Page 14 of Griffin

My heart kicked up, and I blinked, forcing myself to breathe.

No, I told myself. It wasn’t him. It couldn’t be.

It was just some guy who looked a little like him. I grabbed a peanut from the bowl, pretending I hadn’t just been staring.

The booth seat beside me dipped, pulling me out of my thoughts, and I turned to see Casey sliding in with that familiar grin, already leaning over to peek at my notebook.

“What’re you writing so seriously?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.

I snapped the notebook shut, sliding it back into my backpack.

“Very classified stuff,” I said, a smile spreading across my face. “If I told you, I’d have to—” I trailed off, grinning playfully.

Casey rolled his eyes, leaning in to wrap me in a quick hug.

The familiar warmth settled some of my nerves, reminding me why I’d wanted to come here in the first place. It had been way too long.

Just then, a guy who’d been hovering by the table clapped Casey on the shoulder. “I’ll grab us some drinks,” he said, giving me a quick nod. “You want another?”

I shook my head. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”

As he walked off, I raised an eyebrow at Casey. “So… I’m guessing that’s Sawyer?”

Casey nodded, his gaze lingering on Sawyer as he disappeared into the crowd.

His expression softened before he turned back to me. But then his face shifted to something more serious.

“Listen, I’m sorry for making you come all the way out here. This wasn’t exactly how I pictured it going, but…” He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a little uncomfortable. “Earlier, Sawyer surprised me with a trip. We’re leaving tonight.”

I blinked, taken aback. “Wait, what? And what am I supposed to do here while you’re off… what, snorkeling or something?” I tried to keep my voice light, but the frustration slipped through, and Casey picked up on it immediately.

He held up a hand, his expression apologetic. “Look, it’s just for a few days. You can stay at my place—make yourself comfortable. And…” He glanced around, hesitating. “Sawyer asked a friend of his to look after you, keep an eye out. Just in case.”

I scoffed, raking my fingers through my hair. “Look after me? I’m not some kid…”

The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I started grabbing my backpack, ready to bolt. “I don’t need a babysitter, Case. I shouldn’t have even come here.”

Before I could leave, Casey’s hand landed firmly on my arm, stopping me. “Michael, sit down, okay? What, you’d rather have stayed back in the city, waiting until that weirdo followed you all the way from the convention to your apartment?”

The words hit harder than I expected, cooling my frustration. He wasn’t wrong.

Maybe the bus ride here had been rough, and yeah, my first few hours in Pecan Pines hadn’t been exactly smooth, but… that gnawing feeling, like someone was following me, hadn’t crept up since I’d arrived.

For the first time in months, I felt something close to normal.

I crossed my arms and took a long sip of my beer, sighing under my breath. Maybe he’s right. Maybe being here isn’t so bad.

Casey leaned back, visibly relieved. “He’s a good guy, Sawyer’s friend. He even said he could give you a job here if you’re interested, something to keep you busy while you’re here.”

I blinked, surprised. “Work? Here? At a bar?” I narrowed my eyes, sensing a setup. “Casey, I already have a job, remember?”

He didn’t back down. “I know, but you’re planning to lay low, right? Only stream when absolutely necessary?”

I mumbled, “...Yeah,” reluctantly nodding.

“So you’ll have a little extra free time on your hands.” He kept his hand on my arm, anchoring me to the booth, and I could feel the weight of his gaze.

When I glanced up, I met his eyes. His knowing look was all too familiar.

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