Page 107 of A Perfect Match
"Today marks a special milestone for Bayshore," the mayor continues."We're celebrating the official opening of Cloud Nine Events, born from the partnership between two of our most beloved local businesses."
After Kru and I operate the awkwardly large and not-very-effective scissors with some grunting and plenty of laughter, we’re swept away in a rush of congratulations and conversations with guests.Everyone has something they want to tell us, whether it’s just a quick burst of appreciation or a detailed plan for a party they’d like to host here.The space feels alive with possibility, exactly what I'd envisioned since the very beginning.
I'm showing an engaged couple the lake view from the loft when I notice Griffin across the room, standing stock still by the catering table that Kru’s servers are occasionally refilling.Griff's gone completely pale, staring at something—or someone—near the entrance.
"Excuse me," I tell the couple, heading for the stairs.“I need to go chat with my brother real quick, but you guys keep looking around.I’ll be here if you have any questions!”My feet thump down the stairs, and I make my way over to him."Griff?You look like you've seen a ghost."
He doesn't respond, just keeps staring.I follow his gaze and see a woman with long golden-brown hair in a simple green dress, talking to one of the catering staff.
"Earth to Griffin," I tease, poking his arm."Who are you gawking at?"
"That's…that's Casey," he says quietly, narrowing his eyes.“At least, I think.”
"Casey?"I squint at the woman, trying to place her."Casey Hart?From high school?"
Griffin nods, his throat bobbing.I remember now—Casey was one of Griffin’s closest friends from high school.I always suspected he had a crush on her, but he never worked up the courage to ask her out, and she moved away for college.I've never seen my confident, professional-athlete brother look so rattled.
"Go talk to her," I urge.
"I can't.What would I even say?'Hey, remember we used to be best friends and then never spoke for the next ten years’?”
"Old friends usually start with ‘hello’ and then go from there."
Before Griffin can respond, Mom appears at our side, patting his back with a knowing smile that's become familiar since she woke up from the coma.
"I see your girlfriend has arrived," she says mysteriously.
Griffin’s brows draw together as his gaze shifts to our mother."How do you—do you even know who we’re looking at?"
Mom's smile widens, and then she pauses, tilting her head like she's listening to something we can't hear.
"Oh!That reminds me.We need to try this code: 47-83-47,” she says suddenly.
"What?"I ask.
"Have you tried that combination yet?"Mom asks casually, as if random six-digit sequences are perfectly normal conversation topics.
A chill runs down my spine.Ever since the fire, we've been trying to open that old safe they found in the bakery ruins.We've tried every significant date we could think of—birthdays, anniversaries, the date the bakery opened.Nothing has worked.
"Mom," I say slowly, "how does a code that random justoccurto you?"
She just smiles that mysterious smile again."Let’s try it soon.I have a feeling it'll work."
Before either Griffin or I can question her further, she drifts away to chat with Jackson and Bella, leaving us staring after her.
"So mom is mildly psychic, right?"Griffin asks.
"Absolutely, and especially when it comes to our love interests."I look over at Casey, who is now examining the wildflower arrangements."She seems to think your girlfriend is in the barn, though.You ready to go say hi to her?”
Griffin straightens his shoulders, running a hand through his hair."Yeah.I'm going over there."
I watch my normally smooth brother stumble slightly on his way over to Casey.I bite back a laugh just as Kru appears at my side, sliding his arms around my waist from behind."What's happening over here?"
"Just watching Griffin try to go talk to an old friend who I’m pretty sure he had a major crush on back in the day."I lean back against his chest."Think we looked that ridiculous when we were figuring things out?"
"Probably worse," he says, pressing a kiss to my temple."At least they don't have TV cameras documenting their every awkward moment."
I laugh, turning in his arms to face him.The party continues around us.His nieces are teaching Lia some elaborate hand-clapping game, Asher is deep in conversation with one of the camera operators about technical equipment, and Mom is holding court near the dessert table, charming everyone within a ten-foot radius.
