“Come here, you two,” Gramps told the kids. “Let the big kids leave so the three of us can eat and play some games.”
Griffin and Autumn made their rounds, giving everyone hugs, and I had to drop Patience’s hand, missing the connection immediately. But it wasn’t long before we had the ladies’ coats on and were heading out the door, and I felt the warmth of her touch once again.
Patience slipped her arm through the crook of my arm as we headed toward the cars. “I’m nervous,” she said, as the cool night air engulfed us.
I couldn’t blame her. Not when I was feeling exactly the same, but for different reasons. She was worried about the jackass Chaz and his family, while I was worried about everyone.
It made it even harder knowing that one of the charities involved was a non-profit organization that helped soldiers with PTSD and their families.
That wasn’t the only one, of course. They were also raising money for at-risk youth and the firehouses in the area. It was quite the event, with some heavy pockets in attendance from what I’d heard.
There was no way I’d be going if I didn’t want to help Patience and support my friends, who had such a huge stake in all three of the charities involved. I just didn’t see myself ready to be surrounded by so many people yet.
“I’ll be by your side all night; there’s nothing to be nervous about, sweetheart.”
The endearment came naturally, but the girl beside me was surprised, judging by her sharp intake of breath. I felt like a heel. I’d never been in short supply of saying sweet things in the past, but lately I had been different because I was trying to keep my emotions in check.
“That sounds wonderful.”
How the hell was I supposed to keep anything in check when she said the nicest things?
All driving together, we reached Lyric’s car, and I opened the back passenger door for her. Instead of getting in, she turned, removing her arm from mine, and placed her hand on my chest.
“I know this night isn’t going to be easy for you, but I’ll be right by your side too.”
Almost like before at the condo a few weeks back, she rose up on her toes and gave me a soft kiss—only this time, it was on my cheek. My lips felt neglected, and wanted in on the action, but it felt amazing whenever her mouth was on any part of me.
Dropping back down to the flats of her feet, she smiled and then slipped into the car, leaving me there thinking…
There is no way I’m ever going to be able to give her up.
I didn’t mean as my best friend. No, that she would always be, and one day I would fix everything I’d fucked up there.
No, I was talking about her as my wife.
Because letting her fall into the arms of another man one day would gut me to my core.
Then a little voice inside me said once again,But is it fair to her when you have issues?
God, I couldn’t unhear that voice; it was so loud in my head, consistently driving home the fact that I was damaged.
But fuck if I didn’t want to silence it.
Forher.ForGriffin.
As I rounded the car to get in the back on the other side, I slid my hand into my pocket and my fingers brushed against something.
Shit, I’d forgotten it was there.
Chapter Thirteen
PATIENCE
It felt a bit like déja vu.
After removing our coats upon entering, we made our way further into the extravagant country club. It may be completely different from the old pizza place back when I was seventeen, but nausea still swam in my gut just as it had on the day I went to confront Chaz.
A sea of people mingled in groups, and I felt my vision blur. I was walking into what could possibly be a bully circle all over again—only instead of teenagers throwing out cruel, taunting words, it was probably going to be grown men. Or maybe even some women.
