Page 26 of Love Felt Like This

Griffin jokes when he wants to. I appreciate that.

“Ah, that dastardly E,” I banter.

He smiles. I smile back.

And weirdly, I believe him. Maybe Birds does matter to him. Who am I to say it doesn’t?

He truly wants to help, and his help could change everything.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” I confess.

“That’s fine.”

“And I can’t guarantee anything will even come from this.”

“I know.”

“And if I fail, your music would be for nothing.”

“Always risky to chase dreams.”

I narrow my eyes. He lifts an eyebrow back.

I can hear my family now, telling me I’m ridiculous for even considering not working with Griffin Harvey. Rob might lock me out of his room forever. My mom would tell me it’s irresponsible. She’s realistic like that. Nana would simply say I’m self-sabotaging.

Am I?

If I refused an opportunity to carry on her late husband’s legacy simply because I didn’t want to get involved with another musician, she’d be devastated. Would I seriously let my own insecurities ruin a dream for myself? Would I let Beau ruin this for me?

I couldn’t.

I shouldn’t.

“Okay,” I say slowly, nodding. “Fine. I accept.”

“Yeah?”

“Mm-hmm.”

It’s not definitive. In fact, it’s barely a confirmation. But it’s something.

I’m surprised when Griffin’s lips tip into a gentle smile. A little sliver of perfect white teeth peeks past his beard. The smile reminds me a little of home. The scruffy mountain type. It’s not cocky. It’s kind.

Moment by moment, I slowly smile back. I’m not sure why. Maybe because his smile is stunning when he lets it be. Maybe because it feels like a secret we’re sharing.

Maybe this could be good.

The moment turns delicate and quiet.

It’s soft and understanding.

It’s actually kind of nice, up until it isn’t.

Until a shadow floats into our space to loom over our table.

Until I hear, “Beverly?”

And then my heart stops.