Page 107 of What If I See You

Griffin drives us quietly out of my parents’ neighborhood, one hand on the wheel and the other clasped around my left thigh. I’m not going to lie, it feels amazing. Like he’s claimed me and is protecting me at all costs.

Layken is my family now.

That’s what he said to my parents.

Nobody has ever stuck up for me in front of them before and I seriously don’t know how to react. Am I glad they finally had someone put them in their place? Yes. Do I feel bad about how it all happened?

I probably should but I don’t. At least not today. My parents spent years telling me that I’m basically worthless. They didn’t respect what I wanted to do with my life. They continually tried to push me onto their chosen path. They never once saw me for who I am.

But Griffin sees me.

He’s seen more of me than anyone else, my triumphs and my biggest insecurities.

And he still chooses me.

And for the first time in what feels like, well, ever, I feel like a weight has been lifted. I feel like I’m free to be me with no worries that my mother is going to call and rip me apart for my decisions. Because it’s not my job to make them happy and I finally realize that, thanks to my husband.

Thanks to the man who loves me.

Thanks to the man I love in return.

He pulls into the drive-thru at Harold’s Hotdog Diner and picks up an order he must have made before we left and then drives us to one of the nearby beaches. He opens the back door and grabs a blanket and then opens my door for me, helping me from the car. The beach ahead isn’t private but at this time of the evening there aren’t tons of people either.

“It’s not a private beach,” he says, leading us to an open spot not too far from the water. “But I thought people-watching might be fun.”

“It’s perfect.” All smiles, I help Griffin lay the blanket down and then kick off my shoes and sit next to him to enjoy our food. “Thank you, Griffin,” I say with a mouthful of food. “For what you did back there.”

“Yeah? You liked how I backed into that parking spot? Pretty nifty huh? Learned it from my dad.” My head snaps toward him and he gives me a wink and then says, “I’m just kidding.”

I rock myself into his side, nudging him with my shoulder. “You know what I meant.”

“I do. And you’re welcome.” He shakes his head while watching me. “But you never have to thank me for coming to your defense. You’re my wife, and as long as I’m around nobody will ever hurt you again.”

“I’m thanking you anyway…” I pause for a moment, chewing my bite. “For saying all the things I should’ve said a long time ago.”

He shrugs. “I understand why you didn’t. Or felt like you couldn’t. They’re your parents. I imagine in the grand scheme you don’t wish them harm. They’re still your family. You just…”

Want to be seen.

“You want to be seen. And understood. And most of all, loved.”

He knows me so well.

“Yeah.”

He takes another bite of his hotdog and then says, “I’m sorry if I overstepped at all. I didn’t intend to say they’ll never see you again. Obviously, you can see them anytime you want. I’m never going to hold you back. But…” He makes sure I meet his eye when he says, “Maybe the next time, whenever that might happen, I can be with you.”

“I think that’s more than fair, husband.”

He smiles. “Good, wife. I’m glad to hear it.”

We eat in silence for a few minutes, watching the waves crash and the people walk by.

A stalky guy in a suit and tie and no shoes walks past about twenty feet in front of us and Griffin gestures to him with his chin. “What do you suppose is that guy’s story?”

“Hmm…is this a trick question like I’m supposed to say something like maybe he gave his shoes to a homeless person and he’s just walking home?”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Nope, not a trick question but also no. Don’t be so nice. See the worst in people for just a minute and tell me his story.”

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