Page 83 of You and Me, For Real
Scarlet kisses her dad’s cheek. “I’m going to hang with Griffin. I’ll see you later, Daddy.”
“Have a good time, honey.”
With her arm latched to mine again, Scarlet navigates us through their expansive open and modern, yet minimalist, living area and out onto the elaborate outdoor terrace. Their backyard is packed. People mill about the lawn, the patio, and around the pool. There’s a large table with food and a dog ice sculpture. Waiters wander through the crowd serving drinks, despite there being an open bar.
I look over to Ashton. She’s hovering by the back door. My arm twitches to draw her into me, but I need to get this Band-aid ripped off already.
I whisper to Scarlet, “Is there someplace private we can talk?”
Her slow smile indicates she has no idea what this conversation is going to be about. “Sure. We can talk in my dad’s room.”
“Great.” I shrug out of her arm and walk the few steps to Ashton. “I’m going to talk to Scarlet really quick, okay?” I dip my chin, hoping she understands my meaning—as in,thetalk. “I’ll be back as fast as I can. Can you take Roxy for me?”
“Sure.” Her eyes dart all over the yard.
“Are you going to be alright by yourself?”
She pulls in her lower lip and nods. “I’ll be fine.”
I absolutely hate myself for having to leave her, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
I squeeze her arm, though what I really want to do is pull her into a hug and never let go. I whisper, “I’ll be right back.” I turn to Scarlet. “Lead the way.”
She grabs my hand and tugs me along.
We zigzag around the massive L-shaped couch and through a hallway to the closed door to his bedroom. The grey bedding on his king-size bed is perfectly straightened. A line of windows on the back wall allows us a view of the party. Colorful lights beam across the room at periodic times.
She turns around, still holding my hand, and looks up at me, smiling. “What’s up?”
I release her hand and step back. “I think we need to talk about some boundaries.”
“What kind of boundaries?”
I comb my fingers through my hair, wishing I’d practiced this conversation in my head more. “For our relationship.”
“What do you mean?” She adjusts a dress strap on her bare shoulder.
Just say it already!
“I want us to be friends, Scar.”
She smiles, her head tilting. “We are friends.”
“No. I mean,justfriends.”
“Oh.” Her face falls slightly, confusion marring her features.
“It’s not that I don’t like you. I do. Just as a friend. I think moving forward, it’s best if we keep our distance outside of our public appearances so there’s no confusion.”
“Right.” Her voice is soft. She walks toward the windows. “Is this because of her?”
I walk to where she’s standing. “Who?”
“Don’t play stupid, Griffin. Ashton.”
No more hiding. She deserves to know. “Yes.”
She nods, pursing her lips. “She’s cute. Seems nice.”
