“Well…”Inhale. Exhale. “I didn’t have a job. I was married to the mayor.”
I answer Mary’s question, looking in Griffin’s direction, whensomething flashes in his eyes. I can’t find it in me to look away from him as he stares at me blankly.
A look full of questions.
But also full of desire.
It’s as if something shifted in that one sentence.
I replay my own words in my head while Nan continues a conversation about lord knows what. It’s drowned out the longer I keep my gaze locked with Griffin.
Iwasmarried to the mayor.
Confirmation for both of us that I’m no longer that person.
I’m not married.
I don’t have a husband.
I’m free.
That’s when I finally realize I don’t want to be free anymore.
I want to be claimed in every way possible by Griffin Barlow.
CHAPTER 30
CAN’T HELP IT WHEN YOU’RE AROUND.
Griffin
Dinner goes by in a blur.
Of course, my parents found the opportunity to bring up small-town politics. Blair even seemed annoyed by the entire conversation, making me fascinated by her. Showing me she can’t stand the life she used to live, the same way I can’t stand the politics surrounding my family.
My mom starts serving dessert. Even if it’s just my sisters and me here, she always makes a show of things by going over the top and making sure we leave here extra full.
“So, Blair,” my dad starts again. “What got you into politics?”
She scoffs. “I was never into politics.”
I narrow my eyes at my father, and he notices, but refuses to back down.
“Well, a big-time mayor like that in San Francisco should have a wife who’s into that sort of thing.”
“Eugene. That’s enough,” I snap.
He extends his hand out in Blair’s direction, but stares at me. “Son, I’m just trying to get to know her.”
“You’re not,” I say, my tone growing more frustrated. “You’re finding an opening to continue a discussion about politics byinsinuating Blair is a part of it. She’s not like that. She got out of that life for a reason, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring it up at the table.”
My dad pauses, staring at me before taking a bite of his pie.
“With all due respect,” Blair cuts in. “Just because I was married to him doesn’t mean I was happy. I left for a reason. I cut my parents off for a reason. Both because of politics and a life I no longer wanted to be associated with. I mean…” She pauses, twirling her fork in her hand. “Leaving my husband was a mix of that and hisappreciationfor his secretary.” She laughs lightly. “But it all boiled down to living a life I wasn’t happy with. I don’t say this to disrespect you in your home. I say this because it’s not who I am.”
I stare at her in shock and admiration.
No one ever stands up to my father like that.
