He furrows his brow. “And you really think for even a second that she won’t show up? The girl is crazy in love with you.”
“Ditto that,” Bear says chuckling. “She’s your fucking wife man. Calm your tits.”
“It’s not that, you guys. I know she’ll come back. She has to come back. Her shit is in my apartment.”
Ledger turns around in his seat in front of us. “Then what is it?”
I push my hand through my hair. “I’m just…I’m scared, okay? I’m scared.”
“Of?” Ledger curls his hand in a gesture that tells me to explain.
“I’m scared she’ll fall in love with fucking Miami and the idea of working for her old boss and she’ll want to try something long distance with me and then at some point we’ll both see that it isn’t working and she’ll leave me for real. Like a real fucking divorce. And then I’ll never see her again.”
Oliver turns around in his seat on the other side of the aisle too, his brows arching. “That was impressive.”
“Well, you asked.” I shrug again. “And I know I told her I would move anywhere with her, but also, my family is here. If I move, they’re going to want to move, and all Gage knows is here. In Anaheim. I mean I know he would adapt but asking him to do all that just for me? For Layken? It’s a lot, you know?”
The guys all nod.
“Not to mention I don’t want to fucking trade. I love it here. You guys are my family. You always have been.”
“Aww, we love you too, man.” Bodhi reaches in between my seat and August’s to pat my shoulder.
“But I’m crazy about Layken. She’s perfect for me. She’s…she’s my goddamn everything. So, what am I supposed to do? Right now, I’m nothing but a sitting duck until she decides what she wants.”
“Which will be by tonight, Griff,” August reminds me with a nudge. “We’re talking a mere possibly eight to ten-ish hours from now.”
I sigh. “I know. I’m just making myself crazy because I’m scared to hear how her day went and what she thinks about it all. I kind of wish she had never wanted to go.”
“Remember when I came to you panicking when Ella was on that date?” August reminds me.
“Yeah.”
“You and Ledge told me not to sweat it because I was the perfect one for Ella and that she just didn’t know it yet.”
Ella raises her hand a few seats in front of us. “And he was right. Thank you Griffin and Ledger!”
“You’re telling me Layken doesn’t know it yet that I’m the one for her?”
August bobs his head. “I think she knows it. Afraid to admit it maybe? Sure. But I have zero doubt she’ll come to the right conclusion. Give her a little time.”
Corrigan stands up a few seats in front of me with Ella and turns around. “Griffin, if it helps at all, she had the same worries about you when she got the initial text in the first place. Trust me. You’re going to be just fine whatever you both decide.”
“Thanks Corrigan.”
“And remember, butthole, I was her friend first. If anyone is going to lose something in this deal, it’s me losing a best friend.” She shrugs. “And I’m not worried so you shouldn’t be either.”
“You’re right.” I hold my hands up. “You’re right. Okay. I’ll try not to panic.”
Everyone nods and prepares to step off the bus to board the plane waiting for us. “But you all have your copies of Layken’s book right? Pictures! Post those pics to social media!”
“Got it!” August holds his copy in his hand.
Harrison pats his backpack. “Got it in my bag.”
“Already done, man.” Bodhi smirks. “I took a pic in the locker room this morning.”
“Perfect. Thanks.” I hike my duffel bag up onto my shoulder and step off the bus. Following in line, I’m behind August five stairs up when a voice shouts for me.