A/N: Hey guys…are you still there? Anyways, I'm back with an update. I'm really sorry it took so long! Life gets in the way, unfortunately.
BIG BIG shout out to my beta, livingdeadblondegirl – who's profile was hacked. Booo. She's stuck around despite my absence to correct all my errors and oversights. She knows the story better than I do, lol.
I hope there are still some Klaroliners out there interested in reading this! Let me know what you think!
She couldn't believe where the day had gone. It felt like she had just set foot in the store early this morning a few minutes ago, and now it was almost time to leave.
However, the last ten minutes seemed to be dragging on longer than the entire day.
Though it was only just before three o'clock, she had put in nearly ten hours in at the store.
She had been working extra hours all week to try and get ahead of her work in preparation for the following week's trip to New York.
Both April and Camille had been putting extra hours in at the store as well, helping her run the store and put together the dresses she had been working on busily.
She would have stayed even longer today, but she and Klaus had a barbeque birthday party to attend for Sophie, Grayson's little girl friend from his swimming lessons. It was really the last place she wanted to be, but it seemed as though most of the other parents and kids were going and she didn't want her and Klaus to be the only ones who said no. Not only that, but she had been feeling guilty for all the time she had been spending at work.
Klaus had largely picked up the slack as far as Grayson was concerned. He had really stepped up over the past few weeks and she was grateful. So, not only did she feel guilty for spending less time with Grayson, she also felt guilty for spending less time with Klaus and putting primary care of Grayson on his shoulders when he should have been preparing for his art event in New York. He assured her that it was okay, because he wanted her to be able to come to New York with him, but she still felt bad.
Honestly, she was exhausted. When she wasn't attempting to catch up on work, she was attempting to catch up on housework, take care of Grayson and spend time with Klaus. Sleep was in short supply and in high demand. Even when she had a moment to rest, it was usually spent obsessing over the work that had yet to be done. Though she'd much rather be using the free time to catch her breath, she knew even if she had that free time, she'd be using it to work. So, in a way, the barbeque was a blessing. It would force her to slow down and focus on something other than work.
Her anticipation is probably why the time seemed to be going by so slow suddenly. When she arrived at the store early this morning, she had been determined to stay as long as she could without being late to the barbeque. She had packed Grayson's things and prepared the fruit and veggie trays she volunteered to bring the night before. It was Klaus's job to pick up the gift for Sophie and to make sure that everything – including himself and Grayson – were ready to go when she arrived home so the only thing she had to do was change.
She was cleaning up her work station hurriedly, eager to leave. At any moment she expected a work call, or for Camille to walk into the back seeking her out to help a customer last minute.
With everything cleaned up, she collected her purse, keys, and phone to make her escape.
"Caroline, I hope this isn't a bad time," she heard Carol's voice ring from behind her.
Of course, it always seemed to be a bad time.
"Carol, hi," she greeted, doing her best to fake a smile.
"You look like you're just about to head out the door for the day?" Carol inquired, nodding her head down towards her purse and sketchbook.
"Yes, actually," she admitted, feeling as though Carol was her boss and she owed her an explanation. "Klaus and I are taking Grayson to a barbeque birthday party for one of his classmates from swimming lessons this afternoon."
Carol seemed interested.
"You and Klaus are both taking Grayson?" Carol queried.
Her eyebrows furrowed confusedly in response to Carol's question. Why wouldn't they both be going?
"Yes, I mean it's always fun seeing Grayson interact with the other kids, and both Klaus and I have been taking Grayson to his swim lessons, so we've both gotten to know the other parents. It's nice to have people to talk to who are going through similar things with their kids that we're experiencing with Grayson,"
"Oh, I suppose," Carol smiled faintly.
"It's also just nice to take a break," she confessed somewhat defensively. "I've been here since the sun rose," she sighed.
"Yes of course," Carol agreed reluctantly.
"I can spare a few minutes," she admitted, feeling guilty. This was the second time Carol had caught her just as she was about to leave.
Carol sighed, seemingly annoyed.
"Is this about the new Miss Mystic dress? I've been working on it all week. All of the dresses should be ready for fittings next week," she assured Carol quickly, expecting that Carol was about to ask her about them.
"Actually, this is about Mara's wedding dress – my niece," Carol clarified.
She felt her cheeks redden slightly at her incorrect assumption.
"It's my mother-in-law's birthday next weekend. She's turning 80. My brother and sister-in-law, along with Mara and her fiancé will be coming to stay with us for the weekend. When Mara made her next appointment with you, she had forgotten about the birthday. Is there any way the appointment could be moved up to next weekend? I know the original appointment wasn't for another two weeks, but I thought maybe you could work your magic and accommodate them so they won't have to make an additional trip," Carol smiled effortlessly, as though this change was minor and insignificant.
She winced in hesitation at Carol's request.
Carol's expression fell in response.
"Is that a problem?" Carol asked, folding her arms as her eyebrows rose expectantly.
"Actually, I'll be out of town next weekend," she said, knowing Carol would be disappointed. "But, even if I was here, Mara's dress wouldn't be ready for an initial fitting yet. I've been focusing on getting the Miss Mystic dresses finished first since that event is closer, along with a few other dresses, expecting that Mara's appointment wouldn't be for another few weeks."
"Oh I see," Carol said with a disgruntled look on her face. "That's unfortunate, I guess Mara and Susan will have to make a second trip regardless if you would be in town next weekend or not."
She nodded apologetically, scrambling to think of some way she could appease Carol.
"The dress won't be ready for a fitting by then, and I won't be here, but Camille and April will be here. Mara and Susan are more than welcome to stop by the store next weekend to see the progress? I'll try and get as much done on it as I can this week," she offered hopefully.
While she still didn't seem satisfied with this compromise, Carol appeared to accept this as the only alternative.
"I suppose that will have to do," Carol sighed.
"Sorry," she apologized. "If Mara's dress was to be ready for a fitting next weekend, I would have to drop my work on the Miss Mystic dresses and those fittings would be on hold. Even if I did that, I'd like to be here for Mara's fitting and I'll be out of town," she pointed out. "I really want to do the fittings for the Miss Mystic dresses before next weekend," she added feeling like she had to justify her business decisions to Carol – though Carol was not her boss.
"Yes, the Miss Mystic pageant is just around the corner," Carol agreed. "You will have to let me know when the dresses are ready so I can inform the girls to stop by for a fitting next week."
"Let's make it for Wednesday evening," she suggested, knowing that would give her the most time to finish up the dresses. "I'll be leaving Thursday."
"Where are you off to? Business or pleasure?" Carol questioned curiously.
"New York," she responded, knowing Carol's inquiries wouldn't stop there. "Klaus's paintings were selected to be featured at a gala hosted by several prominent galleries in the City."
"And you're going?" Carol asked, confusedly, no doubt wondering why she would be accompanying Klaus to New York on a trip that seemed purely focused on Klaus's work.
She nodded assuredly.
"Helping him prepare his apartment for Grayson's eventual visits?" Carol guessed before she could explain.
"Klaus is capable of taking care of that," she replied. "I really haven't had much time off in a while, not counting the accident. I haven't been back to New York in a while either. Klaus and I thought it would be a good opportunity for Grayson to make his first trip to New York. It will also be a chance for me to become acquainted with Klaus's life in New York and his friends. Plus, Bonnie and Klaus's brother Kol are there. It's her birthday next week. She and Kol are both eager to see Grayson. We thought it would be a convenient time for us all to connect," she continued.
Carol's raised eyebrow suggested she was intrigued by her clarification.
"You know…" Carol began. "Forgive me if I'm mistaken, but I couldn't help but notice how close you and Klaus were last week when I stopped by the store…" she trailed off suggestively, waiting for her to give her something to gossip about, as if she was entitled to an answer to such a personal question. "You've seemed to become very close…"
Her more cautious side was urging her to deny it, to tell Carol she was wrong, to hide it a little bit longer. The other part of her was tired of keeping it a secret. She wanted everyone to know how happy she was with Klaus – especially Carol, given her history with her son. Still, she was fearful of Carol's reaction for that very reason. She knew Carol still clung to the hope that she and Tyler would get back together. If she reacted poorly to the news, that could mean a significant chunk of lost revenue for her business.
"You weren't mistaken," she replied boldly, her brave side winning out.
Carol would just have to deal with it. If she lost business because of it, so be it. There was nothing she could do. The truth would come out sooner or later. She didn't want to lie about it.
"Klaus and I are together," she clarified further.
If Carol had been drinking something at that moment, she suspected she probably would have choked on it. Despite her suspicions, she still seemed genuinely surprised.
"Do you think that's a good idea?" Carol wondered bluntly.
Carol hesitated for a moment, realizing how harsh that sounded.
"I mean…I don't mean to be rude…or question your judgement, Caroline. I know you are a smart girl…but given your past with Klaus…your circumstances with Grayson…your career..." Carol listed. "Klaus seems to still have intentions of returning to New York...It just seems very complicated and impractical."
"I appreciate your concern, Carol, I do. You have been like a mother to me in many ways – even after Tyler and I broke up. But, for the first time since my mother passed away…since Elijah and Elena passed away…I'm starting to feel good. Sure, things are a little complicated now, but Klaus and I will figure it out. Klaus has become an amazing father figure for Grayson, and he makes me feel like I'm the only girl in the world," she reasoned, kind of hoping Carol caught on to her indirect dig at Tyler. "I'm happier than I have been in a very long time," she emphasized again.
Carol sighed in defeat, obviously hoping her concerns would prompt her to reconsider.
Sure, navigating her new relationship with Klaus would never be easy, especially with Grayson to consider, but she had to live her life and take a chance.
"Just don't let your relationship with Klaus cloud your judgement when it comes to Grayson," Carol advised with a bittersweet tone.
She looked at Carol intently.
"Grayson's best interests will always come first," she stated determinedly. "Klaus and I would never jeopardize his well-being."
Carol didn't seem convinced, raising her chin with a slight nod.
"You know Tyler will be awfully disappointed when he hears the news," Carol said regretfully. "You know, despite everything that has happened between you two, despite the unfortunate events at the fundraiser, I think he still hoped you would reconsider him, Caroline. You were both teenagers when you dated…he has changed a great deal," she continued, as if this possibility at a rekindled romance with Tyler would convince her to end her relationship with Klaus.
She wanted to scoff, especially considering Tyler's behaviour at the fundraiser that Carol was unaware of. Tyler hadn't changed at all, she wanted to say. He was still the selfish rich boy jock he had always been that she had never acknowledged until after he'd broke her heart. But, she would keep that to herself. She didn't want to rile Carol up any more than she already had with the news of her new relationship with Klaus.
"Tyler had a chance," she sighed. "We are just two different people now," she tried to say as respectfully as possible.
"Perhaps," Carol said flatly. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. I have a few appointments to get to as well. I will call to confirm the fitting for the Miss Mystic dresses," Carol added, clearly eager to leave after their somewhat awkward conversation.
"I will contact Mara personally and let her know about the progress on the dress, and encourage her to stop by to see it when she's in town. I'm really sorry I can't be here," she said sincerely. "I will see you next week."
Carol nodded quickly before turning on her designer heel to leave the store.
"Did you get the gift?!" she yelled to Klaus through the bathroom into Grayson's room as she quickly changed into a pair of mint green capris and a white lace tank top for the barbeque birthday party.
Klaus was in Grayson's room getting him changed into his outfit.
"Yeah," he scowled as she hurried into the bathroom to fix her hair and makeup into something presentable. "You have no idea how embarrassed Grayson and I were to be picking up the girly things you asked us to get."
She rolled her eyes in the mirror as she fussed with her hair.
"It was a pink and green bathing suit, some matching beach toys and a towel. Get over it," she laughed. "I doubt anyone in the store thought anything of it."
"My masculinity was threatened," Klaus complained.
She scowled as she let her hair drop, opting to leave it in the soft waves her hair fell into from having it pinned up earlier today.
"I'm just teasing, love," Klaus chuckled as she began to touch up her makeup.
"I hope so," she replied, a faint threat in the tone of her voice.
"Will you punish me if I'm not?" Klaus said with a suggestive growl as he appeared with Grayson in the bathroom.
She smirked at him in the mirror, admiring the white button up t-shirt he was wearing and the grey shorts.
Focusing on Grayson she was about to note how similar he and Klaus were dressed until she noticed the t-shirt he was wearing.
"'Swag'!? Klaus…where did you get that? He cannot wear that to the party!" she said trying to hold in her laughter.
"I got it while we were out," Klaus shrugged.
She shot him an unimpressed look.
"Oh, come on sweetheart, it's funny," Klaus chuckled. "I'm sure everyone at the party will get a kick out of it. I already texted pics to Rebekah, Kol, and Stefan. They loved it."
"Elijah wouldn't be impressed," she said, shaking her head, finally releasing her smile over how cute Grayson looked.
"That's because Elijah's idea of a casual fun outfit was taking his suit jacket off. You know Elena would be on our side."
"Who said I was on your side?" she questioned, putting her hands on her hips.
"Because you're smiling," he mused. "How could you resist this face?" he said, holding Grayson out.
"I can't," she sighed, relenting with a laugh and taking Grayson into her arms and kissing his forehead. "But I can resist you," she said to Klaus jovially, turning to leave the bathroom.
"You didn't do much resisting last night," he pointed out, smacking her butt as they descended the stairs.
Her cheeks reddened thinking about the night before. She was tired but couldn't refuse the feeling of Klaus's lips on the back of her neck as they had settled into bed.
In the kitchen, she did one last check of the cooler and Grayson's baby bag to ensure they had everything they needed for the barbeque before slipping into a pair of black sandals and helping Grayson into his red baby Converse that she knew Grayson would fuss over the second they had him outside in the grass at the party.
"The birthday girl is gonna be all over you bud," Klaus grinned as he put on his own sandals and a pair of aviator sunglasses.
"Maybe in eighteen years," she smirked and rolled her eyes at the same time, picking up Grayson's diaper bag and the gift for Sophie as Klaus picked up the cooler.
Darren and Laura lived in a newer suburb of Mystic Falls, built upon an old historic site that had since been forgotten, though she could recall her mother being called out to the site several times when it was first under construction to deal with vandalism to the property – reportedly carried out by those who did not want to see the land developed.
The houses ranged from more modest bungalows, semis, and townhouses, to two storey houses that appeared as if two or more families could live in them as they drove further in.
"Well, it's no Lockwood mansion," Klaus snorted, as they parked in front of the two storey brick and stucco home with perfectly manicured lawns and gardens, a stained concrete driveway, and iron fencing. The entranceway was decorated with balloons and streamers for Sophie's birthday.
"Darren and Laura are great and funny people. They've always been nice to us at Grayson's swim lessons," she reminded Klaus, attempting not to let their residence influence her impression of the couple.
"Yeah, I guess," Klaus agreed as she turned off the ignition and unbuckled her seatbelt. "What do they do again?" Klaus wondered curiously as he undid his seatbelt and climbed out of the passenger side.
"I think Laura is a stay at home mom and Darren said he worked from home for some tech company," she recalled.
"Must be nice, huh Grayson?" Klaus said to him as she unbuckled him from car seat.
Klaus went around back to retrieve the cooler.
She could hear music coming from the backyard.
"Guess you probably didn't need to bring any food," Klaus said.
"I offered," she shrugged, picking up Grayson and grabbing the diaper bag and Sophie's gift from the backseat. "Laura seemed like she had a lot on her plate with the party as it was when I spoke to her."
Grayson started to fuss as they walked up the front driveway to the front door. His hands were extended towards the concrete. It had become his sign for wanting down. Ever since he had started walking a little on his own, and crawling like a mad man, he didn't much like being carried.
She rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer.
Darren opened the door, beer in hand, party hat on, in nothing but swim shorts.
"Sophie's boyfriend is here!" Darren announced loudly over his shoulder, most likely to the other guests.
"Sorry we're a bit late," she apologized.
"No no, it's okay. We just put some food on the grill. Come on in," Darren said, stepping aside so they could enter.
She stepped in with Grayson and Klaus followed behind. The front foyer was littered with shoes, sandals, toys and party decorations.
"The birthday girl is out back with everyone else. I volunteered to greet guests to get away from the noise," Darren laughed. "If you need to change into swim suits or change diapers the downstairs bathroom is right around the corner."
"Here's Sophie's gift," she said, handing the present to Darren.
He shook his head.
"I wish I was this spoiled on my birthday," he mused before noticing the cooler Klaus had in hand. "You guys didn't need to bring your own drinks. We have plenty out back to get you through the constant sound of children screaming."
"Well, we thought we'd bring reinforcements," Klaus chuckled.
"And I brought some snacks for the party. I was already talking to Laura about it," she added.
"Food and alcohol, I like your style," Darren grinned. "Oh, and swag," he quipped, nodding towards Grayson's shirt. "Stay away from my daughter," he warned to Grayson jokingly, motioning with his hands that he was watching him.
She and Klaus laughed.
"Well, tell your daughter to stop flirting with Grayson at swim lessons," Klaus joked back.
"Yeah, she is a bit of a flirt…has her dad wrapped around her finger, that's for sure," Darren acknowledged.
Darren led them through the nicely decorated but messy house showing them where the bathrooms were on the way to the back patio.
She had put a fussy Grayson down by this point and was helping him walk across the tiled floor in the kitchen outside.
"Sophie, Grayson's here," Darren announced as he opened the terrace doors out to the backyard.
Holding Grayson's hands, she lifted him over the door frame and stepped out onto the stone patio with Klaus following behind.
When they emerged outside, the group of adult guests in their immediate vicinity, along with Laura, all awed at Grayson's efforts to walk.
"He's not too keen on walking in his shoes yet," she explained.
"Awe, he's adorable," Laura cooed with Sophie on her lap. "I'm so glad you guys could make it."
She recognized some of the other adults from Grayson's swim lessons.
"I brought the fruit and veggie trays I said I would," she informed Laura as Klaus brought out the cooler behind them.
"Perfect! Thank you so much! We could use some healthy snacks," Laura said, nodding towards the trays of sweets and bowls of chips on the table.
"Everyone who isn't in swim lessons with Sophie and Grayson, this is Klaus, Caroline, and their little boy Grayson," Laura said, interrupting the various conversations that were taking place to introduce them as she pulled over an empty chair for her to sit in.
It still felt unusual to hear them introduced as a family…to have Grayson introduced as theirs. She was sure at least a few at the party were aware of the tragic circumstances of their relationship and it made her anxious.
"Grayson is also Sophie's swim lesson boyfriend," Darren teased, walking over to her and Klaus offering them both a beer.
Klaus took one readily.
Feeling self conscious about drinking in front of people she really didn't know and with Grayson to take care of and a drive home to make later, she politely declined, opting for the fresh lemonade in the punch bowl instead.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Some of the youngest kids were on parents' laps, while older kids were staying entertained by the rented bouncy castle in the corner of the yard and the large kidney shaped swimming pool in the centre.
Darren pulled Klaus over in the direction of the barbeque where some other guys were standing and she took the empty seat with Grayson beside Laura.
Grayson was already getting antsy with his outfit due to the heat, and she wasn't surprised to see him already fussing in an attempt to get his shoes off since he seemed to despise wearing them.
"He's already starting to get hot," she commented.
"Just undress him out here," Laura urged. "Sophie has been in nothing but her birthday suit for the better part of the day. I had to fight with her to even get a diaper and a hat on."
She laughed.
"Yes, that's Grayson's preferred outfit of choice. But I won't embarrass him in front of his crush," she mused, pulling off his shoes and the rest of his clothes until he was left in nothing but his own diaper.
She attempted to put a hat on his head but he refused, so the assortment of baby sunscreen she had in Grayson's diaper bag would have to suffice.
They let Grayson and Sophie interact for a few minutes beside each other. They mostly poked at each other, squealed, and giggled.
"Are you excited for New York next week?" Laura asked curiously as she fed Sophie some fruit from the tray Caroline had prepared.
Of course, when Grayson saw that Sophie had something to eat that he didn't have, he attempted to reach for some too.
"No no, Grayson," she said. "I'll get you some of your own," she told him, leaning over the table for some of the fruit as Grayson babbled demandingly.
She sat back and fed Grayson a piece of strawberry. "Yes, we're excited," she answered finally. "I'm a little nervous to take this little guy on a plane, but we'll see how it goes."
Laura and another unfamiliar woman who was sitting in on their conversation nodded knowingly.
"Our flight is in the afternoon on Thursday. That could be hit or miss for Grayson. I'm hoping he'll be ready for a nap by then," she explained.
"Oh, you should be alright. If he's not ready for a nap just be sure to bring a few toys to keep him entertained and snacks," Laura advised.
"Sean and I usually pick up a new toy or two for flights to keep the kids interested," the other woman chipped in.
Their ideas seemed like good ones, and she made a mental note of stopping by the store and picking up Grayson a new toy for the trip – though she was sure Bonnie and Kol would have some new toys for Grayson for the return trip home.
"When are you coming back?"Laura asked.
"Sunday evening," she replied. "The art gala is Saturday night. It's not much of a vacation, but I can't afford to take too much time off anyways. I'm so busy at the store."
"Well, it will be nice for you guys to get away for a few days…and you have a free place to stay," Laura reasoned.
She nodded.
"Do you have family there?" the other woman asked.
"This is my sister, Jessica, by the way," Laura interrupted to introduce her.
She smiled politely before considering Jessica's question.
"Klaus lives there," Laura interjected again as she was considering the best way to answer Jessica's question without complicating things.
"But you're living here?" Jessica wondered confusedly.
"It's kind of a long story," she hesitated. "Klaus is living her temporarily…a sort of unfortunate situation brought us together."
Jessica gave her an apologetic look.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You don't have to get into it," Jessica offered.
"No, it's okay," she said quickly, deciding that she would have to get used to explaining this story sooner or later – especially as Grayson grew up. "Klaus's brother and my best friend were married and lived here in Mystic Falls. Grayson is their son. Unfortunately, they were both killed in a car accident a few months ago. Klaus and I were appointed as joint guardians of Grayson and executors of their will, so he moved here temporarily until we get things settled."
"Oh wow, that's awful. I'm so sorry," Jessica continued to apologize. "I recall Laura mentioning an accident like that a few months ago…I didn't realize."
"It's okay," she repeated again reassuringly.
"So, you and Klaus were in a long distance relationship before this?" Jessica asked curiously.
She laughed under her breath nervously. Many were still unaware of the nature of her relationship with Klaus – though now that Carol Lockwood knew about them she was sure that would change. Darren and Laura had been made aware of their relationship status after they had caught Klaus stealing a kiss from her in the parking lot after Grayson and Sophie's swimming lessons.
"Not exactly," she replied. "The circumstances brought us together…though we had danced around the idea a few years ago. We're still kind of trying to figure out all the details and where our feet are going to land once everything is settled," she elaborated anxiously. "As for right now, Klaus has a work event to attend next weekend in New York City, so we're going to that and we'll be able to stay at his apartment there. My other best friend Bonnie and Klaus's brother Kol are there as well, so it will be a good chance for Grayson to get to see his extended family," she continued, attempting to divert the subject away from her relationship with Klaus. "It will just be a nice change of pace, we haven't really stopped since everything happened."
Jessica and Laura both nodded in understanding.
"I can't even imagine how challenging the last few months have been for you, having to deal with that horrible accident and then having to deal with all of their affairs on top of suddenly having to raise a baby…not to mention maintaining your own livelihoods," Jessica said with astonishment.
"They've done well," Laura commended her and Klaus. "You wouldn't know Grayson isn't yours – physically maybe, but not in the way you parent."
She blushed, looking over at Klaus who seemed to be trying to eavesdrop on their conversation despite the distance and then she glanced down at Grayson who appeared quite content with the fruit she had been feeding him.
"I had no idea," Jessica reaffirmed. "Though the little guy sure does have dark hair compared to the two of you," she noted. "Being a mom suits you though."
Her cheeks went a deeper shade of red.
"How is Klaus adjusting to being a parent?" Jessica asked.
"It's been difficult for him," she admitted. "He was used to the bachelor life in New York. No early mornings and lots of late nights. Beer bottles, not baby bottles," she chuckled.
Both Jessica and Laura nodded knowingly.
"Darren carries a baby bottle in one hand and a beer bottle in the other," Laura snorted jokingly as they all looked over at him and Klaus and two other men she didn't recognize.
Klaus had seemingly lost the look of discomfort on his face and seemed to be enjoying himself, laughing at something Darren had said to the group.
"I'm sure the judge on our case would love us if Klaus did that," she laughed, trying to make light of a very uncertain situation.
While they had been parenting Grayson for the last few months, they were not officially parents to him in the eyes of the law – not until the judge made the final determination.
"When does Grayson officially become yours again?" Laura queried.
"We will have a final court date at the end of September or early October. The judge will decide then," she explained with a nervous exhale.
"I'm sure everything will work out," Laura assured her. "The judge will clearly see the sacrifices you and Klaus have made to raise Grayson according to his parents' wishes and that you have Grayson's best interests at heart."
"I hope you're right," she sighed, trying to push it out of her mind.
They spent the late afternoon indulging in the sun and the delicious snacks, salads, and barbequed food.
They also watched Sophie attempt to open the numerous gifts she had received, but she was more interested in the Disney princess birthday cake.
Klaus had seemed to loosen up with a drink or two and appeared to be a hit with the adults and kids alike, frequently being pulled in several different directions by the older kids who wanted him to accompany them in the bouncy castle or play soccer. She had overheard them asking about his tattoos at one point. The little girls seemed to have crushes on him as they handed him a few stray dandelions they had picked near the fence line.
A little later, Klaus even took Grayson in the pool on his own with Darren and Sophie and a few of the other kids.
She was a little nervous watching Klaus alone with Grayson in the pool but she couldn't help but smile at the sight of them together in the water. Grayson loved it, squealing, giggling and splashing as Klaus guided him through the water. Grayson especially enjoyed when Klaus would blow bubbles into the water or lift him up high and dip him slowly back into the water.
She felt contented. She almost wished she could have invited CPS to the party so they could see how far Klaus had come since those initial first weeks they had Grayson and he could barely change Grayson's diaper.
As others began to leave the party she took note of the time which was slowly inching closer to Grayson's bedtime. She didn't want to throw him off schedule, nor did she want to overstay their welcome despite the fact that Klaus and Darren seemed to be getting along and Sophie and Grayson appeared to be having a blast in the pool.
"Klaus, it's getting late. I think we should get Grayson out of the pool and dried off," she suggested.
"Oh, don't feel like you have to leave because everyone else is," Laura urged.
She gave Laura an appreciative smile and turned back to look at Klaus in the pool.
"Stay for another beer," Darren offered Klaus. "Grayson can pass out in Sophie's play pen," he added as he glared at Grayson, "Don't get any ideas, bud. Sophie sleeps upstairs," he joked.
Klaus was clearly debating Darren's offer.
As fun as the day had been, it had also been a busy one and it wouldn't be over once they got home. Grayson would have to be put to bed and there were things to be cleaned up. She also wanted some time to rest before she'd have to return to the store tomorrow in her continued effort to get ahead in her work so she wouldn't fall behind when they left for New York.
She and Klaus exchanged a knowing glance, one that they had seemed to perfect in the last few months.
"I would," Klaus started, "but we really should get this little guy home before he turns into a little monster," he joked. "Caroline has to work tomorrow too," he added.
"Awe, that's too bad," Laura frowned. "At least you're busy though."
She nodded.
"That's alright. We'll have to get together again another time. Sophie loves hanging out with Grayson," Darren mused as the two kids attempted to reach for each other.
Klaus climbed out of the pool with Grayson and she readied a towel to dry Grayson off and change him back into his clothes.
However, when she attempted to take Grayson from Klaus, he began to fuss and whimper and he reached his arms back out for Klaus
"I guess he wants you to do it," she shrugged, feeling a little rejected despite how endearing it was to see Klaus and Grayson's bond strengthening even more.
After both Klaus and Grayson were changed into dry clothes and they had all their belongings ready to go, they thanked Darren and Laura for their hospitality and said goodbye to them and the few remaining guests.
Out at the vehicle, she loaded their things into the back while Klaus buckled a drowsy Grayson into his car seat.
"I bet you ten bucks he'll be out before we get home," Klaus chuckled as he climbed into the passenger seat and she opened the driver's side door.
Klaus had obviously been the only one drinking so she was the designated driver for the night. She didn't mind and she wasn't upset about it. She had partly avoided drinking because she couldn't afford the hangover in the morning. She had more work to do tomorrow.
She knew when it came to new social situations with people Klaus was unfamiliar with he could be a bit shy and needed a little push to be comfortable. She was glad he was able to loosen up a bit with a few drinks and have a good time with Darren. Klaus wasn't completely smashed by any means, but she could tell he was feeling pretty buzzed by his relaxed demeanour.
"I bet you ten bucks he'll be out before we get around the corner," she laughed as she buckled her seatbelt and started the ignition.
They drove quietly for a few moments, the radio quietly playing some popular songs from the '90s in the background.
"Thanks for driving tonight," Klaus said genuinely.
She shrugged nonchalantly.
"Don't thank me. Going to work with a hangover tomorrow wouldn't have been fun anyways," she reasoned. "Thanks for taking care of Grayson most of time we were there," she added, feeling a little guilty considering Klaus had taken on more than his share in the past couple weeks as far as Grayson was concerned given her busy schedule.
"He had a blast in the pool," Klaus mused. "Though, it would have been nice to see you in your swimsuit in there with him," Klaus smirked.
She rolled her eyes at his overt effort to flirt with her.
"I actually had a good time today," Klaus admitted, a hint of surprise in his voice. "I didn't think you could have fun in suburbia, drinking with other parents, and looking after kids."
She smiled.
"The beer probably helped a little," she teased. "It can make any situation fun."
"You probably have a point," he laughed. "But really, I had fun. Grayson never fails to make me laugh."
"The little girls all had a crush on you," she noted. "I think even the moms did too."
"Jealous?" Klaus asked curiously.
She snorted sarcastically and shook her head.
"It must be my great looks and amazing body," he bragged jokingly.
"It's the accent," she said quickly.
"Oh?" Klaus asked intrigued.
"Duh!" she laughed. "Accents are like beer goggles for women."
He laughed too.
"I don't know whether I should be offended by that comment or flattered," he admitted. "I always thought it was my winning personality that interested people."
"I hated your personality and I still slept with you," she said bluntly to be humorous. "It's the accent, trust me. It was the accent that did me in," she admitted.
"Whoa! Well thanks for your honesty, sweetheart!" Klaus said amusedly, feigning offence.
"I meant at first!" she said, hoping their childish banter didn't actually hurt his feelings.
"So, what does it for you now?" Klaus questioned, semi-flirtatiously.
"Still the accent, but instead of telling me how badly you want me, now it drives me crazy when you tell me you're going to clean up and change diapers," she said, erupting into more laughter.
Klaus was clearly surprised by her continued wit, obviously expecting the conversation to take a more sexual tone, but he quickly played along.
"What did it for you?" she questioned, subtly referring back to their Valentine's Day encounter.
"Your attitude," he revealed. "You were such a bitch to me that night," he recalled with a laugh. "But I loved it," he admitted.
She felt her body tense a little with excitement.
"And what does it for you now?" she wondered.
"You're still a bitch to me," Klaus chuckled with a devious grin.
She took one hand off the wheel to shove him playfully.
"Ass!" she said, pretending to be angry.
"Ow," Klaus replied, holding his shoulder. "No name calling in front of the baby," he chided her.
She glared at him, noting how hypocritical his comment was as they pulled into the driveway.
"He's asleep anyways," she commented as she could see his eyes closed in his car seat with the help of the mirror attached to the backseat facing him.
"We never did check to see if he was asleep before we turned the first corner," Klaus pointed out. "I guess that means you owe me ten bucks."
"I don't' think so," she said, shaking her head as they climbed out of the car.
It was if Grayson knew they were home with the stop of the car, as he began to stir when she opened the backdoor.
Klaus opened the backdoor on his side.
"I'll get him," he offered.
"It's okay. I can put him to bed," she assured him.
"Just go in and relax, I'll do it, love," he told her, winking at her suggestively as he began to unbuckle Grayson from his car seat.
She rolled her eyes again with a smirk, turning for the back to retrieve their things.
Klaus followed behind her with Grayson to the door.
As her hands were full, Klaus took her keys to unlock the door.
"Did that do it for you?" Klaus whispered in her ear seductively and jokingly as he leaned past her to put the key in the lock.
"Maybe," she laughed with a wink as he opened the door for her.
She handed Klaus Grayson's diaper bag as he headed upstairs to put him to bed.
"I'll be up to say goodnight in a minute," she said. "I'm just gonna clean out the cooler and put some things away," she said to Klaus as he disappeared down the hall with Grayson.
After she was done cleaning up a little downstairs, she headed for Grayson's room, guessing that Klaus had him ready for bed by now.
It wasn't very late, the sun had barely set, but she felt ready for bed too.
She had been up early and it had already been a long day as a result. Taking in the sun by the pool and indulging in all the food at Darren and Laura's this afternoon didn't help much. She was ready to spend the rest of the evening relaxing in a hot bath and then in bed.
When she climbed the stairs she could hear Klaus talking to Grayson in his room.
She stopped by the door and peered inside the dimly lit room to find Klaus holding Grayson by his crib.
"You're gonna fly on a real airplane this week, Gray," Klaus told him in an excited but hushed voice. "You're gonna see New York for the first time," he continued. "That's where I lived before I came here to live with you," he explained. "Caroline went to school there, too," he added.
She smiled widely, listening to Klaus converse with Grayson as he prepared to put him to sleep. It melted her heart to see Klaus like this with Grayson. She could only hope that somewhere Elijah and Elena could see them too. When she first found out that Elijah and Elena wanted her and Klaus to share custody of Grayson, she thought they were crazy. Klaus was not father material...but apparently they had seen something in him that she had not seen until recently.
"When we go, you'll get to see my studio…you'll meet Marcel. Your Uncle Kol and Auntie Bonnie will be there…I'm sure they will have toys for you. They already offered to babysit you an extra night so that Caroline and I can have a night alone," he chuckled.
The last part of Klaus's conversation with Grayson was probably not something she was supposed to hear. Bonnie and Kol had volunteered to take care of Grayson the night of the art gala event so that she and Klaus could attend together, but this was the first she had heard of them taking Grayson for a second night. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't a little excited to see what Klaus had in store for their night alone together.
From what she could see, Grayson was already passed out on Klaus's shoulder.
"I guess you don't wanna hear about that," Klaus mused as he went to put Grayson in his crib. "Night, Gray. Love you," Klaus murmured.
Her heart swelled and her eyes became glassy with tears instantly.
Before Klaus noticed her standing in the doorway, smiling like a fool on the verge of tears, she quietly turned on her heel and headed for the bathroom to draw herself a bath.
Those words definitely did it for her.
Up next! New York City!