This time, I have nothing to say.
Because I think I do—No, IknowI do.
Nan reaches across the bar, resting her small hands on top of mine.
“I won’t say anything, Griffin. I may be the town gossip, but this is different.”
“How so?”
“I can’t explain it, but it’s different. And listen,” she says, sitting up taller in her chair with her hands up in defense. “You don’t have to tell me or admit anything. I’ll drop it right here if you want me to. But I just need you to know that it’s okay if you care about her.”
I remain silent, only offering her a curt nod.
Part of me wants to drop this conversation quicker than a bad habit, but I know she’s about to keep going.
“I might be a smart ass one hundred percent of the time,” she continues. “But I mean it when I tell you it’s okay to have these feelings. It’s scary and probably feels new. You’re unsure because of your past. And youknow”—she points a sharp finger my way—“I can tell when people are bad. I call it out immediately with no regrets and no bullshit. I don’t get those vibes from Blair.”
Hearing her name only makes this conversation feel more real.
“I believe she’s fuckin’ good, Griff,” Nan emphasizes. “I knew the moment I laid eyes on her and got to talkin’ to her that she would be good foryou.”
“So, this was all a setup?” I ask, slightly offended.
She shakes her head quickly. “No. Absolutely not. I promise you that. But I knew when you were ready to give someone a chance again, to get over your past and finally move on, that she might be a good fit for you.”
I stand there shocked, unable to speak.
Nan stares at me for a moment longer before standing up from the stool. She pats her hand on the counter.
“I’m gonna head out. Think about what I said,” she says before turning to leave. “Oh, and call your mother,” she shouts as she walks away with a pointer finger swirling in the air. “She wants you over for dinner sometime this century.” She laughs, pushes the doors open, and walks out.
Leaving me alone in my bar.
No customers. Just me and these thoughts consuming me.
I can’t shake the thought that Nan is right that this might be the time to give someone a chance again.
CHAPTER 27
I’M KNOCKING ON DEATH’S DOOR.
Blair
Lily
How are you feeling?
Me
I’m knocking on death’s door.
Lily
Is this my dramatic best friend, or my serious best friend?
Me
Both.
