Page 89 of Home Field Advantage
“Plus,” Lily continues, oblivious to my shift in thoughts, “it’s always a guaranteed fun night with Nan and Tucker going at it.”
“They fought over pretzel twists this week. I don’t understand how the General Store doesn’t know these two by now and just always keep stock of it,” Blair says.
Lily barks out a laugh. “I’m convinced they do it to fuck with the two of them. You know they’re laughing their asses off every time those two walk in fighting over pretzels.”
Blair points to Lily. “Okay, that I believe.”
“What I can’t believe is that you somehow convinced Griffin to play,” I add.
“No convincing was needed from me,” Blair says. “I’m pretty sure Tucker did all the work for us in that department. Apparently, he’s very persuasive.”
“Speaking of, where is he tonight?” I ask.
“He’s helping at the bar tonight.”
“During dinner hours?” Lily gasps with wide eyes.
“I’ve told you already, he’s a changed man.”
Prior to Griffin and Blair getting together, my brother was so grumpy that he refused to work at his own bar during the evening hours because the crowd always pissed him off. It was too busy for him, and he hated dealing with people.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Lily sighs. “It’s been such a nice change from the Grumpy Griffin we’ve been subjected to for years.”
“I agree.” I nod, turning to face Blair. “I think you’re what heneeded all along to get out of his shell, and give up the wholeeveryone, leave me alonefacade.”
Lily stands from the chair, palms resting on the table. “You know what’s always driven me crazy about that and ends up putting me into protective little sister mode…so many people think he was stupid for acting the way he did when Sierra left him for the city. They find it hard to believe he would be that grumpy and go that long without a relationship because of one single girl.” She huffs, letting herself fall back into the chair as if she’s said her peace.
“I know,” I say with conviction. “I hated that people talked about him like that, but they don’t know Griffin the way we always have. When he loves, he loves hard and with every fiber of his being. Sierra destroyed him.” I look to Blair again. “Not to bring up his past and all, Blair. You know it all anyway.”
She nods. “I do, and I’d love to give that Sierra girl a piece of my mind, but also thank her for leaving him. While I hate that you all had to deal with his grumpy ass, I’ve never been happier and can’t fathom knowing this feeling with anyone else.”
Lily and I offer her a soft smile.
Their love is the type of love people dream of.
“I think when you believe you’re going to spend the rest of your life with someone, and you have a plan in place for that, only for it to be destroyed, it really fucks with your head.”
Blair and Lily pause, looking at each other before looking at me with their lips parted.
“Did you just curse?” Blair asks.
I shrug. “I guess I did.”
“Wow,” Lily draws out. “This new company you’ve been keeping must be rubbing off on you.”
“What new company?” Blair asks in confusion, before her eyes widen with realization. “Are you talking about Dallas? Oh my god, are you hanging out with Dallas Westbrook?”
I shake my head, only half lying because we haven’t doneany “hanging out.” “No, he just happens to be where I am sometimes.”
“Liar,” Lily coughs out as if to hide her accusation. “I saw you two emerging from the hallway at Seven Stools seconds after one another last week. I’ve been wanting to pester you about it, but I’ve been a good girl and chose to wait.” Lily sits up taller in her chair, crossing one leg over the other.
Blair laughs. “God, I love a good girl moment even if this isn’t the same context.”
“Please don’t bring up my brother at this moment,” Lily groans. “I’ve told you a million times that I’m happy for you, but I don’t need to hear it.”
“What’s a good girl moment?” The question leaves my mouth, and I want to take it back. They already know I’m a virgin, but I hate the judgment that comes from asking questions I should probably know the answer to.
“It’s mostly a thing in romance books, but when it happens in real life, it’s so hot,” Lily says, fanning her face.
