All the stools we have are occupied—which isn’t saying much. I mean, there’s only seven.
The entire town came out tonight for this event. Including my father and some out-of-towners I don’t recognize, who must be staying at the Inn and heard about this event.
I’m impressed with what Nan has put together.
The singers tonight are questionable, but everyone’s having fun.
“Griff, this place is packed,” Tucker shouts over the musicand chatter of people talking. “Looks like you’ll be keeping this on the schedule, huh?”
I groan, rolling my eyes.
“And, looks like City Chic finally fits in.” Tucker smirks.
“Call her by her name,” I scold, pointing a finger in his direction. “It’s Blair.”
Tucker holds his hands up in defense. “Oh, sensitive subject. But after seeing her tonight, I definitely need to stop calling her that.” He turns to look at her.
“Don’t you dare look in her direction,” I warn.
Tucker chuckles. “I love possessive Griffin. You’ve gone from Grumpy Griffin to Give-me-her Griffin. Wait, no…” He pauses, hand to his chin. “That’s too many syllables.”
I stare at him, unblinking. “Something is wrong with you.”
“Hey, Tuck,” Poppy interrupts, coming to the bar.
“Ahh, my favorite cousin,” Tucker says, leaning his elbows on the bar.
“I heard that,” Lily says from Poppy’s side. “And it’s such a shame, because youweremy favorite cousin.”
“I’m your only cousin, Lil.” Tucker laughs.
Lily sways side to side with the beat of the music, not responding to Tucker, and takes a sip of her vodka and cranberry. “This is epic, Griffy.”
Well, she’s drunk.
“You’re cut off,” I tell her.
“I drink to dull the pain.” She emphasizes with the back of her hand on her forehead in dramatic fashion.
Poppy rolls her eyes at her but laughs.
She acts like she has a long-lost love out there somewhere. It’s wild to me.
“How good does Blair look tonight?” Lily winks at me before turning to face Blair, watching the singers and dancing in the middle of the room. “I think she’s succeeded in her mission tonight.”
“What was that?” Poppy asks.
“She’s trying to find herself,” Lily says, still looking at Blair and smiling before turning back to face us. “You guys know her parents were a lot like ours, but less cool.”
I cock my head to the side.
“They were politicians,” she continues. “But, like, big city ones.”
“You don’t say,” Tucker jokes.
“Shut up.” Lily leans on the bar and smacks the side of Tucker’s head. “All she’s ever known is people hovering over her, telling her what to do and how to dress. Her life was black and white, and she was never able to just be herself. And look at her,” Lily says, and all of us turn to face her.
Nan stands next to her, both of them laughing hysterically before she grabs Nan’s hand and does a twirl with her before they rock side to side with the music again.
