Page 154 of Elevator Pitch

“It’s silk lined. Do you like it?”

I smile up at him and think to myself how lucky I am to have found him.

“I love it, Grey. Thanks for thinking of me.”

“I always think of you,” he assures me.

“Why is that?”

“Because I love you, silly.”

He picks me up and carries me into the shower.

Turns out he was serious about me not lifting a finger today.

Once again, I’d like to thank the woman who wrote Grey.

Happy birthday to me.

77

i love surprises

Selah

Manhattan, NY | May 7, 2024

Today has beenunlike any birthday I’ve ever had. I woke up thirty years old with a clean slate, in the arms of a man who adores me as I am. I couldn’t be more grateful. I know I just wanted to relax today, but he kept his word and gave me what I wanted. After brunch, we curled up with our pets, and I caught up on my current read before he sent me out of the house for pampering. He’s taking me out for a nice dinner tonight, and he was still firm about me not lifting a finger today.

He made me a hair appointment with Chess for a wash and style. I wanted my curls straightened with a few inches taken off. My curls always look so much better when they’re not weighed down, and she took the perfect amount off. As much as I love to embrace the curls, occasionally, I like to switch it up. I was a little nervous about what Greyson would say, but it’s safe to say he was more than happy with the outcome. When I got home, he kindly asked if he could wrap it around his fist just to test my new length. How could I deny such a reasonable request? It wrapped aroundthreetimes.

I complete my look as I zip myself into a backless yellow maxi dress. Open-toe heels peek through my low slit. I’m secretly hoping that eggs aren’t cooked at the table tonight. I’ve asked for hints as to where we’re going, but he won’t budge.

I step out into the hallway to model for him, and he growls in approval when he sees me. He’s in a navy, silk button-down with dress pants, paired with a belt I can’t wait to watch him take off later. I honestly didn’t think we’d get out the door, but he insisted we had a reservation to make.

We’re on our way to the restaurant, and the ride has been nice. He drives with one hand and holds mine with the other. As I take in our surroundings, I begin to wonder where we’re really headed once it seems like we’re entering SoHo. I raise my brow and keep staring out the window until the very townhouse I expected to see comes into view. Greyson slows down the car, letting go of my hand as he settles into a parking spot on the street in front ofAudrey’shouse.

I whip my head over and give him a quizzical look.

“Reservations, huh? What are you up to? More importantly, are we overdressed?”

“I’m not up to anything, and we are not overdressed,” he assures me, helping me out of the car.

He’s right behind me as we head up the stairs, but it appears that no one is home. I hesitate at the door when he boldly turns the knob and motions for me to enter the house. I stand in the quiet foyer, and when I feel my anxiety heighten, I ball my fists and breathe deeply through it, rooted to the spot. Grey leans down, resting his forehead on mine, and rubs his thumb over my knuckles.

“Trust me, baby,” he whispers with a kiss to my cheek.

“I do,” I breathe out.

When we continue walking, he guides me with his hand on the small of my back. There’s no sign of anyone here, not even Ghost, who we should’ve seen by now. I pass through her huge kitchen to the front of a door that leads to her dining room. I pull the doors open, and I’m startled by a collective song of various voices shoutingSurprise!with one rumbling from right behind me, and it’s Greyson’s.

The light flicks on, revealing a full spread on the table and familiar faces standing around, including my mom’s. Tears well in my eyes at the sight of her and the thoughtfulness of him. I didn’t mention it to anyone, but I was dreading spending my thirtieth birthday without her. We’d already spent so many years apart when I lived in West Chester, and now that we’re closer, I want to celebrate everything together. I planned to fly her in, but she said that she wouldn’t be able to get off work until next week.

Before I can speak, she yells, “Happy birthday, baby!” and rushes to greet me with a warm hug. After a moment, I hear her whisper, "Thank you" over my shoulder to Greyson. The girls come over to hug me, and Chess finally meets Greyson. I realize now that I never updated them about how much has changed in the past few days. I’ll need to sneak off to update them later, mama too.

When I introduce him as my boyfriend, the room erupts in whoops and cheers. I admire him over dinner, and my heart swells at how well he fits with us. He’s charming everyone and really hitting it off with Mom. The guys seem to approve, and I really love this intimate family dinner over going to a restaurant. He includes my family because let’s face it—that’s what they are to me.

I tell Greyson to meet me out on Audrey’s terrace to steal a moment away. I realize how quickly things have changed over the last several days, and I just want a moment to talk with him.

---