Page 26 of Griffin

Point made.

But I have to agree — Ivy is leagues ahead of any woman in town. Somehow, she is single, but the guys here aren’t exactly stunners. Maybe she’s waiting for the right guy.

The thought of Ivy waiting to meet the right guy sends me into all kinds of fantasies I don’t want to entertain, so I bury my head in my work, refusing to think about it any further.

Until I get home, and Ivy and Melody are curled up on the sofa, both engrossed in a Disney movie. The smell that greets me makes my mouth water, and I can’t help but glance into the kitchen.

Chicken in gravy, mashed potato, and corn bubble away on the stove, and Ivy stretches her arms, shifting from beside Melody, who hasn’t even noticed I’m home.

“Hey, how was your day? Are you hungry?”

Ivy’s hair has become loose, and she stifles a yawn as she plates up the food.

“Yeah, I am. Are you okay? You know you don’t need to do this … ” My hand sweeps toward the food, and Ivy rolls her eyes.

“Eat, then shower.”

“You look tired.” I take the steaming plate of goodness to the table, forking it into my mouth gratefully as Ivy gets Melody settled on the sofa. Ivy balances Melody’s dinner on a cushion, and Melody smiles gratefully at her.

“We’re eating in front of the TV if you wanna join us?” Ivy smiles down at me as she passes by. I glance down at my half-eaten plate and my messy clothes.

“I’ll come and join you when I’ve showered.”

Ivy hesitates, looking between Melody and me.

Melody is engrossed in the movie, gravy dribbling down her chin as she eats.

“Sit with me,” I say gently, my heart pounding when she sits beside me.

“Okay.”

We eat in silence for a short while, but then Ivy clears her throat.

“On Friday, I can’t stay for dinner, but I’ll make sure you and Melody have something yummy.”

Friday.

She’s going out.

Jealousy curls through my stomach, but I ignore it, instead nodding my head.

“I can finish early on Friday, so you don’t need to worry about dinner. Going out or something?” I try to sound as lighthearted as possible, but I still seem to bark out the words.

Ivy looks up at me, surprised.

“Just out with Shelby into town. A couple of drinks, maybe some food … ”

I nod, clearing my plate and rising to my feet.

Fucking men, too?I want to ask, but mentally slap myself. She’s not that kind of girl, and even if she is, it’s nothing to do with me.

“Ivy, my dance class is on Saturday!” Melody calls out, walking towards us with her plate. Her tongue sweeps over her lips as she concentrates, glancing up sporadically to make sure she’s not going to hit a chair.

“I’ll be there,” Ivy says with a smile, taking the plate from her. “Go clean yourself up, then finish watching the movie.”

She places Melody’s plate on the table, returning her attention to her meal.

Melody nods, skipping over to the bathroom as I shake my head, carrying the dishes to the dishwasher.

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