Page 70 of You and Me, For Real
He chuckles, his blue eyes twinkling even in the dim light from the kitchen. “Yes. Stay. For tonight...or however long you need, until you can get a new place to live. But for now, we can see how you feel in the morning. If the pain is still bad, I’ll take you to the doctor and get it x-rayed.”
I refuse to consider his offer of staying here for more than one night. One is all I need. I’ll get my bearings tomorrow and formulate a game plan. Even still, I don’t know how to repay…how to react to his kindness. “I could never repay you for this. It’s too much.”
“Add it to my tab.” He winks. “Besides, this is what friends are for.”
I look away. I haven’t had a friend in a long time. Not really. Even my friends in my teens were never truly my friends…people only got close to me for the added benefit of being seen on my family’s reality TV show.
My voice is quiet, timid. “If you’re sure it’s not too much of an imposition?”
“Nah. It’s not a problem.”
To him, it probably isn’t a big deal. He has the space, the time, the resources. And besides, we’rejustfriends.
Right?
19
GRIFFIN
The wide living room windows are open to the night sky, providing the perfect backdrop for our movie. The lights in the living room are dim; only a side lamp and a single kitchen light remain on.
I click on the TV above my mantel, illuminating the room with a blue glow. “What kind of movie are you up for? Action? Chick-flick? Horror?”
Tonight, Ashton has given me more encouragement in my career than I’ve gotten from my father in years. She put a whole new spin on having side roles and making them stand out as key characters. I kind of hate myself for striving so long to prove to my father that I’m not a B-list actor. When really, he should have supported me all along, no matter what role I play.
Ashton clutches her water bottle in her hand and stares at the TV as I click through the apps. “Definitely not horror. I’ll have nightmares all night.”
I laugh. “Okay, got it. No horror. Here, how about you take the remote.” I stand and pass the remote to her. She clasps it in her hand, our fingertips grazing.
She shivers.
“Cold? Need a blanket?” Some extra body heat?
Easy, Griffin.
“A blanket would be great, thanks.”
I grab her one from a nearby basket and lay it atop her.
She wriggles into the couch cushions, smiling wide.
I want Ashton to feel comfortable in my home because I like her here. Not just tonight, but for longer than that. Now that I know more about her background, I understand why she’s been so hesitant to be around me. I want her to trust me.
“Wow. You have a ton of options here.” She navigates through the various apps.
“Do I? Can’t say I’ve gotten to use many.”
She looks at me. “Why?”
“I’m hardly home. This free time is rare for me.”
“I’m sorry. I can relate to that kind of demanding schedule.”
“Did you film often forBeing the Blakes?”
“Every day.”
“Ouch. That would be rough. Even when filmingMalibu Shores, we get scheduled days off. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful. It’s just part of the gig.” Hopefully, I’ll continue to stay in the business. If things fall through with Wesley, there are no other options on the table.
