Page 136 of You and Me, For Real
Griffin
Thank you! You have nothing to worry about where she’s concerned. I promise. I only want to be with you.
My heart aches at his words. I want him, too. I just don’t want his lifestyle, but I’d never ask him to leave his career for me.
Ashton
I also forgive you for not telling me about our parents. I can see why you felt like you were protecting me.
Griffin
I really was. I never thought they’d be together this long, or that they’d attend the gala. I should have known better. I’m sorry for not telling you sooner. I promise I’ll never keep another secret like that from you again.
Ashton
I still need more time to think about us.
My gut twists, thinking of the gala and all the paparazzi in my face. I can’t handle that kind of constant stress in my life again…
Ashton
I’m not sure I can live your lifestyle.
Griffin
I understand, I come with baggage. But together, we can do it. I’ll protect you the best I can. Ashton, you make everything in my life better. I need you. I love you. I only want the best for you.
Tears slipped from my eyes once again, because deep down, I know this. It’s what makes everything hurt and why it’s that much harder to decide. I love him, too. But is that enough? We may want the best for each other, but we may notbethe best for each other. So instead, I let the hours tick by, and the cavern in my chest grow wider and wider.
Lynn holds out both arms, beaming at me. “You finally made your dream come true.”
“Thanks, Lynn.” My words have as much enthusiasm as a broken squeaky toy. Griffin should be celebrating with me.
Behind Lynn, Marissa’s hand holding the party horn, falls. She looks at me with pity.
Great. Even a self-absorbed teenager feels sorry for me. My life has hit a new low.
Lynn tilts her head, and her eyes soften. “Oh, honey, what’s the matter? Why aren’t you happy? This is a big deal.”
I nod and look away. “I know, I know it is.”
“Marissa, would you mind refilling all the dog bowls, please?”
“Sure.” She walks toward the swinging doors at the back. “And congrats, Ashton.” Her voice is deflated.
I ruined their big surprise. What a jerk.
“Come, come, let’s sit down. Tell me all about it.” Lynn ushers me into a chair behind the front desk.
Lynn witnessed Griffin chasing me at the gala, hollering my name, but she doesn’t know any of the whys.
I fill her in.
After my spiel, she grabs a box of Kleenex and hands it to me. She gives me a moment to wipe my tears and my nose. She spins my chair to face her directly, my knees bumping into hers.
“Now listen here, missy, because this is important. I spent too many years of my life building walls against men because I’d been burned in my younger days. I was content to be single despite my overwhelming loneliness at times. It wasn’t until I met my Jacob in my senior years of life that I realized just how often I pretended loneliness didn’t affect me.
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the similar walls you’ve built around yourself these past five years. Yes, you’ve opened up to me, but it wasn’t until you met that man—Griffin—that you finally opened yourself up to new possibilities.” She wipes a tear from my cheek. “You finally started building bridges, honey. Think of all the friendships you’ve made. First with Wren, then Luke, and even opening yourself to your sister again. It’s a beautiful thing.
