June 26

Toronto, Ontario

Curled on the back seat of Mrs. Windsor's SUV, I shift closer to Greyson. Ryan's mum is driving us to Toronto to visit Liam. Even though both boys have their G2 driving license, our parents don't want them to drive so far after such an emotional event. Ryan's mum is joining us this time to see if the boys can later manage the drive home.

Ryan and Greyson's mums have each taken the boys for a visit, deciding to discuss together if they agree on letting the boys drive themselves in the future.

Greyson's tension has been building over the three hours in the car, his body stiff, his grip on my hand, hard. His knuckles are white as they grip the handle of the door. His eyes are closed, head tipped back against the seat.

I rub my cheek against his shoulder, stroking my free hand up and down his arm and shoulder. I can't tell if it brings him any comfort. "Do you want to talk, Greyson?" I speak quietly, so Ryan and his mum can't overhear.

He doesn't answer me, only tips his forehead down to rest against mine. I can feel his body vibrating slightly with tension, small shivers. I don't push him.

My mum and I woke up early this morning, baking fresh large blueberry muffins and making homemade bread for sandwiches, which I'd left on a platter, unassembled so everyone could build them to their preference. We made egg salad, sliced some ham and turkey, then cooked some bacon.

The familiar activities of baking and cooking soothed me, preparing me for the day ahead.

Mum arranged a fruit platter delivery large enough for an army that should arrive at the hospital later this afternoon. I also baked oatmeal cookies, a simple recipe with not too many ingredients if Liam isn't up to eating anything substantial. I'd researched with Mum on what was or wasn't appropriate for a patient in Liam's condition.

As we pull into the parking garage, I kiss Greyson's cheek, squeezing him once before climbing out.

I've met Ryan several times, but I don't really know him that well yet, only in passing. I hope to change that; I'm already captivated by his easygoing charm and innate kindness. Ryan helps me unload the baskets of baked goods and bread, handing them to me, before shouldering the big cooler containing drinks and sandwich fixings.

"Grey, take the plants Elle brought," Ryan's deep voice booms out, echoing in the garage.

I smile a bit nervously over at the boys, "I hope they aren't overkill."

"Don't you worry, Elle. He'll love them. It looks like a wedding in his room normally, all these fancy flowers in pretty vases. He'll dig these. As far as flowers go, they're more macho." The kind reassurance Ryan so casually sends my way eases my tension.

Theo told me that Liam loves everything outdoorsy, and his love of nature drives all his activities and interests. The hockey rink was basically the only indoor activity he tolerated. So, I'd gone to the nursery with Dad, buying local potted fauna, ferns, small potted pines. I'd purchased and planted a selection of local wildflowers, arranging them nicely in a long window box. If Liam couldn't be outside, then I'd thought to bring the outside to him.

Mrs. Windsor pays for parking, taking her small ticket with her as we all head to the elevators.

I thought I'd prepared myself for what to expect, but the pale, thin boy in the hospital bed still caught me off guard. Theo had shown me yearbook pictures before I'd come today, but I'm not sure it helped. This Liam was unrecognizable compared to those photos.

Liam's parents greet us, smiling at me as Mrs. Windsor, Jill, introduces me around, explaining I'd prepared food and treats for everyone.

Greyson jumps into action quickly, like he wants to keep busy. Setting the long flower box down on the ledge by the window, he introduces me, "I hope you don't mind my bringing Elle, I've known her all my life, and well, I already told you we recently started dating," his sentence hangs openly in the room a little awkwardly. I stare at him. It's the first time I've heard him say it. My heart flips over in my chest.

Liam grins, "Hey brother, hell no, I don't mind. There is no chance in hell that I'm missing an opportunity to meet the girl who can settle you down. Get over here, Elle, and bring some of whatever smells so good."

I experience a momentary flash of panic. Does he want a muffin, or a cookie? Cookie, I'll try the cookie first. For the first time in my life, I'm frozen, I can't find any words.

The beeping monitors and hard lights distract me, make me nervous. I set the baskets down, leaving Mrs. Windsor to set up the basket of muffins, the sandwich and fruit platters. Grabbing a napkin, I take two large oatmeal cookies over to Liam. He reaches up and tugs my elbow to get me to sit on the side of his bed.

"Sit with me, I promise, I won't bite. It's nice to meet you, Elle."

"It's nice to meet you, Liam." I'm not so sure what comes next, since I'd normally fall back on the weather, summer activities, school, sports as I try to get to know someone, but it all seems so trivial and inappropriate now.

"You sure are pretty, Elle. I can see why Grey's into you. Hopefully, your personality is half as sweet as that face suggests."

Smiling a little shyly at his outrageous comments, I look down at the edge of the bed. There are cables and tubes everywhere, so I carefully slide them aside, closer to his body before resting my hip on his bed, handing him the cookies.

"Thanks." Liam's eyes, although a little dull and slightly sunken, twinkle with humor as he takes a big bite of the cookie. His exaggerated moan of pleasure makes me smile, and I relax. "She speaks, right Grey? Or is that part of the appeal?"

"Of course I speak, you just seemed to enjoy the sound of your own voice this morning. Who would I be to interrupt?" I wink at him, letting him know I'm teasing.

His bark of laughter takes me by surprise, so I grin back at him. "Brains and beauty. Deadly combo. It's just as I feared though, Grey's a goner."

Just as I'm about to speak, Liam continues like a steamroller, "So, tell me, how long have you been friends with the insufferable idiot?" Liam's voice is soft, deep, and smooth. I find myself smiling back at him mischievously before answering him.

"Longer than I can remember, in fact, I don't remember actively choosing to be his friend, our parents inflicted us on one another."

My comment makes all three boys laugh, but Liam finally chirps out, "I knew it had to be something like that; no girl in her right mind would choose this broody bastard."

When Greyson snorts and tosses a pillow lightly at his friend, I turn to him, sliding my hand into his, taking pity on him. I don't want all the humor of today's visit to be at his expense. I smile up at him, "He's not so bad. Even if I didn't choose him then, I choose him now."

Greyson's eyes meet mine, and I see a flush of pleasure bloom across his cheeks just before he squeezes my hand and looks away. He leaves his fingers linked with mine, though, and his thumb strokes over the side of my wrist slowly.

Liam eyes us curiously, focused on our linked hands. "Yeah, that's cute and all, but let's get to the good stuff. I want pictures, this guy is allergic to physical affection, but you seem like a cuddler... no offense, I personally love that shit, you'll meet Sam soon, too. She just went to the pharmacy for a sec. She's a grade A cuddler and hand holder. I always thought anyone Grey settled with would be pretty frosty."

I smile, knowing exactly what he means. "I guess I'm about as warm, snuggly, and affectionate as they come, don't know what to say there. He seems to tolerate it just fine."

Digging out a few Polaroids from my bag, I hand them over to him. He digs through with a grin on his face as Greyson groans.

"Elle, why do you always have those damn pictures with you?" Greyson sounds resigned, and only a little annoyed.

I smile up at him, "To brag about my studly macho friends, of course. Those things are like currency at school. Like sexy trading cards."

Greyson makes a startled choking sound, then everyone laughs, parents included. I flush, having momentarily forgotten they were still here.

Liam continues to pepper me with questions about Greyson, and I humor him with each one, sending a sassy retort back at him until he's in stitches laughing.

His fingers slide over a picture of Hudson, Theo and I. I'm sitting on each of their shoulders, in a human pyramid on the water trampoline. Two seconds after that picture was taken they'd tipped me into the water. Jerks.

"You're friends with Hud and T?" Liam looks surprised.

"Hudson is my best friend, and Theo is as close to family as it gets."

"Good God girl, heartthrobs surround you; it's a wonder you've chosen one only."

"Who said I've chosen only one?" This sassy comment makes Greyson choke again, this time on the juice he'd just taken a huge sip of.

"What?" His coughing sputter makes me grin, and Liam howls with laughter.

"Everyone knows I have a marriage pact with Hudson. We agreed if neither of us is married by thirty, we're getting married."

Greyson rolls his eyes at me and relaxes again. "That's too young, Elle. You should bump it to thirty-five." He leans down close to my ear, "For a second, you had me worried. I thought we were about to have this whole exclusivity talk in front of an audience."

His breath against the sensitive skin of my ear and neck sends shivers through me when he continues, "I'd rather have that chat later, in private, so this doesn't let you off the hook." Greyson's nose slides over the shell of my ear, and I place my hand on his chest to nudge him away.

Liam clears this throat, interrupting with an amused look, "Can I have another one of those cookies, Elle? They were delicious."

"Of course you can. Who do you think I made them for? Certainly not for Greyson." I add this as Greyson munches on his third cookie unashamedly. Liam's eyes twinkle up at me before I step away to grab him one. This time, I leave the space on the bed open, nudging Greyson and Ryan forward, stepping back myself.

My attention is pulled away when a tall, slim girl walks into the room. Her long brown hair is drawn back into a ponytail. She's wearing yoga pants and what looks like one of Liam's Landon Prep hockey sweaters. She's lovely, but she looks so sad, so tired. When she sees the boys, I can see the colossal effort it takes to put a big smile on.

I walk over to her, "You must be Sam," I say. When she nods, I continue. "I'm Elle, I came with Greyson and Ryan today."

She looks around the room at the food, the flowers, the cookie Liam was happily munching on. "It's nice to meet you, Elle. Did you bring all this food, the plants?"

At my nod, she smiles, and it's a genuine smile. I hand her a giant blueberry muffin, and she nibbles on it, eating from the top first, just like I do. "Thanks, you do not understand how hard it is to smuggle takeout into this place, and hospital food does not make a good regular diet.

I reach out to give her arm a squeeze. "It's no problem at all. Make sure you get something to eat, then. Mrs. Windsor and I are going to drive to your place, get you a bag of fresh clothes and anything else you need. She already talked to your mom, who said we should ask for your keys."

"That's so nice of you both," Sam's eyes fill with tears, and she blinks quickly until she's blinked them away. "Normally my parents drop stuff off with Paul and Jacqueline, but they're visiting my brother this weekend out west."

I already know this from Mrs. Windsor, but I nod in understanding.

Once we have Sam's key, Ryan's mum and I leave. We have two stops to make. She has a list of things to get for Paul and Jacqueline; I have a list from Sam.

We drive, chatting lightly about nothing in particular, her continued insistence that I call her Jill throws me, but I try to remember.

We pull up to a lovely red brick townhouse and Jill parks, but doesn't turn the ignition off.

"You go ahead, honey. I'll be back to get you in twenty minutes or so. I figure we can divide and conquer. You have my number, so call if you need anything before then."

"That sounds good, Jill. Thanks."

I'm relieved to be on my own, the pressure of keeping the steady stream of polite conversation going has left me feeling anxious, edgy. All I want is to fold myself into Greyson's arms and enjoy the quiet that always surrounds me when I'm with him. I'm learning more and more that he's an action, rather than a words guy. Since I'm a combination of the two, leaning a little more towards the words side, I need to find a balance.

I wander up the short driveway and unlock the door. It feels strange to walk into a stranger's home, but I shake aside any uneasy feelings. Sam needs these items, she can't get them herself, so I will. Simple as that.

I follow Sam's verbal directions to her bedroom and dig out a large gym sized duffel bag from under her bed. I collect a refill of the basics, a few hair elastics, a tube of toothpaste, some face cream I find in her bathroom, and a body lotion tube. I find a box of tampons, then move to her closet. Everything is ticked off on the necessity list, but Sam hadn't specified which clothes she wants, only asking for three to four days' worth, so I try to be practical.

I hear a short honk from outside and glance at my watch. Twenty-five minutes has flown by.

I quickly check the boxes on the checklist, then jog downstairs. I lock up and jog to the car. She pops the trunk and I see the two small bags she's prepared for the Blacks. I toss Sam's bag in with it.

"I'm so sorry if I kept you waiting, I lost track of time there for a few minutes."

Jill shakes her head at me, smiling softly. "I just rolled up, honey. Not to worry. Let's stop for some fresh coffee before we go back. I just can't take one more sip of that vending machine sludge."

We drive for a few moments before I point out a drive through Starbucks. Jill orders a thermal box of fresh coffee, milk, sugar, and paper cups with lids.

We've been keeping our conversation light, but as we sit in the drive-through, Jill surprises me by asking, "How is Greyson doing, Elle?"

"I think as well as can be expected if I'm being honest. He's difficult to read." I hesitate to raise any of my own thoughts, knowing how intensely private and reserved Greyson is.

"Joy asked me to keep an eye on him today, especially on the drive home. I'm sure you know he can be... a little unpredictable." Jill creeps forward as the line moves ahead.

That's putting it mildly. Greyson's history of a bad temper, his brooding, stony silence, emotional repression and often, as a result, explosive reactions have been something my friends, and I have become accustomed to, even expect. We can all navigate his moods, but it's hard to know when his bottled up feelings will overflow. It's just one reason why I want to push him to open up to me, to someone.

I understand Joy is worried about her son, but it doesn't make me any more inclined to share. Especially not with Jill. There's no way I would break this fragile trust between us, not unless it was an emergency. "We're all here for him. Hudson, Theo, me. We'll keep an eye out on him, and on Ryan. If there is anything to worry about, I promise I'll say something to Joy." It was the best I could do.

"Honey, you're kids. I'm not sure you know what to look for, or what to do about it if you see it."

"With all due respect, I've known Greyson much longer than you have, Ma'am. We all have. I'll be the first to see it and I will speak with Joy if Greyson needs me to."

I hate taking a confrontational tone or approach to discussions with adults. It's not something that was encouraged outside my own home. My dad always wants me to express myself, but also enforces a strict rule of being respectful towards adults and authority figures. My mum often calls my disagreements with her rules 'sass' rather than changing her own opinion when we do argue. I bite my lip nervously, waiting for Jill's reply.

"See that you do, Elle. One of these days, Greyson will get into more trouble than even his parents and friends will be able to get him out of."

I have nothing to say to this, and anger bubbles inside me. No one has even tried to understand why he feels this way, or reacts the way he does. His dad is always at work, or travelling for work and his mum might try, but she lets him push her away too easily. Instead, they just bail him out when he needs it whatever it takes. As far as I can tell, the distance between the three of them has only grown since Tess went to Europe.

Thankfully, Jill drops the subject as we pull out onto the main road before the hospital, and I slide out of the car, racing to the elevator, arms loaded with supplies, using the cooling coffee as my excuse.

My heart warms as we walk back into the hospital room. Sam is sitting cuddled up to Liam, holding his hand. Greyson and Ryan are leaning back against the low footboard, facing them. Right now, there's only happiness on their faces. I grab my Polaroid camera and snap a quick picture, setting it aside.

Greyson sees me first and motions for me to join him. I walk over, and he pulls me to his side, pulling me in to lean into him. His head rests lightly against my chest, tucked under my chin. I can feel the flutter of his breath against my collarbone.

I run my fingers through his hair and down the back of his neck, kneading a little. I feel him relax under my touch, so I continue.

"You turning into a pussycat, Grey? I can practically hear you purring." Liam's teasing voice makes everyone laugh, but Greyson doesn't pull away, he simply flips his friend the bird with a smirk.

"You're one to talk, you're practically a trained lap dog in Sam's hands." Ryan howls with laughter, and Sam blushes. I roll my eyes and wink at her, hoping to ease her embarrassment, used to the boy's teasing after all these years. She smiles back at me slyly, obviously used to it herself.

When Liam begins to tire, we say our goodbyes. I drop a soft kiss onto his cheek, "Do you mind if I come back again, Liam?"

He smiles tiredly at me, "I'd like that. He's much better company when you're around, apparently." When his eyes drift closed, I lean over him, hugging Sam, before I walk out after the boys.

As soon as we get to the parking lot, Ryan pulls Grey to the side. His hand clamps down on Greyson's shoulder; Ryan openly crying. Greyson is stone faced beside him blinking determinedly, but he doesn't shake his friend's touch off which surprises me. I watch him battle against his own emotions and am even more surprised when his hand comes up to grip Ryan's forearm. I slide into the car, giving them the time they need.

The ride home is quiet, Ryan's driving, his mum observing carefully. I'm curled as close to Greyson as possible in the car, holding his hand. His eyes are closed, his face drawn tight over his sharp, angled features. His hand grips mine tight enough to shift the bones in my hand, but I don't mind.

We pull off to refill the gas tank, and Greyson moves behind the wheel. Jill rubs his shoulder, but he shifts away, so she simply directs him back out onto the highway.

When we finally get to Ryan's cottage, Jill hugs Greyson, who stiffens in her arms, unmoving, before she turns to hug me. With a final, sad look at Greyson, she waves us off, letting Ryan walk us down to the boat. I deal with the lines, holding the boat to the dock while the boys speak quietly. When Greyson steps into the boat, I dash over to Ryan, throwing my arms around his neck, hugging as hard as I can.

It clearly takes him by surprise, but after the briefest moment, he grabs me close, hugging tight and taking the comfort Greyson should be offering him. "Text me if you need me, Ryan. I can always drag his stubborn ass here if you need us."

"I'm glad he has you, Elle."

"I'm glad you have each other, Ryan. You might not see it, but I do. He loves you. He needs you. Text me, seriously. Promise?"

When he nods, I walk back towards the boat, towards Greyson's offered hand. I take it, kicking away from the dock. I'm not sure what he needs or wants from me now, so I sit next to him, quietly waiting to see if he'll let me know.

His sad, stony silence is my only companion for the long boat ride home.

- - -

This chapter made me a bit sad to write, I love Liam's character and his relationship to Greyson. Not to mention Sam, who will become a big part of Elle's life. So tell me, what do you think so far?

Join me in the comments to let me know, or vote if you loved it!

Xx Toria