Page 41 of Griffin

GRIFFIN

Dinner is steak, followed by the biggest slab of apple pie I’ve seen in a long time. Ivy clears her plate, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“I’m such a pig,” Ivy groans, clutching her stomach.

“You earned it. We worked hard today.”

Ivy nods and looks around the restaurant.

“It’s busy here tonight.”

I follow her gaze and nod my agreement.

“Because it’s steak night.”

Ivy arches a brow as the waitress, Christina, comes over, her eyes fixed on me.

“All done, Griff?”

Christina is a good-looking woman, but she’s clingy. I’ve been there and done that with her in the past, but it was too much.

Ivy watches as I give Christina a polite smile.

“All done, Chrissy.”

Christina glances at Ivy, then back to me.

“Aren’t you Kevin’s girl?”

I stiffen as Christina peers at Ivy, her eyes narrowing.

“Yeah, that’s me.” Ivy smiles, and my gut tightens.

I know what Christina is thinking, and it panics me.

“What are you two doing here having dinner without Kev?”

“Ivy is Melody’s nanny,” I say, and Christina nods. “We’ve been decorating Melody’s room as a surprise for her.”

Christina tilts her head and leans forward, her sweet perfume filling my nostrils.

“I heard about her momma. I’m sorry.” Christina clears her throat nervously. “Maybe we can meet up for a drink one night? It can’t be easy on you.”

Ivy lifts her glass to her lips, staring out the window like she’s not hearing any of this.

Christina watches me with bated breath, and I feel sorry for her.

A drinkisharmless.

“Sure,” I say with a shrug.

“I’ve got your number — I’ll text you. I’ll just grab the bill.” Christina clears the table and flushes when our eyes meet.

“Ooh, check you,” Ivy teases, but her tone doesn’t match her eyes. “Adate!”

I stroke my jaw and chuckle, staring out of the window.

“She’s a nice woman. That’s all.”

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