Page 62 of You and Me, For Real
“Oh, that’s not?—”
Griffin cuts me off. “It is.” His eyes broker no argument. “Five minutes. Don’t. Move.” He takes Scarlet’s hand and helps her off the floor. “Let’s go talk on the patio. Besides, it’s been a while since Roxy’s been out.”
In all the drama, I’ve completely forgotten Roxy. She’s peacefully resting in her dog bed in the corner of the room. She lifts her head and watches Griffin’s movements.
“Roxy, come.” Griffin opens the patio door, and Roxy stands, stretches for a moment, then follows.
Griffin quietly slides the door shut behind Scarlet, ushering her with a hand low on her back. They look absolutely perfect together.
And for the first time in years, I find myself wishing I was the girl under a man’s arm.
17
GRIFFIN
Imessed up.
Despite Scarlet and me not being a real couple, I greeted her like a jerk. The way she tensed when I said her name told me everything. But I was concerned for Ashton. She’s hurt, and I want to fix it. Everything else is secondary.
I rub the back of my neck, unsure of how to interact with Scarlet, especially given our particular audience. Conscious of the windows providing a full view of our conversation, I keep a polite distance.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here. I wasn’t prepped for fake-relationship mode when I came out worried about my friend. I just knew she was hurt, and that was my first focus.” It’s a weak apology, but chatting every day this week with Ashton solidified my resolve to be honest withbothScarlet and Ashton. With the premiere four weeks away, it’s time Scarlet and I start cutting ties.
“It’s fine.” She brushes her hair over her shoulder and smiles, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. It’s her pretend one. We’ve been acting together long enough that I recognize her tells. “Iknew you weren’t expecting me. I just happened to be nearby and thought I’d invite you in person.”
I gesture to the patio furniture. “You want to sit?”
I’m tiptoeing around her, nervous about the fact that her father holds my future in his hands. This week, I had the chance to read the script Wesley sent Dad after our meeting Sunday evening and it’s phenomenal. It’s just the kind of role to provide me with a breakout role to jumpstart my career in the film industry.
“No, I’m fine. I don’t want to stay long. I just wanted to tell you about the party.”
I shift my feet, slipping a hand into my pocket. “Your dad’s throwing some kind of…dog party?”
She smiles, her face softening. “I know, you probably think it’s ridiculous, but you’ll start to understand the love for a pet now that you have one.” She curls her hair behind her ear. “My dad’s youngest pup, Ranger, is turning one this weekend. And you know my dad, he loves a good party. Since we have so many friends with dogs—you included—we thought we’d invite everyone over.
“It’ll be fun. Lots of games, food, and drinks—for both humans and dogs, of course. Lots of film industry bigwigs will be there. I thought it’d make a great date opportunity for us. You know, see and be seen, that sort of thing.” She grazes her fingertips on my forearm. “I know we don’t have it on our schedule, but this just popped up.”
I step out of her touch. “It’s a bit last minute.” Even I know my excuse is lame.
“I know. I’m sorry. My dad is throwing this together on a whim.”
“Roxy isn’t used to being around people yet. I barely get her to sit near me. I’m not sure she’s ready for that much socializing.” And that’s the truth. Maybe with a few extra lessonsbefore then…my gaze wanders into the living room to a propped-up Ashton chatting with Luke. Maybe she can still instruct sitting down?
I turn back toward Scarlet. Her eyes are watching Roxy in the yard. “Maybe she’ll be okay with the dog trainer there? Ashton, right?” Her eyes travel slowly back to mine.
“I don’t?—”
“She’s nice, by the way. Ashton.” Her expression is vulnerable; she genuinely means the compliment but is perhaps also wondering what’s going on between Ashton and me.
I’m the moron for not being more upfront about my feelings about her before now. But I can’t exactly “break up” with her right in front of Ashton. Even I’m not that harsh. It’d be cruel to rub the other woman I’ve been spending my time with in her face.
“Yeah, she is, but parties aren’t exactly her thing either. I’ve barely gotten her to talk to me. She might be too shy around that many people.”
“It could be great for her, too. She said she’s fostering those puppies. Maybe she could find a home for them? You know us dog lovers, we’re all suckers for a pair of puppy eyes.” She widens her own and bats her lashes.
I laugh. “Maybe.”
She bounces excitedly and clutches my arm. “So, is that a yes?”
