25. LUNA
Luna
T he next morning I find myself on one of the bar stools again, Rome sliding me a fresh cup of mocha coffee and a cinnamon roll. He’s half asleep, his movements a little sluggish and that’s when I remember that he usually gets up at 3 or 4 am to start baking. It’s nearly 8 am so he couldn’t have had much sleep.
“Rome, are you going to be okay?”
“Huh?” His head jerks up and he collides with one of the open cabinets by the sink. “Fuck. Yeah.” A tired Rome is a hilarious one, the way he bumbles around and still makes me a perfect coffee. “I’ve got to get some items from the grocery store and then I’m closing the café at noon.”
I perk up with the mug halfway to my lips, tilting my head to the side. “Why are you closing? Isn’t it graduation day today? Rome…”
“Needed a day off, Luna. Besides, a few big orders came from the university for the ceremony that were delivered already so I think that it’ll be fine.” Rome starts rubbing his forehead as he closes the cabinet and then throws me a big smile. “Wanna come with me?”
I frown and shake my head. Grocery shopping? No, thanks. Not after catching Vera at the shops or dealing with yet another of those texts. Staying inside is safer. Besides, we don’t have a lot of time before Yana shows up and I’m expecting a call from Max any minute to check on my progress. Rome just shrugs and starts plating another cinnamon roll as Griffin saddles up behind me and kisses my cheek.
“You know it’s graduation, today?” I nod and he grins. “Wanna go? I never got to walk the stage with you, Luna. Hell, I missed my own graduation too.”
“What for?” I press. There’s no reason other than to live memories of a time that should have never ended. I should have never had to run. I stuff my face, intent on ignoring the issue. Griffin mentioned something this morning just before I ran into the shower—spouting shit about putting me between him and Nova. We both know I’m not ready for that but we also know that I want to be. “Why are you both looking at me like that?” I say after pushing the food into my cheeks. Rome chuckles and shakes his head as he scoots a plate to Griffin.
Griffin taps my arm and I turn to him, my brows furrowed. “I know you’re here as my editor but Luna, I was thinking last night. Well, Nova mentioned… a fresh start. Like, doing all the things you didn’t get to do.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean like your graduation and the little shopping sprees and the cute dates and everything. We’re not 22 anymore but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the small things.”
“Everyone thinks we’re fucking married. I don’t… what about Rome and Nova?”
A warm smile spreads across Griffin’s face. “We’re not going to worry about them. It’ll just be about us, okay?”
“How does this even work?” I don’t understand what Griffin is getting at. Reliving memories or creating ones I never got to have? That’s not even possible. Griffin takes off back to the bedroom, returning a few minutes later with a gown I remember and a leather book. He lays both on the kitchen counter, grinning at me like he’s won the lottery. I reach for the leather book, running my fingers along the golden embroidery set in the scarlet leather. Red Brook University.
When I open it, I’m shocked to see my name on that line.
“They let me collect it for you. Everyone knew we were dating so it wasn’t a hard sell and you left your robe with me so your mom didn’t get to it. Luna, today can be your graduation.” He steps closer, wrapping an arm around my waist. I bow my head and let the tears fall at what he’s offering. Griffin holds me against him as I cry, Rome reaching across the counter to grab one of my hands. I don’t deserve these men. Not one bit. “Let’s take some pictures, yeah? Make some memories.”
I can’t even find the words to speak so I just nod.
“Go on and get dressed. The bag is in my room.”
I give him and Rome a quick kiss before running into Griffin’s room, halting when Nova is there in a full suit, doing up his tie in the mirror. He catches my gaze through the reflection and his entire body tenses. “I didn’t think you’d be in here,” I say. “I’ll just…”
“No, it’s inevitable, Luna. As much as I hate suits, they come with the job. I don’t want to scare you so I’ll just get out of your way.”
“You don’t scare me, Nova. You did. I thought you were them. You’re obviously not. I couldn’t make the distinction at the time but I can now.” Even as I say those words, my heartbeat quickens. None of the other suited goons hold a candle to Nova but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a twinge of fear that I could blink and he’d be one of them. Nova turns around and moves toward me, curiously watching my reaction before pointing to the bed. “I heard you’re graduating today so I got you a little something.”
“What? I have-”
“Everyone needs something special for graduation, Luna. Besides, I can’t be there and if this is the only way I’m going to be in the picture, I’ll take it.” Nova steps closer as he pulls his hands behind his back and then leans down to place a soft kiss on my lips. “I also really like the color blue.”
My gaze drifts to the sundress on the mattress, splayed out. The thin-sleeved top morphs into a straight skirt that will hang past my knees. Every single curve and roll and handle will be on display but it seems that these men like that. They love every part of me regardless of how I feel about my body and that makes me feel more confident than I ever have. “I don’t take handouts, Nova.”
“And it isn’t one. Knowing that you’re wearing my clothing while you’re out with them?” His voice deepens several octaves, matching the deepening shades of blue in his eyes. “Luna, I can’t stop thinking about your taste on my tongue, the moment you let go in my hands. The little cries that spilled from your pretty lips as you came for us.” His hand moves to my cheek, the back of his fingers running across my skin. “If this is the closest I can get to touching you today, I’m going to take it.”
A shudder runs down my spine at his words. “You can’t just say things like that!”
“And yet? I just did. Get dressed, Luna. You have men waiting.” He straightens up and fixes his tie again before waltzing out of the room. I don’t miss the rather prominent bulge between his thighs. Those words weren’t just for me. Hearing his own words turned him on. The fantasy of sharing him with Griffin is a lot closer than I think.
Pushing that to the back of my head, I quickly change into the dress, surprised that it’s a near-perfect fit. I stare in the mirror, happy with the woman staring back at me. A few days ago, I was distraught and a complete mess. I’m still a bit of a mess but the woman staring at me looks happy. She has men who want to protect her, enjoy being with her, and don’t pressure her when she needs space. Yesterday was the perfect example of that.
My cheeks heat at the memory of Nova’s fingers stuffed in my pussy as Griffin fucked himself with Rome’s hand. I never thought I’d see that but I’m more than glad I did.
I shake my head and grab what I need from my bag, deciding to trust Rome and Griffin with my safety. It’s a big step but I’m ready. I think. When I emerge from the room, it’s like the entire room freezes, three sets of hungry eyes focused on my new attire. I suck in my bottom lip, waiting for a reaction but all I get is Griffin groaning and Rome raising an eyebrow before glancing at Nova. He shrugs, swipes a bite of one of the cinnamon rolls, and then jogs down the stairs.
“Damn, Luna. Not sure we’ll make it to the ceremony,” Griffin purrs as he saunters up to me. His hands are immediately on my waist, dragging me into his chest as he peppers kisses along my nose and cheeks. “Jokes. Obviously. Come on, we’ll be late.”
“We’re not going to the ceremony, are we?”
“No, but we need the lawn and I’m not sure you want to be caught with actual 22-year-olds asking who the fuck we are.”
He’s not wrong. Not in the slightest.
The ride to Red Brook is mostly silent as I continue working through Griffin’s manuscript, marking it up as I see fit. I’m curious to see how Noah will handle his brother and the three men who are madly in love with the main character. So far there’s been no resolution and Noah is at his breaking point. I can see that Griffin channeled his feelings into this one and it hurts reading it. Hurts knowing that I caused most of those feelings.
We make it to the football field and I see the spot where I told Griffin goodbye. Tears well up in my eyes at the memory but I smack those away. We’re creating new experiences and doing things right this time. Which means I get to pretend that this is my graduation day and I have the entire world ahead of me. I climb out of the car, laughing at my beat-up shoes paired with the deep blue dress Nova bought. It’s a testament to how well Griffin knows me that he didn’t buy me a pair of heels.
I had a very similar pair of shoes the day of graduation and not one person was going to talk me out of wearing them. Griffin comes up beside me and slides on my gown, the scarlet red accentuating the blue of my dress. He hands me my diploma and helps situate my hat on my head before stepping back to assess my outfit as I do the same for him. He’s in his own gown, the scarlet bringing out the deep gray color of his eyes. This is a moment for both of us, one that we’ll both treasure for the rest of our lives.
A camera snaps and I twist around to see Rome leaning against the car. “What? You look like long-lost lovers. Pose for another one.”
Griffin laughs and pulls me to his chest before smashing his lips to mine, bending me backward slightly. I reach up to grab my hat, Rome snapping another pic. I fall in love with their laughter as we maneuver in different positions, Rome taking endless pictures until he steps up to us and snaps a selfie. “What? I can’t get in on the love?”
“Of course you can, Rome,” I mention as I kiss him this time, Griffin taking over the camera. I’m not sure how long we spend there, making silly faces and sharing kisses and soft touches. A few parents I recognize from Spring Brook pass, a family that knew us when we were younger deciding to go out of their way to come speak to us. Rome’s arm is around my shoulder, Griffin flipping through the last several pictures when the older couple waltzes up to us.
“Fancy seeing you here! Engagement photos? No, that can’t be right. You’re already married!” The woman throws her head back and laughs as the man points to Rome.
He shakes his finger, obviously displeased at the situation. “You know it’s no good to be hanging off another man’s woman. Griffin has a lot of patience but don’t push it.” The man claps Griffin on the back, all three of us confused. Again. This is the second time in two days that someone has mentioned marriage. And it’s never been a question of if we are married. Everyone is so sure about it.
Rome chuckles but I can hear the nervous edge to it as his arm falls away. “Right. Just, uh, congratulating her? Let’s go. I have to get back to the bakery and you have… work to do.” I hold back a snicker at his uneasiness as we race to the car, none of us speaking until we pull out onto the road.
Griffin is the first to say something. “Want to tell me what’s going on?”
“I’d love to but fuck if I know.” To be honest, I have a suspicion but I’m just hoping it’s not right.
My phone buzzes and I take a deep breath before pulling it out.
Max
how’s it coming along?
fine so far
should have another draft done soon
it’s not bad, just needed some work
he as terrible to work with as everyone says?
no. just quiet.
he isn’t at press conferences lol
Fuck. Yana just told me she’s packing up to head over to Spring Haven
have you figured out why?
PR stuff
you own the fucking company, Max.
I can’t do this by text anymore so I dial him. “Max, you own the company. Just fire her and find someone else.”
“I’d love to but she’s got her hands in everyone’s contracts. Firing her would do me and the company more harm than good.”
“She’s a hassle and harmful to Griffin’s health.” Griffin turns around at the mention of his name and I wave him off, letting him know I’ll explain in a minute. He taps my knee but doesn’t turn around. “Max, I really don’t know why you let her run the place like you do.”
Silence meets my words and then a long sigh. “Because she owns half the fucking company, Luna baby. I couldn’t fire her if I fucking tried. No one’s tried to sue yet, except for Griffin, but even that has been mostly empty threats. I don’t love it but this is my baby and without it, I’ve got nothing. I told you I knew what it was like to run and I meant it. This business is literally keeping a roof over my head and just barely. So, I deal with Yana’s bullshit, placate any of the writers that need it, and move on. Just… do whatever she asks.”
“You know that’s bullshit.” Another bout of silence and another sigh. I’m beginning to think that there’s more to Max’s warning than just Yana is coming. “What is it, Max? What did Yana do?”
“Just stirred up some controversy to sell more books.”
“Like a fucking marriage? Max, that’s not funny. Do you know how weird it is to have people I used to know coming up and telling me that I’m married?” While in the arms of another man?
“Oh? That’s… she’s really done some work then. Just placate her. Griffin isn’t that bad and she won’t make you get a real certificate. I think.”
“Max!” I kick the seat in front of me and then apologize to Griffin. “This shit isn’t funny.”
“You don’t hear me laughing. It’s only for the press release and then I’ll have you on another story stat.”
“I could just quit.”
“We both know you won’t. She should be there… soonish. God knows when that’ll be.”
Max hangs up and I feel like I’ve somehow ended up in another movie. Instead of running from the bad guys, I’m now digging myself out of Yana’s shit. “Looks like Yana manufactured your latest scandal, Griffin. We’re apparently married. I’m assuming she played into the highschool sweetheart shit. Max’s hands are tied because go figure Yana owns half the company.” I throw my hands up, growling when my phone vibrates again. When I see the unknown number I chuck it across the backseat. “And there’s the infamous text. Great. Just great.”
Rome looks at me through the rearview mirror. “What did it say?”
“Does it matter? Probably more of the same. That I owe them money and that I don’t have time to fuck around in a field and enjoy my own life.” A few days ago, I’d be packing up and running scared. Now that I’m getting to enjoy the little things, I’m frustrated. Angry. Pissed off. I don’t even wait for the car to come to a full stop before I’m gathering up Griffin’s manuscript and heading into the office. Griffin and Rome are on my heels as I make my way to the lounge and stuff myself into it. “You know I never even said thank you for this morning. Both of you. God, I’m so selfish.”
“You have a lot on your mind, Luna and you’re dealing with a lot of stress.”
“Doesn’t excuse that you guys gave me a memory I can cherish.” I pull at my robes and then look up at Griffin before he slides down beside me. “You guys have made me so fucking comfortable that it’s ridiculous.” Rome lets out a sigh of relief as he leans down to kiss my temple. His hand sifts into my hair, running through my curls a few times.
“And we’d do it again. I’ve got a few things to clean up at the café. I’ll be back soon.”
We say our goodbyes as Griffin drags me into his lap and I continue reading, pointing out things to change. He feels so comfortable that I’m having a hard time staying awake. When he starts running little circles on my hip, I give in to the temptation and curl into his chest. “Just a few minutes,” I mumble before drifting off.