When Jovie and I went out with Victoria the day of the fire, we’d actually learned a lot and had fun—one of the reasons it was enjoyable was that the kid and I had made a game out of who could make Victoria more outraged at things we said.
And I’m pretty sure Jovie won with a comment about how she wants to be a garbage man when she gets older.
“Yeah, let’s hope I’m wrong,” I say, just as I get the first whiff of Kev cooking something. “Kev, that smells amazing!”
He pokes his head out, his chef’s hat balancing precariously. “Well, I didn’t get to make Jovie my Christmas Pizza, so figured we’d try again.”
My nose crinkles instantly. “That the fish one?”
A spatula suddenly snaps out, pointing directly at me. “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it,” he orders, quickly ducking away again.
“Where is Jovie?” Victoria questions, suddenly sitting a little straighter, her hands flat on the bartop.
“Oh, she’s fine,” I say with a smile. “She’s just back at the cabin with Grizz and the boys. Grizz will probably bring her in soon so she can have lunch, and then she might go back and?—”
“You’re leaving her alone with them now?” Victoria interrupts, her tone sharp and accusing. “Wow, Brynn, I really thought you were smarter than that.”
“Mom, stop.” The edge in Sarah’s voice surprises all of us. She steps up beside me, shoulders squared, staring down her mother across the bar. “Jovie is fine with Grizz. He runs this whole bar. I’m sure he’s responsible enough to look after an eight-year-old. Besides, Brynn doesn’t need to hear you talking negative about him.”
Victoria blinks, stunned, her mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water.
“I see,” she finally spits out after at least a minute. “I guess I’ll just keep my concerns to myself next time.”
She slips off her stool and turns sharply, taking the narrow walkway to the front door like it’s a runway, her floor length coat floating behind her.
Even when the doors slam closed, I stay quiet, still caught somewhere between shock and gratitude as I stare at Sarah. Her quick defence of Grizz and him looking after Jovie makes something in my chest twist just a little. I can’t help but wonder if she spoke up because of that crush she still might be nursing, or if she’s maybe trying to make up for the guilt she’s been feeling about things with Jovie and the fire.
Either way, today something sparked in her that I haven’t seen before.
And I can’t help but be eager to feed those new flames just a little, and hope maybe I can help her find a new kind of strength.
And maybe a new Hallowed Springs story for people to talk about in years to come.
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 21 - GRIZZ
We arrived at The Gallows for lunch. I messaged Brynn already, so she knew we were coming. I can't be separated from her for too long, or else I start getting twitchy. Even Jovie noticed my leg bouncing while I stared at the clock in the cabin, counting down until we could leave. I don't know how to describe it other than seeing Bynn, touching her, knowing she's mine, calms me. She's a bucket of cold water being thrown onto my burning embers.
Our prospect, Michael, moves about the loading dock when we walk through. The soot long cleaned, and the burnt wall in the middle of being repaired.
Nothing unusual happening.
Nothing out of place.
That is, until I walk onto the main floor, my breath catching when my eyes lock on Brynns, only to be distracted by the person serving a beer behind her.
Sarah.
I explicitly told her not to come back, and she decided to do what she wanted anyway.
“Oh no, you don't, big guy,” Brynn soothes, placing a hand on my chest to hold me in place.
“I told her to stay away,” I growl, keeping my eyes on Sarah who hasn't noticed I’m here.
“I was there, remember. Look, I think we were wrong, Victoria… she came in all high and mighty when she dropped Sarah off. I don't know but something felt off about it all. I feel sorry for her, Grizz. Imagine your only support being that intense.” Her eyes are wide as she looks up at me, pleading her case for her friend. Stepping into me, placing both hands on my waist, she goes up on her tiptoes, and I lean down, kissing her plump lips, feeling her smile. “Grizz, I didn't want a kiss,” she mumbles into my mouth.
“You wound me, baby.” The tension easing from my shoulders.
