Page 29 of Home Safe

“A Jeep. I followed him out the night he drove me to book club, expecting a flashy car. But he drives a totally mid-range black Jeep. Said he dreamed of owning a Jeep as a teenager, and now that’s what he drives,” I say. Kara tilts her head in confusion, so I clarify. “It’s not what I expected. I’m used to ostentatious displays of wealth and status from people with means. He pleasantly surprised me.”

“Elizabeth sees past the outward wealth to the inner Darcy,” Kara says, eyes twinkling. I smack her arm, though there’s no real malice in the gesture.

“So, what are you going to do?” she asks.

“I don’t know,” I reply. “This might be the worst timing ever. I’m still figuring out how to be a single mom with a precious boy who’s been through a lot. Would it be crazy and selfish of me to consider datinganyoneright now? It seems a little crazy and selfish.”

“Or, maybe this is the perfect timing for you to have someone in your life who understands your experience and can be there supporting you. Maybe even loving you,” Kara says, voice serious. “You don’t have to say yes, Danae. But don’t say no just because you’re afraid, okay?”

I’ve spent four solid days thinking about Griffin West.

Sure, Jason and I had a fun weekend together. Kansas gave us a random sixty-degree day on Saturday, so we went to the park and played for hours. We made chicken chili together the next day when the temperature dropped back down to twenty. We popped popcorn and watched a movie before reading another chapter ofHarry Potterbefore bed.

But Griffin’s face was never far from my mind’s eye.

I’ve examined every facet of this choice ten times over. I could recite three sub-points beneath each pro and con on my mental (and physical) list. Pretty sure I could win first place with either side of the argument if “Should Danae go on a date with Griffin?” was the question posed at a debate tournament.

Yet, overanalyzing has brought me no closer to an actual decision. The question boils down to two opposing facts. I feel safe with Griffin as a person andwantto date him. But his career feels risky for my emotional wellbeing—which makes me think I should stay far away. How do I choose? Heart or logic?

It’s Tuesday evening, and I’m browning some ground beef for tacos. I hear Jason playing with his Lego set in the living room, which reminds me of his duel battle with Samantha. Which makes me think of Griffin, yet again.

Calling Jason over to the kitchen, I help him assemble tacos before making my own. Once seated at the table, I decide it’s time to broach the topic with the other person whose life this decision would impact most.

“Hey, Jason, I have something I need to ask you about,” I say.

Jason freezes, taco halfway to his mouth.

“Sorry, I made that sound too serious,” I quickly clarify. “There’s something I’d like to get your opinion on.” He visibly relaxes and takesa bite of his taco, waiting for me to continue. “You know how we’ve talked with Samantha and Mr. Griffin a few times now?”

Jason’s eyes light up as he vigorously nods. “Is Sammi coming back to babysit again soon?” he asks.

“Maybe,” I say. “Here’s the thing—Mr. Griffin asked me last week if I would maybe want to go out to dinner with him sometime, just the two of us.”

“Mr. Griffin wants to go on a date with you?” Jason clarifies. When I nod, he says, “Cool! Can Sammi come over to babysit while you go on your date?”

I laugh. “I’m sure she could if I decide to say yes. Would it bother you if I go out on a date with Mr. Griffin?”

Jason’s face screws up in confusion, and I fight to not laugh at his adorable expression. “Why would it bother me? Mr. Griffin is the coolest! I mean, he’s the best shortstop in all of baseball—well, okay, maybe not the number-one best, but don’t tell him I said that. There are a lot of good shortstops right now. He’s still one of the best. But he’s definitely the nicest one—you can tell him I said that.”

His stream-of-consciousness speech brings a smile to my face. “He is really nice. I just want to make sure that you would be okay with me going on a date with someone. It wouldn’t mean that I care about you any less, or that I’m not going to spend special time with you still,” I say, carefully observing Jason’s face for his reaction.

“Oh, I know that. You care about me the most,” Jason declares with confidence. “But can Sammi babysit? Will you ask her? Tell Mr. Griffin you’ll only go on a date if Sammi comes over.” He takes another giant bite of his taco, clearly finished sharing any opinions about my dating life.

Well, Jason certainly seems okay with the idea. Which takes his reaction out of the “con” column. Is this a sign I should say yes? Or am I putting too much stock in a nine-year-old’s opinion?

As Jason begins chattering about everything that transpired in the Gaga Ball pit at recess today, I force my thoughts to tune out Griffin and truly listen. I’ve learned a different side of the school dynamic over the past month listening to Jason recap his days.

When I tuck Jason into bed a couple of hours later, he gives me an extra-long hug. “Miss Danae? I really like Mr. Griffin. I think it would be cool if you like him too,” he says, voice so sweet and sincere. I take a moment to study the freckles splattered across his nose and cheeks, his green eyes made even more vibrant by the contrast of his orange-red hair.

“I do kinda like him,” I say with a small smile. “I guess I need to figure out if Ireallylike him or not.” Jason grins at me before I give him one more hug. “Goodnight, Jason. And no matter what happens with Mr. Griffin, I’m withyouone hundred percent, forever.”

“G’night!”

Closing his door, I pause in the hallway.I do kinda like him.

I head downstairs and find my phone. Pulling up Griffin’s name in my contacts, my thumb hovers over the call button. Smiling to myself, I hit the message icon instead.

ME

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