Page 39 of Griffin

“I don’t need a woman.” I shrug. “Some of them are more trouble than they’re worth.”

Ivy jabs me in the arm as I move past her, leaving her to get changed.

“Whatever, you must meet the crazy ones. Some of us are sane.”

None are like you, Ivy.

“I’ll let you get changed. Come to Melody’s room when you’re done.”

I leave, losing myself in covering Melody’s bed with sheets to protect it from the paint.

“Do you have any music?” Ivy asks.

Her fingers tap on the doorframe on either side of her.

Gone are the shorts; my shirt skims her knees, most of the top unbuttoned due to the heat.

I avert my eyes, considering throwing paint in my eyes to stop myself from staring at her.

“Just my phone,” I mutter, dipping my brush into the ice-white paint.

Ivy nods, and music from her phone soon fills the room. She doesn’t have bad taste in music, either. Ivy hums away to The Stones while she sets up a roller and starts on the opposite wall.

We’re quiet, painting and smiling at one another when we catch each other’s eyes, but otherwise, we work in silence.

But it’s nice.

At one point, Ivy disappears, returning some time later with some chicken, bread, and icy sodas.

I wash up and take the soda she extends to me.

“God, I need this, thank you,” I mumble, draining the soda in one.

“Do you want me to get you another?” Ivy asks, holding out her hand for the empty can.

“No, I’m good. Sit down and eat.”

The heat makes it too hot to be ravenous, but the chicken is leftover from last night, and I love nothing more than cold chicken the following day.

“So,” I say, licking my fingers. “No boyfriends?”

Ivy rolls her eyes.

“You sound like my dad.”

I frown. I don’t mean to sound like her dad …

“Sorry.”

“Well, it’s better than you accusing me of being a hoe.” Ivy snorts with laughter when I stare at her.

“I didn’t say you were a hoe,” I say, shaking my head. “I apologized for that too, so don’t bring that up. I’m making conversation.”

Ivy studies me, sucking her fingers before she speaks.

“I guess it’s a fair question. I asked you about women, after all.”

I wait, stuffing my face until I can’t eat any more.

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