in a threatening voice. Do you see why she’s my favorite girl-scout? She and Grayson are polar opposites.

I smiled down at her. “I won’t tell him.”

She sighed in relief, placing a hand on her chest. “Woo, I thought I was going to have to kill you, Audrey, and I don’t want to have to do that.”

I let out a laugh before shaking my head. She grabbed my hand and we walked over to the section of the library where we were holding Girl Scout meetings. “So, have any plans for this weekend?”