Page 85 of The Backup

I smile, nodding, but the weight of what we’re both avoiding hangs in the air. What happens when paths really do diverge?

twenty-six

. . .

Sloane

The Uber dropsus off and we make our way down the sidewalk to the restaurant. The patio is open, and the sound of conversation and clinking glasses creates a warm, familiar atmosphere. Asher’s hand brushes mine occasionally as we walk, a simple gesture that does little to settle the unease bubbling in my stomach.

“There he is. That’s Griff,” Asher says, nodding his head.

He’s tall and—honestly huge—and hard to miss. Looks a little like Asher, but maybe taller. When Griffin spots us and grins, I can feel the shift in the air. He walks up with that easy confidence, his presence filling the space. As he sees me, his grin widens.

“There she is, the one who keeps Asher in line,” Griffin says, pulling me into a brief but friendly hug. “I’ve heard a few things about you. But don’t worry. I’ve been told not to ask about your ‘relationship status.’” He makes like he’s zipping up his mouth and locking it.

I laugh, pulling back slightly. “Kind of you,” I tease, but I can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips.

Griffin’s easy charm is undeniable. The way he interacts with me makes it feel like we’ve known each other for years, even though this is only the second time we’ve met.

Just then, a woman pops out.

“I’m Avery,” she says. “Cassie will be out in just a moment. She’s talking to the host about getting us seated on the private patio in the back.”

“Avery! Good to see you,” Asher smiles and gives her a big hug. “This is Sloane. My, ahem, friend.”

“It’s a pleasure, Sloane,” Avery says, wrapping me up in a cutesy hug.

“Avery is Cassie’s best friend from forever,” Asher reminds me.

“Oh, okay. What about the two of you?” I joke, looking between Avery and Griffin. “Are you friends?”

They both laugh, a little awkwardly.

A littletooawkwardly, in my humble opinion.

“Nah,” Griffin finally says, clearing his throat. “We don’t really talk.”

Avery rolls her eyes and smiles. “Griffin just got me my job. Since he’s the quarterback for the Texas Outlaws, he put in the good word, and my current gig is in marketing for the nonprofit part of the team.”

“Griffin being nice to you, imagine that!” Cassie calls out as she walks up, overhearing our conversation. Her presence is immediate—loud, confident, and unmistakable. She’s got that energy that makes you know she’s not afraid to take charge of any room.

“These two hate each other,” Cassie jokes, shaking her head. “I regret that I love Cassie so much I love to bring her around like part of the family.”

“Oh. Well…I’m here for it,” I grin.

She looks at me with a sly smile. “Ready for some chaos? Because that’s what I’m bringing tonight.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I think I can handle it.”

“I’m not so sure,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “You’ll see.”

Just as she finishes her sentence, Avery sidles up to Griffin, behind Cassie, leaning in with that practiced smile that always seems to hide something beneath the surface. She touches his arm lightly, a small gesture that feels charged. For a split second, I see something flicker in Griffin’s eyes—something that makes me pause.

It’s subtle, but the way Avery’s hand lingers on his arm, the way they exchange glances, it’s more than just friendly. It’s flirtation.

I try to push the thought away, but it lingers. The way Avery smiles up at Griffin, the way their proximity feels a little too natural…It’s hard not to notice.

“Table is ready,” the host says, coming out to greet us. “Right this way.”

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