You better warn her about my charm, or I might just steal your girl *winking emoji*
ME
Have I told you lately how insufferable you are?
RHETT
It’s been a while. Thanks, I needed that to come back down.
Save me a seat by yours.
Most of these events have assigned seating, but I don’t bother telling him that. The only reason he was initially invited was because we used his hit country song “Forever, For Real” as the promotional song with the trailer and at the end credits.
I likely would’ve ended up inviting him anyway because he’s usually my plus-one to these things. It takes the pressure off having to take an actual date and the media frenzy that always follows whenever I’m pictured with any woman. Instead, the paparazzi have a ton of photos of me talking to my best friend. It’s a win-win.
Another text comes through.
RHETT
Better yet, I’ll see you on the carpet! *man dancing emoji*
Oh boy. Once he sends that man dancing emoji, it usually means he’s just getting started with all his over-the-top exuberance. If I don’t end the conversation now, he’ll never stop. I thumbs-up Rhett’s last message and slide my phone back into my pocket just as I hear a car pulling into the driveway.
I pop a stick of cinnamon gum into my mouth before grabbing my coat and gloves. I head outside, lifting my pointer and middle fingers in a wave to Ted through the window before hopping into the backseat beside Mallory. She’s buckled into the middle seat, so my leg presses against hers as the car starts to move. It might mean nothing at all, but I’m taking it as a good sign that she chose to sit there, closer to me.
I lean over, pressing my lips to her cheek. “It’s good to see you, beautiful. It’s been too long.”
She smiles. “It’s good to see you, too.”
I love that she genuinely smiles at me now, like it’s effortless. A smile she can’t contain because she truly enjoys being around me.
“Are you ready for our date?”
Mallory nods. “Can you tell me where we’re going, or is this another surprise?”
“I can tell you, if you really want to know. But I think it will be more magical if it’s a surprise.”
She loops her hand through my arm and rests her head on my shoulder. “Okay, I trust you.”
Hope bubbles up inside me like a pot on the stove that I can’t keep from boiling over. Joy is my new resting state. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to wipe this grin off my face.
When we arrive at our destination, I open the door and step outside before helping Mallory get out of the car. “Give me just a second,” I tell her and move to the driver’s side.
Ted rolls down the window. “What can I do for you, Mr. Reynolds?”
“For the millionth time, you can call me Griffin.” I smile. “But you can go ahead and take the rest of the day off once you drop your friend off. I’ve arranged another way to get home.”
“You’re sure?”
I nod. “Go enjoy New Year’s Eve with your family.”
“Thanks, Mr. Re— Griffin.”
I shake my head as I wave goodbye and return to Mallory’s side. I take her hand and lead her from the parking lot into an opening in the woods surrounding us.
“Why are we in the middle of a forest? Why did you say Ted had to drop his friend off?”
Wrapping my gloved hands around her upper arms, I say, “Close your eyes.”
