Page 59 of You and Me, For Real
I must look really desperate or slightly crazed. I twist my grip on the steering wheel, nerves jittering through my body.
“You’re good to go, Ms. Reid.”
“Thank you.”
Teddy sits dutifully beside me, emitting a small whine while his head tilts in question.
I scratch behind his perked ears. “I know, buddy, I know. I’m a little tense right now, but everything’s going to be fine. It’s going to be fine.”
It has to be.
I pull into Griffin’s driveway and turn off the car, clenching the keys in my hand.
What if he rejects me? What if he refuses to help?
What other choice do I have?
Sleep in my car, I guess. Wouldn’t be the first time.
I take a fortifying breath and exit the car. Armed with the dog crate, a bag of their supplies, and a leashed Teddy, I march toward the front door. I outstretch my arm to press the doorbell, but tuck my finger back in. My feet twitch, itching to run away.
What am I doing?
This is insane.
I can’t ask this of him. We barely know each other. We’re just becoming friends. Then again, I don’t have any friends apart from Lynn. It’s my own fault for keeping myself so closed off for years.
I spin to escape just as the door opens.
“Ashton?” The confused tone isn’t Griffin’s.
I face the doorway. “Hey, Luke. I told Griffin I’d be coming by.” I try to keep my tone light, not revealing the panic and vulnerability that chokes me inside.
“Yeah. He told me. He’s on a phone call, though. Come on in.”
“You know, actually, I’m not sure coming here was the best idea. I’ll call him later to explain.”Or not.
I take a couple steps backward. Forgetting about the step, my ankle gives way. The dog crate plops to the ground, and my butt slams onto the concrete.
Luke leaps from the doorway and scrambles to my side. “Are you okay?”
I seethe through my teeth, the tears I’ve held at bay leaking. “Yeah, forgot about the step there.” I chuckle, but it’s a horrible attempt at levity.
Luke gently wraps his arm around my waist. “Think you can walk?”
“I don’t know. Maybe?”
“Here, let me help you up.” His solid frame easily lifts me from underneath my arms.
I place weight on my ankle, and fire ignites through my lower leg. “Ow. Ow. Ow.”
Luke supports my weight and wraps my arm around his shoulder. “Let’s get you inside.”
So much for a smooth escape.
“I can’t leave the dogs.”
“Yeah, of course. I’ll come back and get them.”
