17. Griffin
GRIFFIN
I messed up.
Despite Scarlet and me not being a real couple, I greeted her like a jerk. The way she tensed when I said her name told me everything. But I was concerned for Ashton. She’s hurt, and I want to fix it. Everything else is secondary.
I rub the back of my neck, unsure of how to interact with Scarlet, especially given our particular audience. Conscious of the windows providing a full view of our conversation, I keep a polite distance.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here.
I wasn’t prepped for fake-relationship mode when I came out worried about my friend.
I just knew she was hurt, and that was my first focus.
” It’s a weak apology, but chatting every day this week with Ashton solidified my resolve to be honest with both Scarlet and Ashton.
With the premiere four weeks away, it’s time Scarlet and I start cutting ties.
“It’s fine.” She brushes her hair over her shoulder and smiles, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. It’s her pretend one. We’ve been acting together long enough that I recognize her tells. “I knew you weren’t expecting me. I just happened to be nearby and thought I’d invite you in person.”
I gesture to the patio furniture. “You want to sit?”
I’m tiptoeing around her, nervous about the fact that her father holds my future in his hands.
This week, I had the chance to read the script Wesley sent Dad after our meeting Sunday evening and it’s phenomenal.
It’s just the kind of role to provide me with a breakout role to jumpstart my career in the film industry.
“No, I’m fine. I don’t want to stay long. I just wanted to tell you about the party.”
I shift my feet, slipping a hand into my pocket. “Your dad’s throwing some kind of…dog party?”
She smiles, her face softening. “I know, you probably think it’s ridiculous, but you’ll start to understand the love for a pet now that you have one.
” She curls her hair behind her ear. “My dad’s youngest pup, Ranger, is turning one this weekend.
And you know my dad, he loves a good party.
Since we have so many friends with dogs—you included—we thought we’d invite everyone over.
“It’ll be fun. Lots of games, food, and drinks—for both humans and dogs, of course.
Lots of film industry bigwigs will be there.
I thought it’d make a great date opportunity for us.
You know, see and be seen, that sort of thing.
” She grazes her fingertips on my forearm.
“I know we don’t have it on our schedule, but this just popped up. ”
I step out of her touch. “It’s a bit last minute.” Even I know my excuse is lame.
“I know. I’m sorry. My dad is throwing this together on a whim.”
“Roxy isn’t used to being around people yet.
I barely get her to sit near me. I’m not sure she’s ready for that much socializing.
” And that’s the truth. Maybe with a few extra lessons before then…
my gaze wanders into the living room to a propped-up Ashton chatting with Luke.
Maybe she can still instruct sitting down?
I turn back toward Scarlet. Her eyes are watching Roxy in the yard. “Maybe she’ll be okay with the dog trainer there? Ashton, right?” Her eyes travel slowly back to mine.
“I don’t?—”
“She’s nice, by the way. Ashton.” Her expression is vulnerable; she genuinely means the compliment but is perhaps also wondering what’s going on between Ashton and me.
I’m the moron for not being more upfront about my feelings about her before now. But I can’t exactly “break up” with her right in front of Ashton. Even I’m not that harsh. It’d be cruel to rub the other woman I’ve been spending my time with in her face.
“Yeah, she is, but parties aren’t exactly her thing either. I’ve barely gotten her to talk to me. She might be too shy around that many people.”
“It could be great for her, too. She said she’s fostering those puppies. Maybe she could find a home for them? You know us dog lovers, we’re all suckers for a pair of puppy eyes.” She widens her own and bats her lashes.
I laugh. “Maybe.”
She bounces excitedly and clutches my arm. “So, is that a yes?”
“I need to talk to Ashton first.” I clench my jaw, unsure about these two worlds—two women—colliding, nervous it will crash and burn in my face.
“But you will? All I ask is that you try to come.” She leans in on her tiptoes and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ll text you all the specifics. It’ll be great, okay?” She squeezes my bicep before walking toward the door.
I shake my head in frustration with myself. With such casual touches in private, will Ashton even believe our relationship together is a mere publicity stunt?
Through the window, I study Scarlet talking animatedly to Ashton in the living room.
Ashton’s soft smile nearly makes my chest ache with need.
The need to tell her. I have to tell her how I feel, regardless of the stupid NDA and its consequences.
If we’re going to have a real chance at growing closer, she should know the truth.
I breeze inside to save her from Scarlet’s chatter.
“I’ll send Griffin the details and he can let you know about everything.” Scarlet turns to me, her face beaming—a complete one-eighty to how she acted when I first entered the room.
I’m not sure if that should please me or make me nervous.
Scarlet kisses me on the cheek.
My eyes immediately go to Ashton’s. But she’s turned away, her ponytail still swinging as though she’s whipped her head away from us.
Scarlet walks around the couch toward the front door. “Bye, guys. Griffin, I’ll text you later. Hope to see you at the party this Saturday.”
“See ya, Scar.” I wave and stand in front of the couch facing Ashton.
Luke blows out a breath, his arms spread wide, his hands resting against the countertop. He raises his eyebrows as if to say, good luck navigating this particular situation. Then he busies himself unloading the dishwasher, no sweat off his back.
Thanks for the moral support, bud.
I turn my gaze toward Ashton and soak in the sight of her sprawled across my couch. Both legs rest on an elevated cushion, her back leaning against the arm rest. The tension in my shoulder blades releases. The view of her resting on my couch brings me a new comfort I can’t quite identify.
“I’m so sorry about that.” I squat next to the couch, savoring her soft floral scent, hoping it lingers after she’s gone. “How are you feeling?” I pet Teddy, who happily breathes into my face, his tongue hanging out.
“I’ve been better.”
I smile. “I bet. Is there anything I can get you?”
“Luke set me up pretty well here, and I took some Advil while you were talking to Scarlet. If I can get some of the pain to subside, I’ll get out of your hair.”
“I don’t think so.” I gesture to her right foot. “You can’t drive with that. And even if I did agree to let you leave, I’d be driving you home.”
“Home? Yeah. Right.” Tears well in her eyes. She turns away, biting her lip.
“Hey. Hey.” I gently turn her face back to me. “What’s going on?”
She brings her gaze back to mine, her chin wobbling. “I can’t go home.”
I stiffen. “Why?”
“My neighbor—Judith—she kept getting sick. This whole time I thought it was allergies. Come to find out there’s a mold infestation.”
“Is your neighbor okay?”
“She’s still in the hospital getting treated, but the doctors say she’ll be okay.”
“That’s good at least. Can the mold be treated?”
“They’re not sure yet. They had to evacuate the building. We don’t know when or if we’ll be allowed to return.”
“What about your stuff?” I grab the Kleenex box off my side table and pull out a tissue, handing it to her.
She dabs the corners of her eyes. “They said we could put it in storage, but they’re not sure if it’s contaminated.”
I release a low whistle. “That’s terrible. What can I do?”
She covers her face with a new tissue. “Do you…” She hiccups. “Can you…can Teddy and the puppies stay with you?”
“Of course.” Easy. Anything I can do to fix her situation.
I peer into the dog crate next to the couch. Two fluffy black-and-white dogs snuggle on top of each other. How hard can a couple of extra dogs be?
She drops her tissue, eyes red, and huffs a laugh. “Maybe you should take some time to think about it first.”
“Don’t need to.”
“It’s three extra dogs, Griffin. They can be a lot of work.”
“I can handle it. Besides, Teddy doesn’t even count. He’s better well-behaved than most young children.”
She laughs. “It’ll hopefully only be for tonight, until I can get an emergency foster volunteer set up for the puppies, along with finding a place Teddy and I can stay.”
“They can stay as long as they need.”
“Really?” She plops her hands into her lap. “Are you sure? That’s a big commitment. You’ve gone from no dogs to a house of four dogs in the span of two weeks.”
“It’s fine, I promise. Look.” I unlatch the crate and release the pups.
They immediately run out and explore every inch of the carpet around the living room and race to Roxy.
She leans her head back slightly but allows their gentle exploration.
“See. It’s fine.” I meet her eyes with mine, conveying my sincerity.
“I promise I’ll try my hardest to get them adopted or fostered. It might take a bit of time. And?—”
I reach for her hand and squeeze it. “I said it’s fine. I can do it. Just trust me, okay?”
Her puffy eyes stare into mine for a minute, and then she quietly nods.
“Good. Glad that’s settled. I haven’t eaten yet. Have you?”
Luke’s mysteriously disappeared. How convenient.
She looks to the kitchen where the microwave’s digital clock displays the time. “It’s almost nine o’clock. Isn’t it a little past dinner time?”
“It’s a meal, not a time. We can eat whenever we want. How about I order us some dinner? We can hang out on the couch, plan your next step, and when you’re ready, I’ll drive you to a hotel or wherever you want to go. Sound good?”
I’m surprised at how much I want her to say yes. I like the idea of taking care of someone else.
“Okay.”
“Great.” I pop up, whipping out my phone. “What are you in the mood for? Chinese? Mexican? American?”
“Are you serious?”
“What? About the food? Yes. I’m very serious. I’m starving.”
She gasps.
I look up from the phone. “What?”
She’s looking behind me toward the floor.
I spin and see one of the dogs hiking a leg and peeing on my plush white rug.
A snort erupts from Ashton. She covers her mouth with her hand and says, “I am so, so sorry.”
The absurdity of the situation makes me bust out laughing. Ashton breaks into a fit of giggles. To see her smile back is the best reward, even if it comes at the cost of a soiled carpet. I’d do just about anything to elicit this kind of joy in her.
“Are you regretting your decision yet?” she teases.
I smirk and bend toward her, a foot from her, and circle my face with my finger. “You see this face? This is my serious face. No regrets. They’ll be fine here. I can take care of them.” I stand and flick a hand toward the mess. “And clean up their messes, too. Or recruit Luke to do it.”
Her eyes are dancing with delight, and another cackle erupts from her mouth.
I return my attention to my phone, not trusting my face to not scream I’m falling for this girl .
“Now that you can stop worrying, tell me what you want to eat, or I’ll just have to surprise you.”
A playful smirk emerges on her face. “Surprise me.”