Page 5 of Griffin

“Yeah, but that’s still one percent more than you,” he retorted, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

It had been a while since I’d laughed like that—loud and genuine. Todd always used that line, his trump card.

His grandfather had been a shifter, though the gene hadn’t quite carried on.

Still, whenever he wanted to lighten the mood, he’d pull out that ‘one percent’ like it was some kind of badge of honor.

It was even how he’d convinced me to bring him on as my manager.

“Seriously,” I said, catching my breath. “I’ll be fine. I’ll just grab something quick and head back to my room. I could use an early night.”

Todd pursed his lips, not entirely convinced, but he eventually nodded. “Alright. I’ll see you at breakfast then. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will,” I promised. “Goodnight.”

As he walked away, I wondered if maybe I relied on Todd a little too much. Not that I minded.

He was one of the few people I trusted, and I was glad to have him with me.

Since I’d gotten more popular, I’d learned the hard way that not everyone had good intentions.

It was hard to trust people when so many seemed to only want something from me.

They’d act nice to get close, hoping to boost their own streams or gain industry connections.

I’d had friends—and even boyfriends—who stuck around just long enough to get a foot in the door, only to disappear once they’d gotten what they wanted.

Then, when I least expected it, they showed up again, only to steal my sandwich and smear mustard on my shoulder.

I let out a breath, feeling the weight of it all settle over me.

I walked outside the convention hall and wandered aimlessly around the nearby park, the gravel crunching underfoot.

The crowd had thinned out, though I could still hear the distant buzz of conversations and music drifting through the evening air.

Eventually, I found a bench and sat down heavily, my shoulders finally relaxing.

I glanced up at the sky. The sun had already set, but a deep blue hue lingered, blending into the night. It felt strangely calming.

A black bird flew overhead and landed on a nearby branch.

It had a distinctive red tip on its tail feathers and an unusual pattern on its claws—I'd never seen one like it before. Maybe it was rare.

When was the last time I’d just sat outside like this, taking in the world around me?

It felt like I’d been grinding non-stop for years, building my career without ever really taking a break.

Maybe it was time.

Casey’s offer to visit him in Pecan Pines was starting to sound appealing.

I’d promised to visit before, but work, responsibilities, or my own restless habits always seemed to get in the way.

I’d cancel every time, putting it off for “another time.” This time, though, maybe things would be different.

It had been so long since we spent any real brother time together.

I needed a change.

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