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“You just met her,” he counters, crossing his arms over his chest.
I shrug. “You met your wife and fell for her instantly. What makes you think that I can’t do that as well?”
“How do you know that?”
“Peyton. We talk about everything. I feel like I know her better than I know myself.”
“Then you know she wouldn’t appreciate you talking to me like this in my home.”
“Actually, sir, I’d like to think that she’d be proud of me. You see, your daughter also knows that growing up, I was a huge fan of yours. Oliver too.” I nod to my friend, who has a smirk pulling at his lips. “She knows that about me, but do you know what else she knows?”
“Enlighten me.” Easton crosses his arms over his chest.
“She knows that she comes first for me. I’d walk away from all of it today if it meant I could be with her.”
“Then why don’t you?” he fires back.
“She won’t let me,” I tell him honestly.
“You could do it anyway.”
“I could,” I agree. “But I have a full ride where I am, and I’ve already got league scouts coming to see my games. I’m fifteen minutes from my family, and if my dreams of one day going pro come true, I’ll more than likely be moving away from them. Peyton told me to stay… that it’s better to be close to them while I can.”
“That sounds like her,” Larissa speaks up. “She’s always been wise beyond her years.”
“Daddy!” Jett’s cheers filter into the room.
“You’ve already met my husband and future brother-in-law,” Paisley says, smiling at her dad, and he grumbles under his breath. “Why don’t we go say hi.”
I nod, but I’m not finished yet. “I care about your daughter. I more than care about her, but I think she needs to hear those words from me before you do.” With that, I turn and follow Paisley and Oliver out of the room.
Parker holds her hand out, and Paisley hands over her phone. The group gathers around, watching the scene that just went down in the living room.
“My man.” Holden holds his hand out for me to shake, followed by Cameron.
“We calmed him down for you,” Cameron jokes.
“Right? You got off easy,” Holden agrees.
We all chat for a few minutes before we settle once again in the living room and wait for Peyton to arrive.
“I think we should lock the door, and you should answer it.” Parker claps her hands with glee.
“I’ll gladly be the first person she sees,” I tell them. They all laugh as Parker scurries to lock the front door.
CHAPTER 15
Peyton
It’s been five weeks since I’ve seen Griffin in person and not through a computer screen. We talk multiple times a day, and each night we video call before we switch over to the phone to say good night. We send multiple text messages throughout our days, and I feel closer to him than anyone. I wasn’t sure we could do this, but we’re making it happen. It’s hard, and I miss him, but we’re making it work.
However, today it’s hitting me hard. Today is my birthday. It’s just another day, but that doesn’t stop me from wishing he was here with me today. It’s Saturday, and my mom insisted on having dinner and inviting everyone. I appreciate the effort, but the one person I want to see won’t be there.
“You about ready to head out?” Karina asks.
“I’m ready when you are,” I say, standing from the couch.
“Is that what you’re wearing?” she asks.
I look down at my Capri leggings and Blaze T-shirt. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“Peyton, come on. Your mom is planning this for you, and your entire family will be there. At least make it look like you care just a little.” She places her hands on her hips and stares me down.
“They’re my family. They don’t care how I’m dressed.”
“You’re right. But you might not be so mopey if you spruce up a little. Come on. I’ll help you.” She places her hands on my shoulders and turns me down the hall toward my bedroom.
“Fine,” I grumble as I plop down on my bed.
“Here.” She hands me a pair of boyfriend jeans with rips in the knees. “Wear these and this.” She hands me a gray flowing tank top and a blue-and-white-and-gray flannel. “You can roll your sleeves up or take it off if you get too hot.”
I look at her, and she’s dressed in a similar way. Her jeans are darker than mine, but she’s also wearing a flowing tank and a three-quarter sleeve cardigan over it. “Fine.” I stand and quickly change my outfit. “Shoes?” I might as well let her finish off the ensemble.
“Your dark gray Hey Dudes will be fine.”
“At least you have good taste.” I chuckle as I take the shoes and slide them onto my feet. “Now what?”
