Page 19 of Finding the Forward: Part Two
I laughed, still amazed that the imaginary cat I made up that day we met on the airplane was a thing. “Please don’t tell me he’s been here the whole time?”
“Noooo. He appeared during the third period.” Grif continued to hold me tight.
“It’s not that long, you ding-dongs.” Mercy joined us. “There are also these things called phones. Come on, Ver, we’re the last on the bus.”
“Coming,” I told her. Turning back to Grif, I hugged him tight. “I love you so much, Tiger.” Leaning up, I whispered in his ear. “I’ll always love you. No matter what. Even if you’re a gamma.”
Before he could answer me, I gave him one last kiss and went to the bus, not looking back. I didn’t want him to feel like he had to reply.
WhyhadI said that?
My heart thudded so hard in my chest that I was afraid it would thump right out of my body. At the same time, I wanted him to know I’d support him. I didn’t want to come back from my trip only to get broken up with because he got so in his head while I was gone that he thought it was for the best.
I got on the bus and sat next to Mercy.
“We’re moving in with them, aren’t we?” Mercy waved as Grif stood there in the parking garage. He waved back, looking forlorn.
I blew him a kiss. “Would that be so bad?”
“Probably. We could make it work. Maybe.” She shrugged. “Despite me being pissed about today, they’re not bad dudes. Jonas even texted me and told me he was sorry for being an asshole. I just don’t enjoy living under other people’s rules.”
Something I completely understood.
“Wait, Jonas was an asshole?” I frowned, not liking that.
“I don’t think he meant to be.” She shrugged again, scrolling on her phone as the bus pulled away.
“True. We haven’t gotten there yet. I have a feeling it might get a little hard to wait six months. But I won’t do anything without your input,” I reassured, because it was important for her to feel like she had a say in major changes in our household.
Grabbing my phone, I texted Grif.
Me
I love you.
“And I appreciate that.” She leaned her head on my shoulder.
“I’ll still have time for you if I take a mate or two. Promise that I won’t disappear.” I played with her light brown braids as the bus headed into the dark and busy streets to take us to the airport.
“I know. But I like it when you say it. Only two?” Her eyebrows rose in disbelief. “You’re not going to be like Grace, andcatch them allas she puts it?”
Grif
Love you, too. We’ll talk when you get back.
Promise. Have fun and travel safe.
“Maybe.” My head ducked as a smile twitched on my lips. I could see myself ending up with all four of them. “Just maybe.”
Chapter Six
Jonas
“Grif was an absolute beast in practice today. Something I always love to see. But is he okay? He and his girl didn’t actually break up, right?” Coach Atkins stopped me in the upstairs hall of the training center as I went to go get my cardio in.
“No, they didn’t. They’re fine,” I assured, leaning against the wall. At least, I thought they were.
I’d understand if she wasn’t. She had a right to be hurt and confused. The fact that she trusted us enough to wait for an explanation until she got back astounded me. Personally, I wasn’t sure I would.
