Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Griffin
I’m standing in the inn’s dining room which Nick skillfully converted into an impressive event space for the cotillion.
The new hardwood floors gleam, fresh paint covers the walls, and every structural detail Nick insisted on is done.
There’s a huge connecting tent where he’ll pump in heat for the overflow he’s expecting. Hands on my hips, I take it all in.
Nick walks up to me, giving the final nod. “Feels good, seeing this space transform from a dusty, half-finished mess into something that actually belongs to Silver Pine history.”
I pat him on the shoulder. “Kudos. You performed a miracle here.”
“Thanks, wasn’t always sure I’d make it through.”
We lean against the counter, watching as the last of Nick’s friends pack up their gear. He’s a popular guy. Once they’re gone, Nick stretches and shakes his head. “I don’t know what I’d do without all of you helping me in the eleventh hour.”
I shrug, a little self-conscious. “No big deal,” I mutter. Over the last few weeks, I’ve downed more Ibuprofen than I have in a year. Still, I’m grateful to not have pulled a muscle.
Nick laughs, clapping me on the shoulder.
“Come on, Griffin. Take the gratitude. Oh, I have something for you.” He pulls a card from his pocket, handing it to me.
It’s an invitation. “Just got back from the printer. You’re the first to receive it,” he says.
“Tessa and I want you at our summer wedding.”
I study the elegant card, a small smile tugging at my mouth. It’s strange, feeling genuinely included in someone else’s celebration.
I glance around the room, thinking about this town, how much can be accomplished when people come together, supporting each other.
This space would never have been ready in time for the cotillion without the team effort.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I realize maybe trusting people isn’t always a bad thing.
I take a deep breath. “Nick,” I start, hesitant. “After Valentine’s, I’ll have to close the shop. This cotillion will be our last gig. I’ll make sure you find another reputable florist for the wedding.”
It feels good to confide in a buddy. Even if I’ve only known him for a short time.
Nick’s eyebrows raise in surprise. “Oh no. Sorry to hear that.”
I run a hand through my hair. “It’s been running on hope and a prayer for too long. I can’t keep it open.”
Nick nods slowly, trying to process. “I get it, I do. Still, that’s tough. People love Oopsie Daisies.”
“I know,” I admit, voice low. “But I can’t make a business out of sentiment. Life’s not always fair.”
Nick considers me in a way I don’t usually get from someone more than ten years my junior. “You’ve been through a lot, haven’t you?”
I glance away, the familiar pang of memory pressing against my chest. “Divorce. Custody battles. Watching my son grow up mostly without me in the picture. It was…challenging.” I pause, then shrug.
“I’m careful about new relationships. And you may be shocked to hear this, but I’m not the easiest person in the world to live with. ”
Nick nods, not pushing. “I get it. You’re a good guy, Griffin. A bit guarded maybe, but I can see why.”
“Yeah,” I say softly. “Guarded.”
I can’t stop thinking about Ruby. The way she’s been running the shop, trying to hold everything together, her energy and optimism a direct contrast to my own cautious, measured approach.
I can picture her, turning this heavy mood into something lighter, bouncing between creative suggestions and ridiculous tangents.
That thought twists something tight in my chest. I like her more than I admitted to myself. And now I have to figure out how to tell her the truth without undoing whatever is starting to grow between us.