Page 40 of Griffin

“No, I’m not seeing anyone. No one serious, anyway.”

I raise my eyebrow but say nothing.

She has needs; I get it.

“It’s not like there’s much choice here.” Ivy continues, cracking open her soda. “Plus, my dad threatened to kill any guy that came on to me, remember?”

I hold back a smile and silently praise my best friend.

“I can’t blame him.”

“I want to settle down one day,” Ivy admits, sipping her soda. “Ideally, have some kids have the whole picket fence and shit.”

I can’t help but watch her as she talks.

“I love holidays, and I love kids. I want to bake, celebrate and plan everything, you know. Imagine their faces on Christmas morning and their birthday.” Her face is alive with passion, and I don’t think I’ve heard her speak like this before.

“Family,” I say slowly. “You want a family.”

Ivy nods.

“I do, and Dad would be such a great grandad. I want big family meals, you know? All of us together, all of the time. Matching pajamas at Christmas … Parties at Halloween … ”

“I’m sure you’ll get it, Ivy.” My voice is hollow but filled with jealousy.

It’s irrational, but what am I going to do when she meets this fucking guy?

“I hope so.”

We resume painting, continuing until our arms ache, and we can’t carry on any longer. The room has had two coats, though, and already looks fresh.

Unlike us.

Ivy’s tummy rumbles, and I laugh.

“Listen, let me take you out to dinner as a thank you.”

Ivy waves a hand at her shirt — my shirt.

“Like this? I’ll need to change … ”

I shrug. “So change.”

Ivy bites her lip, and I have to force my body to remain still, fighting the urge to take her into my arms.

She doesn’t want an old man like you. She wants some young jock.

“Use my shower. Change in there.”

I turn away and start packing the paint away, taking the brushes down to clean them.

The shower turns on, and I force the image of Ivy naked in my shower out of my mind.

It’s because we’re spending so much time together.

That’s all.

14

---