Page 13 of Griffin

I just had to be ready when it happened.

The waiter set a beer down in front of me, along with a small basket of peanuts.

I gave a quick nod of thanks, glancing down at the list I’d started on my notebook. A simple “To-Do” was scribbled at the top.

Number one: Exercise more.

This break wouldn’t last forever, I knew that.

Sooner or later, I’d have to get back to work, which meant streaming.

Contracts, sponsorships, fans—it all added up to a career that wouldn’t wait around just because I needed a breather.

If I was treating this like a game, it was time to level up.

Not just for my fans or Todd, but for me. And that meant staying one step ahead of my stalker.

Training mode engaged.

I had to get stronger, faster. Boost my stamina.

If this guy wanted to be the relentless monster haunting my life, I’d make sure I was ready to face him.

No respawns, no do-overs. I’d only get one shot. And next time, when I see him? I’d be ready to outrun him.

Number two: Eat healthier.

Or maybe just remember to eat at all. A decent meal could’ve kept me from acting like a complete fool that night.

Kissing some random guy in the middle of all that panic? Not exactly my proudest moment.

I didn’t even know his name, but when he’d helped me get that cab and made sure I got back to my hotel, my brain just short-circuited.

Next thing I knew, I was kissing him. I blamed the hunger and exhaustion.

Number three: Don’t kiss strangers.

I cringed, heat rising in my cheeks as I scribbled over the memory. Yeah, thisdefinitelyneeds to be on the list.

It wasn’t like me to act on impulse like that. What made me even do that?

Was it the way his hand had held mine—steady and reassuring? Like he wouldn’t let go until he knew I was alright?

His arm was solid and close, anchoring me in the chaos. He’d been the one constant, even if it was only for that one night.

And somehow, my brain had misfired and decided to add my lips into the equation.

I shook my head, taking a large drink of my beer to push the heat from my cheeks.

I must’ve looked like an idiot, throwing myself at him like that. Humiliating.

There was no way I’d let myself act like that again. I could barely think about it without wincing.

All I could hope for was that I’d never see him again.

Stick to the plan, I told myself, focusing back on the list. Get healthy. Forget that random stranger.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the bar, and for just a split second, I thought I saw him—the guy from that night.

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