That Second Chance (Getting Lucky #1)(76)

“Griffin, Mom.”

“Ah, yes, Griffin. Have you been hanging out with him some more?”

If only she knew what she almost walked in on. Which reminds me: I should check on Griffin to make sure he got home okay.

I hold up my finger and say, “Give me one second, Mom; you reminded me of something.”

I send off a quick text to Griffin.

Ren: Did you get home okay? Did anyone see what you were . . . carrying in your pants?

Smiling, I turn back to my mom, who has a knowing look on her face.

Busted.

“Sorry about that.”

“Mm-hmm.” She nods and folds her arms across her chest. “Now, about this Griffin guy.”

“Yes, tell us about him,” my dad chimes in, not prodding like my mom, just genuinely interested.

“Well, he’s a volunteer firefighter, he works at his family’s tourist shop, and he heads up all of these different committees around town. He’s a really good guy, with a kind heart, and handsome.” I blush at the last words.

“Oh, handsome, did you hear that, Harry? Griffin is handsome.”

“He’s also a volunteer fireman. That’s a kind of skill that comes in handy,” I point out quickly.

“So are you guys seeing each other?”

Good question. I think we are. I mean, we didn’t officially label our relationship, but after everything that’s transpired over the last forty-eight hours, I’m going to say yes? At least that’s what I would like when it comes to us.

My phone buzzes in my hand, and I casually read his text, keeping my mom waiting with bated breath for my answer.

Griffin: It was a painful walk, but I made it. Please tell me your parents are gone already. If they’re staying with you tonight, I might lose my damn mind.

I inwardly cringe, knowing full well my parents won’t be staying in a hotel or bed-and-breakfast.

I type back quickly.

Ren: Don’t hate me . . .

“Is that him?” my mom asks, trying to catch a look at my phone screen.

I nod. “It is. We had plans tonight, and I’m just letting him know you guys are in town, so we’re going to have to schedule for another day.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, honey. He can still come over; maybe we can meet him.”

“No,” I answer all too quickly. “I mean. I don’t think he’s ready for that, you know.”

My mom pauses and grows more serious. “Not ready to meet your parents? So how serious are you with this man? Is he just stringing you along, or is he truly interested in you?”

“He’s not stringing me along, Mom. He’s a very good man.” He’s so good that he’s tried to make sure he’s in the right headspace before pursuing anything with me. Knowing my mom is going to need some reassurance—may I remind you of her helicopter tendencies?—I continue, “He lost his wife two years ago to a sudden, unforeseen heart attack. It rocked him, and I think he’s just taking his time. He said I’m the first woman he’s been interested in pursuing since her passing.”

“Oh dear.” My mom clutches her teacup tightly. “That is so terrible. I can’t imagine the type of pain he must have gone through.”

“Yeah. I’ve heard from people around town that he’s been very closed off.”

“And you’ve been able to get through that wall of his? I hope you’ve been gentle.”

“I have.” I sink down in the couch and look up toward the ceiling. “I really like him, like, more than I’ve ever liked anyone. When I found out about his wife, I told myself I would be patient, and I have been. I’ll keep being patient—he’s worth the wait.”

My mom shakes my dad’s arm, excitement pouring out of her. “Did you hear that, dear? He’s worth the wait. Oh, what a sweet thing to say. Do you think we can meet him while we’re here?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to bombard him. We just officially started to, you know, date.” Not sure that’s accurate, but we’ll go with it. “How long are you here?”

“We leave early Wednesday morning. We would have had more time, but like I said, your dad was busy creating new memories on the way here.”

“Wednesday morning? Well, I have half days at work Monday and Tuesday, and then we start full time on Wednesday with the kids. I guess we will have to do some quick sightseeing, huh?”

“Yes, and maybe we can sightsee your Griffin from afar.”

Your Griffin.

I don’t think my mom meant for it to sound as intimate as it did, but I can’t help but get giddy over the thought of Griffin being mine. He’s been lukewarm with me for so long, and now that he’s finally giving himself over, I just hope I can keep him. This man has consumed me more than I thought possible.

I don’t just like him.

I think I might be falling for him.



Once my parents are finally tucked away in the guest bedroom, exhausted from their road trip, I lie in my bed and turn to my side to find a few unanswered texts from Griffin. I can’t think of a better way to end my night than talking to Griffin.

I pull up our text thread and read through it.

Griffin: Hate you? Why would I hate you?

Griffin: How long are your parents going to be here?