Page 10 of Griffin

I had every intention of doing that, but then I started working here ‘just for the summer,’ and never finished.

Three or so summers later and I’m still here.

I don’t mind overly, Hendrix is a small town and I love being with my dad. He’s cool, as long as he doesn’t catch wind of me with any men. Phew, it's not worth the drama.

If I ever do want a man, I’ll have to move states to find one.

My mind drifts to my momma, and I wonder what life would’ve been like if she didn’t die when I was a baby.

Thank God for my dad.

Not many women die in childbirth anymore, but my mom did.

So she gave her life for mine, which makes me want to live mine to the fullest.

I’m sure that's what she would’ve wanted.

We speak about her as much as we can, but twenty-one years is a long time. Dad still hasn’t met anyone else, not for lack of attention. He says he will always be in love with Laura Langdon, and that's that.

True love.

I manage to navigate the cart into the huge fridge in the warehouse, then decide to tackle the chips.

They’re lighter to carry, and not cold.

“We can’t stand in the yogurt aisle all day, baby.”

My ears prick at the familiar voice, and I poke my head out of the door to see Griffin standing with a beautiful little girl I recognize as Melody.

My heart aches for them, especially Melody. Losing your mother at any age is hard but at five-years-old?

I can’t imagine knowing your mother and then having her ripped away from you.

I drop the box of chips to the floor, then head over to Griffin and Melody, taking a deep breath.

Melody’s curls spill over her shoulders, her brown eyes shockingly like her father’s. She frowns at me, moving closer to Griffin as he peers at the ingredients on a box.

He runs a hand through Melody’s hair, glancing at her and following her gaze to see me in the distance. His eyes soften and he relaxes, waving at me.

“Hey, Melody, this is Ivy, a friend of mine.”

Melody has met me before, but I doubt she can recall. She’s five.

But to my surprise, she nods.

“Pretty Ivy.”

My heart melts, my cheeks flushing as Griffin laughs.

“Yes, pretty Ivy.”

“Her daddy is handsome.”

Griffin laughs again, and I crouch down to Melody.

“You’re beautiful too, Miss Melody.”

Melody just stares at me.

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