Page 19 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

The creak of the screen door as it opened drew the attention to her and Austin. Payton stepped into the backyard, followed by Austin and the silence was deafening. Owen was blissfully unaware as he flipped burgers and hummed to himself.

Griffin’s gaze landed on Austin, his expression hardening, before darting to Payton, back to Austin, finally landing on Payton. His eyes held questions that Payton knew she needed to answer. She walked towards her brother, with more confidence than she felt. Austin followed, hand still holding hers.

Payton could tell the moment Griffin noticed, because his head started shaking no and he started across the grass, his fists bunched at his side.

“Griffin, no,” Sarah shouted.

Owen snapped to attention and turned to see the scene unfold. He dropped his grill tongs to follow Griffin. Payton stopped walking, putting herself between her brother and Austin.

Austin dropped her hand and stepped to the side, putting enough distance she wouldn’t get hurt when Griffin swung. He widened his stance, anticipating a blow. As Griffin advanced, he put his hands up in front of him.

“Griffin, I know this is a shock but let’s talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Griffin stopped just short of Austin and stood, chest heaving and fists ready.

“It’s been more than a decade. Neither of us are the same people we were back then.”

Griffin glared, waving his hand between Payton and Austin. “How exactly did this happen?”

“Griffin, please hear us out,” Payton pleaded.

Griffin answered, eyes still pinned on Austin. “This guy is bad news. I don’t want you mixed up with him.”

Owen came to stand just behind Griffin, his hand on his shoulder. “Griff, it’s not worth breaking your hand over.”

“The hell it’s not.” Griffin’s right hand tensed and released a fist as if he was getting ready to land the first punch.

Austin stood firm, eyes level with Griffin. “Go ahead and punch me if it would make you feel better.”

“Don’t you dare,” Sarah yelled.

Her voice was closer than Payton expected and she realized Sarah and Victoria had moved closer to her in a show of solidarity.

Everyone seemed to be holding their breath while they waited for Griffin’s next move. Breaking the tension, Payton crossed to her brother and put her hand on his forearm. Griffin flinched at the unexpected contact and turned to face Payton.

“Stay out of this, Payton.”

“No. I’m a grown adult and you don’t get to bark orders at me as if I’m a child.” Payton stepped closer, her eyes challenging Griffin to disagree.

Griffin huffed a sigh and his fist unclenched. Payton’s hand remained on his arm, just in case.

“Austin hurt a lot of people. I don’t want you to be the next one.”

“I know what happened. Austin told me and don’t you think he was hurting too? You don’t have the exclusive rights to grief.”

“He made really bad choices, Payton, and it seems by him coming here with you today, he still is.”

Payton’s temper flooded her in a rush. “So I’m a bad decision, am I? That’s a really awful thing to say about your sister.” She moved to stand in front of Griffin as Austin stepped back, understanding this was a battle she needed to fight for herself.

“That’s not what I meant,” Griffin muttered.

“That’s what you said. This is exactly why I moved out. I love you but you have this hero complex that makes you want to control everything. I’m a grown woman and need to find my own way. I might make mistakes along the way, but Austin isn’t one of them.”

Payton reached for Austin’s hand and took it in her own. “Griffin, I hope that you reconsider the needless feud and be ready for a conversation with Austin. Because I’m dating him no matter what you say. You choose whether or not you’re a part of our life.”

She turned and led Austin through the kitchen door, allowing the screen to slam closed with a bang. One last look into her childhood back yard revealed that Griffin stood alone was the rest of the family watched her leave with tears in their eyes.

CHAPTER 9

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