AllFreeNovel
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Exhibit A. I’m going to Lake George with Hunter on Sunday, but Ican’ttell Griffin that.
“That’s okay. I’ve been working so much I think I’m just going to chill, maybe catch up on some shows.”
“The offer stands if you change your mind.”
“Thanks.” I take another bite of my truffle macaroni and cheese. It’sso good.“Is Emma excited for your weekend away?”
“Excited and constantly asking me what to pack.”
Griffin is taking Emma on a surprise getaway to Bar Harbor, Maine for the holiday weekend.
I laugh. “I think she likes surprises in theory, but maybe not when it comes to her wardrobe and a limited packing list.”
“You’re right.” He takes a sip of his water. “I think she’s going to love it, though. And the place Hunter is letting us use looks phenomenal.”
At the mention of Hunter, my stress ratchets up a notch.
“Oh yeah, that’s great.” I should steer the conversation to another topic, but curiosity gets the better of me. “How’s he doing?” I ask in my most nonchalant voice before forking another large bite.
He shrugs. “Good.”
It’s a guy answer. Like one word can completely encapsulate all that a person is. All their thoughts and feelings. Justgood.
“Actually, I think he’s seeing someone.”
I inhale sharply and a noodle lodges itself in the back of my throat causing me to choke.
Griffin springs out of his seat ready to attempt the Heimlich on me, but I lift a hand to stop him as I reach for my water and chug it to dislodge the noodle.
“I’m okay,” I say, my airway clear enough to croak out the words.
I take a deep breath, willing my heart rate to calm. If Griffin knew aboutmeand Hunter, he’d have more words thanI think he’s seeing someone.
“Really? Why do you think that?” I ask, careful to take a smaller bite this time.
“We were playing doubles the other day and he was smiling at his phone during a break. I wouldn’t have noticed, but Barrett pointed it out and gave Hunter shit about it. Neither of us can talk because we do it with our wives, but that’s what made me think it must have been a woman.”
“Oh, that’s interesting.” Now, I’m recalling mine and Hunter’s text exchanges from the week. They range from sweet and innocent to downright filthy. I’m wondering if he’s got me saved in his phone as Sophie, or if he has a code name. I make a mental note to check on that in case Griffin were to see Hunter’s phone screen sometime.
“It’s not a big deal. We’re good enough friends that if he wanted to share something about his personal life, he would.”
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
I leave it at that. I don’t need Griffin to have a reason to think I’m curious about Hunter’s personal life. I already know I am his personal life.
With a lull in the conversation, I debate whether to tell Griffin aboutBridesmagazine wanting to feature my blog. It’s exciting news. I should be thrilled to share, but something has been holding me back from telling him.
I poke my fork around in my bowl. “I have some exciting news.”
“Yeah?” he asks.
“My blog was selected to be featured inBridesmagazine for an article on up-and-coming wedding planning blogs to watch.”
He finishes chewing his bite of food, then reaches for his water glass.
“Wow, Soph. That’s awesome. When does it come out?”
“August.”
