Page 99 of Finding Home
“You never think I’m funny,” she says, her tone serious. “Is there something going on I should know about? This is kind of a big deal.”
“It’s really not, Lil. Please don’t make it into something it’s not. Yes, I smiled. Barely. No, I don’t want to talk about it because I don’t need the whole town knowing my business within the hour.”
“Is that what you think I would do?”
I shake my head, immediately feeling bad for accusing her of telling everyone about my business. I know she wouldn’t, but how can I even explain it when it’s not something I’m even sure of myself?
“I know you wouldn’t,” I tell her honestly.
“Is this about Blair?” She grins mischievously.
I remain silent, averting my gaze to the floor between us.
Lily smacks my arm, and I snap my head back up and meet her shocked features. “I knew it! I’ve been waiting for this moment,” she cheers.
“Like I said before, don’t make this into something it’s not. Do I like her? Sure. She’s growing on me. But we’ve both been through some shit. I have no doubt her guard is up just as much as mine is. I can’t let what happened before happen again. I willnot jump into something unless I know she’s really staying. Unless she wants this.”
Lily’s smile softens. It feels weird to share this piece of me with someone. But this is my sister, and if there’s anyone I can trust, it’s her.
“I can’t speak for her future plans, but it sounds like she’s staying, Griffin,” Lily says. “But as you know, I’m someone who believes in gut feelings. If something is off, it’s off. If something feels right, it’s right. I understand the need to protect yourself here…” She pauses, swallowing as if emotions are getting the best of her, but she doesn’t want to show it. “I’ve grown to love Blair. I’ve never been so happy that someone landed in this town, of all places. It’s like she was meant to come here when she did. The universe always works in crazy ways.”
The universe always works in crazy ways.
And she’s right.
My tiny house sat vacant for a long time before Nan finally sold it for me. I didn’t expect the new owner to be an out-of-town city girl, but life put her in front of me when I least expected it.
And now I can’t get her out of my head.
“I’ll get these to her,” I tell Lily, and turn around to leave. Stopping before I walk out the door, I turn to face Lily again. “And keep this between us for now.”
She zips her lips shut with her fingers. “My lips are sealed.”
I nod and turn to leave.
I guess I’m going to Blair’s house to drop off these treats.
The rain has completely stopped in the short time it takes for me to leave the bar and turn onto my road. The sky is still ominous and filled with clouds, but it might hold off for a bit.
Maybe after I drop this off, I can spend some time at the ranch, go for a ride, and try to process some of these things I’ve been feeling.
Pulling into her driveway, I spot her car and park behind her. My nerves spike for an unknown reason. The more I think about her, the more unsure I am about being around her—I don’t want to screw this up before it’s even something to screw up.
I take a deep breath before I step onto her porch and tap on the glass. No response, not even from the dog. I turn around to double-check her car, just to be sure. It is indeed hers.
I run back to my vehicle and grab a piece of scrap paper from the glove compartment to leave her a note with the bag of treats from Lily.
I stopped by to drop these off from Lily. If you need anything, you know where to find me.
- Griffin
After leaving them on the small table she has set up, I jump back in my truck. Sitting there for a moment, my eyes stay fixed on her house.
Her home.
I allow my mind to wander to places they haven’t been in a long time—visions of the future dance around my head. Someone to come home to after a day at the bar, filling a home with laughter. I can’t remember the last time I sat and thought about where I saw myself in the future. I’m someone who takes everything one day at a time. I don’t think about yesterday—just today and what’s in store for tomorrow.
I shake my head because I need an open field to clear my head of this.
