Page 50 of Finding Home
She laughs lightly. “No, but his ex left him. And…I guess it’s his story to reveal. I don’t want to dip into my brother’s laundry and share more than he’s willing to tell people.”
“I understand.”
And I do, because I would rather hear it from him.
If he’s ever willing to tell me.
I’ve been feeling like there’s more to Griffin than meets the eye, and it intrigues me but also makes me feel bad for him in a way. I’d hate the thought of him being the way he is because of some pain from his past. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
“The reason I think you two are a lot alike is that you each have created this rough exterior on the outside. You’ve both built up these walls around you…” She pauses, deep in thought. “I always knew something was up with you. Not in a bad way, no offense.”
I raise my hands in the air. “None taken.”
“It’s just,” she continues, trying to find the words, “no one just moves to a town they know nothing about. I had a feeling it was for a deeper reason.”
“And how is Griffin like that?”
“I wish I had an answer for why he’s the way he is,” she explains nonchalantly. “I understand people handle their emotions differently, and that’s absolutely fine. I once felt the overwhelming feeling of being head over heels for a man myself, only to be left here alone…” She pauses, delicately running her fingers over the tattoo on her forearm. “We all face challenging times. It only serves to strengthen us. Just look at you now,” she says, beaming with pride. “You’re so fun and you look so free. This new divorced life—even if I didn’t know you before now—looks fucking good on you.”
Her words hit me right in the chest.
While most of my life has involved others doing things for me, growing up with the life I had posed its challenges. Everything I’ve ever been through has truly led to where I am today.
Here in Bluestone Lakes.
“I feel free. I feelgood.” I emphasize the truth coming out. “Iallowed myself to sulk after catching Theodore in the act. I wanted to rage. I wanted to fight. I almost stayed.”
“What?” she gasps.
I shake my head. “I didn’t know any better. I walked out of his office and called my sister to see if I could stay with her. Only to be hit with guilt for leaving.”
“Oh, Blair.” She sighs. “I’m so happy you didn’t stay.”
“I’m happy too.” I nod repeatedly. “The idea even crossed my mind that I could be foolish enough to forgive him for what he did. I never can and never will.”
“That’s where you and Griffin are different. He processed his pain by keeping a wall up around his heart. Hell, around his life to the point he doesn’t trust anyone anymore. He doesn’t let anyone in and has made his entire life his bar and the ranch.”
I can totally see that.
She offers me a warm smile. “I immersed myself in baking. I know that he’s never coming back.”
“I didn’t say anything to your comment before because I don’t want to bring up a sore subject, but I’m here if you want to talk about it.”
She laughs. “I didn’t even date the guy, Blair. I know that sounds so stupid, but we grew up to be the best of friends. He was actually more Griffin’s friend than anyone else’s. The day after graduation, he just left town without another word. No one has heard from him since.”
“I can’t even imagine. Are you seeing someone now?”
She shakes her head, letting her eyes land on her tattooed skin again. As if it holds all the answers for her. “I’m better off being on my own. I’m told I have way too much sass and work too hard. Besides, outside of this bakery, being at the ranch is my lifeline. Riding horses keeps me sane, and I would be lost without it.”
“I don’t seeanyissues with that. I can’t believe you ride horses. That is seriously so cool.”
She smiles widely. “It’s the most freeing, and exhilaratingfeeling in the world.” She takes a step closer to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’m really happy you’re here, Blair. It’s nice to have a good friend in town.”
She has no idea how nice it is to have a good friend in town too.
“And since you’re such a good friend, I’m going to let you in on my secret spot in town,” she says.
I raise an eyebrow in her direction.
