Page 29 of Griffin

“Poor girl. But, who better to look after her than you?” Shelby flicks her hair over her shoulder, clinking her glass with mine. “You’ve finally got your dream job, working for the hottest bachelor in town. I’ll drink to that.”

I laugh at the mention of Griffin being the hottest guy, but Shelby has already moved on.

“I hear Finlay is coming home soon.”

Our eyes meet, and she wiggles her brows mischievously.

“Come on, Shelby, you know that was high school shit.”

I’m lying, though; there will always be a spark between the town’s resident bad boy and me.

Probably because he’s off-limits.

“Your dad would kill him.” Shelby cackles, throwing her head back.

I cringe, glancing around us like my dad might pop up unexpectedly.

“Can we change the subject?” I raise my brows pointedly as she shrugs.

“Alright, I take back the comment about Griffin being the hottest bachelor in town. Your dad is.”

It’s my turn to make a face, and I swallow my cocktail before grimacing.

“Fuck, don’t say that; it’s weird.”

Shelby gazes into the distance, and I know she’s thinking about my dad. It’s an ongoing joke my dad takes lightly that Shelby means sincerely.

“He’s what, twenty years older than me? Pfft.”

I stare at my best friend, and she grabs my hand.

“Don’t be a hater; everyone wants your dad. Shit, even my mom.”

I roll my eyes and ease back into my seat, enjoying the atmosphere. It feels good to relax after so many early starts this week, but it’s worth it.

Melody is like medicine for the soul; her innocence and witty remarks make me smile daily.

I love dropping her to school and seeing her face light up when I pick her up. I bet she’s snuggled up on the sofa with Griffin, his strong arms wrapped around her, protecting her from the world.

I feel a pang in my chest, realizing I miss them.

“Hello? Are you still with me?” Shelby laughs, clicking her fingers. “Ooh, who are you thinking about? You’ve gone red.”

I flush even more and groan, wishing she didn’t know me so well.

“Aww, I was just thinking of Melody.”

Half-true.

“A-ha! Which means you were thinking of Griffin!” Shelby declares, slapping her hand on the table.

“I was not,” I lie, waving my hand around the bar. “So, see anyone new here tonight?”

Shelby peers around the bar, her gaze locking onto two men in the corner booth opposite ours.

“Them!” Shelby declares, leaning back in her seat as she smiles seductively in their direction.

I follow her gaze to see two men checking us out, and I shrug.

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