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Griffin makes me happy.
I spend the next hour with my parents, talking about the move, and with them now on board with my plans, excitement takes over. I’m excited about this next adventure, and even more so, I can be with the man who’s stolen my heart.
CHAPTER 24
Griffin
As soon as I hung up the phone with Peyton, I rush downstairs. I officially moved out of the dorms last week, and I’m back home for the summer. Well, that was the plan. Peyton was going to come and visit, and then I was going to do the same. We were going to split our time until classes started again. At least that’s what she thought. She didn’t know I was going to talk to Coach, and I had no idea she was doing the same.
She’s coming here.
I bound into the living room, and my parents look up. “What’s got you all happy?” Dad points at my face.
“She’s coming here.”
“Peyton?” Mom asks.
“Yes.”
“I thought you were going there in a few days.”
“I am, but she’s coming here for good. Well, not for good, but to school. She transferred. Coach Stone signed her. She’s transferring.” I’m practically bouncing with excitement.
“Did you know?”
“I had no idea. She just told me.”
“That changes things,” Dad says.
“It does. I know I told you I would help out in the restaurants this summer, but she wants to stay there to be with her family, and I can’t fault her for that. I want to spend the entire summer there with her instead of splitting our time.”
“Okay,” they say at the same time.
“It’s that easy?” I ask them.
“You’re an adult, Griffin. You can do as you want. You have your own money, and I happen to think that’s a good idea. She’s leaving her family, and her being close to them until she moves is a good plan.”
“Thank you.”
“So, where is she staying? Dorms?” Mom asks.
“Hell no,” I say. “I want her with me. I need to call Ollie and give him the ‘good for me, bad for him’ news.” I chuckle.
“I’m sure he’s going to be fine with it.”
“So when you leave in a few days, you’ll be gone all summer?” she asks.
“Probably. We do need to find a place to live, so I’m sure we’ll come back to take care of that and to see the two of you,” I tell them.
“What can we do to help?” Dad asks.
“Bring it in,” I say, holding my arms open wide. They both stand and come to me, and I hug them tight. “I love you, guys.”
“We love you too.”
I stay a little longer before Oliver calls and asks if I want to grab a bite to eat. “That’s Ollie. We’re going to go eat. Want me to bring something back?” I offer.
“We’re good,” Mom says. “Your dad and I are meeting up with Steven and Kathy later for dinner.”
“Have fun.” I wave and turn for the door.
“There’s only one thing that puts that goofy-ass grin on your face,” Oliver says, pointing at me from across the booth. “How is she?”
“She’s fucking perfect,” I tell him.
“Wow, okay then.” He laughs.
“She’s moving here.”
“What?” He was in the process of taking a drink of his Mountain Dew but slides it away and waits for my explanation.
I go on to tell him about how she’s transferring and moving here after the summer break. “I’m spending the summer there. In Tennessee. When I leave in a few days, I won’t be back until school starts.”
“So I need to find a new roomie?” He laughs.
“I’m sorry.” I do feel bad about it, but not bad enough to change my mind.
“You’re fine.” He waves me off. “I get it. If I were in your shoes, I’d do the same. Actually, are you driving there?”
“Yeah. I figured it would save on flights, and now, since I’m going to be there all summer, I’ll need my Jeep to get around. Maybe I’ll find a part-time job or something.”
“Are you staying with them?”
“That was the plan. She doesn’t know that I’m staying all summer. It’s a surprise, but I can’t imagine her telling me I can’t.”
“Yeah, that won’t happen.” He sits back in the booth and stares down at the table. “You think I could catch a ride with you?” he asks.
“Sure, you going for Karina?”
“Yeah. I’ve been trying to get her to make this official.”
“Long-distance is hard, man, but if it’s the right one, it’s worth it.”
“Maybe I can take the summer to find out?”
“Seriously?” I grin.
“Yeah, as long as they’re good with me being there. If not, I can catch a flight home.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. A summer with my girl and my best friend. Can’t beat it.” The server arrives, and we order our pizza. We talk about how so much has changed in the last few months, and I, for one, know I wouldn’t change a thing.
