Everything I'm Not (GirlxGirl)

39. The Grays

Julia sees me looking and chuckles. "Wanna spend your break inside my room?"

"If we go there now, we won't be getting back out anytime soon." I do a quick glance around the floor to make sure we're alone and peck her on the lips.

She laughs. "Aye aye, captain."

Jimmy comes back too soon with another glass of water for me and we continue playing. Behind me, Julia was doing her best to keep herself occupied by scrolling through her phone. She kept switching positions until she settled on lying on her back, her hand occasionally playing with my hair.

At some point, Julia stood up and left without saying a word, only to come back and snap a photo with her polaroid that took me by surprise. She didn't bother showing me the picture. She just went back to her room and returned empty-handed with a big smile on her face, saying she's gonna go down to help Laura in making dinner.

Time flew by without me noticing and the next time I looked outside, it was already dark. Jimmy was sprawled on the carpet, his hands rubbing his temple. "I'm so done."

A slight throbbing in my head and between my eyes has started to build. It's to be expected. I haven't played like this in so long and my body's not used to it. "I should get going."

Jimmy sits up. "You should stay for dinner."

The arrival of Julia's father was alerted by the howling and crying of her dogs. "Just in time," Jimmy says. As I was helping him clear away the pieces, he asks, "Are you ever going to go back?"

I stare at the pawn clutched in my hand. Am I? It's the question I've been asking myself since the day I went out with Julia and until now, I still don't have my answer. "I'm still thinking about it."

Jimmy smiles at me. "I'm glad."

"Dinner's ready." Julia prompts as Jimmy and I was about to head down. I flick the lint off my jeans before following downstairs.

I didn't get a good look at her dad the first time because it was dark and I was too busy trying not to laugh, but now with the proper lighting and a closer look, I can see the resemblance—or lack thereof. Where Julia's hair was black, her dad has a dirty blond with the roots turning gray. His eyes are a dark shade of brown. This family is definitely blessed by good looks.

"I wasn't aware we have a guest," is Christian Gray's way of greeting me. Although unlike the last time, his words didn't hold any contempt. He was just genuinely surprised to see me.

"Jimmy asked her to come."

Another man appears coming from the living room. If Julia is a carbon copy of her mom, this man is definitely the carbon copy of her dad, minus the graying hair and plus the eyeglasses. He's holding his son in his arms, the kid giggling with joy in seeing his daddy.

"Been a long time since Julia brought home a friend." He says.

"Al, this is my eldest brother Jace. Jace, Alex."

"Nice to meet you." I give him a pleasant smile which he returns with ease.

Just before we head to the dining room, I feel a prickling feeling on the back of my neck. I'm so used to her popping up all the time that I'm not even surprised when Janelle shows up on the front door. That, and she's living across the street. She doesn't seem surprised to see me when she enters and greets everyone with the familiarity I envy. Of course, they're close; they all grew up together. Julia also told me she spent Thanksgiving with them. She's basically part of the family.

We all head to the dining room and settle on the 10-seater table. Christian sits at the head, to his right is Jace, between him and Laura, is their two-year-old son Benjamin, and Jimmy. To his left are Josh, Janelle, Julia, and me.