Page 92 of Tangled Kisses
“And that’s just the start,” she adds, ticking off the costs on her fingers. “You need capital for advertising, networking events, building a client base. It adds up.”
“Right.” My throat works as I nod. “Of course. Makes sense.”
Sadly, it does.
She smiles, warm and utterly unbothered by my inner meltdown. “I love Griffin. And he loves me. Not in the hearts-and-flowers way, but enough. We’d both have easier lives, and sometimes that’s all you really need.”
I grip my glass harder, praying it doesn’t shatter under the tension.
Yeah, lady. I know exactly what you mean.
It’s the very reason I came to Tangled Vines. An easier life. A happier one.
And I found it in Griffin’s arms.
But another thought worms its way in, unwelcome and sharp. This conversation between Lauren and Griffin happened two weeks ago. He showed her his proposal, heard her counteroffer, and never said a word to me. What does that mean? Is he considering it, just waiting for the right moment to break my heart? Or is he not considering it and planning to work himself into an early grave instead? Or worse, return to escorting because it’s the only way he knows how to make real money.
No matter the outcome, my heart ends up decimated.
One truth stands above it all: Griffin and I are caught in a no-win situation. He needs money—seriousmoney—to build a future worthy of him and Pearl. Lauren can give him that.
I can’t.
My mouth is bone-dry. I drain the last of my drink, but it doesn’t help. “Water, please,” I murmur to Jimmy as he passes, because otherwise I’m going to choke on the shards of hope splintering in my throat.
I don’t notice the shift in the bar, don’t hear the sudden absence of guitar or the applause rising. All I know is my pulse hammering in my ears and the thought pounding in my head—I need to go.
Over my shoulder, I hear a familiar voice. “Lauren? What are you doing here?”
I glance over just in time to see a grin spread across Griffin’s face as he pulls Lauren into a hug.
“I promised to come down and see you play,” Lauren says, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I wanted to surprise you. Besides, we have a few things to discuss, don’t we?”
“Absolutely.” Griffin nods and flags Jimmy for a beer before shifting his gaze to me, his eyes crinkling with warmth. “Hi, belleza. Have you and Lauren met?”
Sure did, Griffin. She upended my entire world just moments ago.
I nod and take another sip of water, my hands trembling as I bring the glass to my lips. “We were having a lovely conversation. About you, actually. But you two have a lot to discuss, so I better go.”
I tuck my hair behind my ears and grab my bill the second Jimmy sets it down. If only my damn hand would stop shaking long enough to write in the tip.
No such luck.
“Wait? You’re leaving?” Griffin leans in, sliding a gentle hand along my spine.
“Yes. Time to go.”
Because if I don’t, I’ll fall apart right here, in front of both of them.
Twenty minutes ago, I realized I’m in love with Griffin Topete. Now I know I’m going to lose him—to a very wealthy, very beautiful woman who can give him the world.
God, what is this pain in my chest? Oh right, my heart breaking into a million shards.
Good times.
I stand, scraping back my chair with a loud squeal. “I’m going to get Piper and head home. You sounded amazing tonight.” My voice cracks as I swallow down the agony. “Lauren, it was so nice meeting you. Griffin… I… I… goodbye.”
Sadly, I don’t make it three steps before Griffin is on me, his hands grabbing my shoulders and spinning me into him. His eyes search my face, confusion lining his features. “Baby, what happened? Did Lauren say something to you?”
