After Hurricane Delilah, name still iconic, still taking credit, something HAPPENED between our favorite exes. My source saw Dr.Hartwell’s car at his house the morning after the storm. Walk of shame energy confirmed.
But THEN, approximately four days ago, everything went cold. Jessica hasn’t been seen at Callahan’s PT sessions. She handed him off to Dr.Thompson. And Griffin has been spotted looking like a man who lost the will to live at no fewer than THREE local establishments.
The gas station. The pharmacy. And, this is the saddest part, Bluemoon Coffee, sitting alone at a table, staring at the spot where she threw that drink at him.
I cannot.
Something went DOWN, and whatever it was, it broke that man.
Now here’s where it gets interesting. The Southern Knights Foundation Gala is tomorrow night. My sources tell me BOTH of them will be there. Griffin because he has to be. Jessica because apparently she’s accepting some kind of appreciation award on behalf of her practice.
Whatever, I’m here for the fashion. The same room. The same night. After whatever catastrophic thing happened between them. I know the looks are going to serve.
Your girl will be there in person in a new dress, I’ll link it below. I’ll be live streaming everything so make sure you're subscribed to get alerts.
Tomorrow night is going to be UNHINGED and I’m living for it.
CHAPTER 15
JESS
I don’t wantto be here.
The Southern Knights Foundation Charity Gala is Charleston’s event of the season. I’m talking crystal chandeliers, champagne towers, everyone who’s anyone in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos.
It’s exactly the kind of event I usually avoid. Even when I found out they were honoring the clinic, putting Vivi on the task of accepting it on our behalf was an easy decision. Tonight I'm here for one reason… Griffin.
So here I am, squeezed into a deep blue dress that Vivi insisted brings out my eyes. My hair is pinned up with a gallon of hairspray and my makeup is carefully applied to hide the evidence of too many sleepless nights.
I haven’t spoken to Griffin since I walked out of his house. Not really. Just clinical texts about rescheduling sessions, handed off to Dr.Thompson. The truth is, I don’t know if I can forgive him. I don’t know if I can trust him again. But I also can’t stop thinking about him, and that terrifies me more than anything.
“Stop brooding.” Vivi appears at my elbow with two glasses of champagne. “You look like someone cancelled your birthday.”
“I’m not brooding. I’m... observing.”
“You’re scanning the room for Griffin.”
I open my mouth to deny it, then close it again. What’s the point? Everyone in the room knows it. Hell, there’s some influencer here not so secretly filming me every time she makes her way to the bar. So even people who aren’t here probably know it.
“He’s not here yet,” Vivi says. “But he will be. The whole team always shows a little late from what I’ve heard.”
My stomach clenches. I knew he’d be here, of course I knew, but somehow hearing it confirmed makes it real. In a few minutes, I’ll have to see him. Talk to him. Pretend my heart isn’t shattering every time I look at his face.
“I should go,” I say. “This was a mistake,”
“Too late.” Vivi nods toward the entrance. “He just arrived.”
I turn despite myself. Griffin stands in the doorway, scanning the crowd, and even from across the room, I can see the tension in his shoulders. He’s wearing a fitted black suit that makes my mouth go dry. His hair is styled. His jaw is clean-shaven. He looks devastatingly handsome. He looks like everything I want and everything I’m afraid of and it takes my breath away.
Our eyes meet.
Something passes between us. It’s a mix of recognition, longing, and pain. I force myself to look away first.
“I need air,” I mutter to myself. But before I can escape, the mayor takes the stage and calls for attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming tonight. It’s my pleasure to attend the most important gala of the year here in Charleston…”
He starts his speech but I can’t focus. Instead, I watch Griffin take over the room. Whatever held him back is gone. The man is a magnet for men and women alike. I’m certainly not immune tohis charms. The crowd bubbles with laughter for a joke I totally missed and it brings me back.
