“You’re the best part of my day.”
“You’re the best part of my world. Go get cleaned up,” he says.
I nod and end the call. My heart feels light and full at the same time. His words play a part in that, but so does he. Griffin, all on his own, gives me the reassurance and the determination that we’re going to make this work.
I’m eager to get cleaned up and dressed so we can watch a movie together. When Griffin first suggested we try long-distance, I was sure it wouldn’t work, but with each passing day, I might miss him terribly, but I feel closer to him. My doubts are gone, and in their place are memories of days like this one. We can do this.
CHAPTER 14
Griffin
“There was a mix-up on the game schedule. This weekend’s game is Friday, not Saturday,” Coach says. We’ve just ended another grueling practice, but suddenly, I’m perked up.
Instantly an idea hits, and I can’t help but be fucking excited about it. Coach finishes his speech, and we head to the locker room to get showered and changed. I’m smiling the entire time as the plan begins to form in my head.
“What’s up with that?” Oliver points at my face.
“With what?” I play dumb. I know damn good and well what he’s talking about.
“The cheesy smile. What gives?”
“We have two days off without a game.”
“I heard Coach.”
“Saturday is Peyton’s birthday. I’m going to see her.”
“No shit?” he asks. He’s smiling too.
“And you’re coming with me. This is your chance to talk to Karina.”
“I doubt we can catch a flight this late.”
“I’m about to find out.” Shoving my stuff into my bag, I grab my phone and sit on the bench. Pulling up the airline’s website, I check the flights to Nashville. “Hell yes!” I thrust my fist into the air when I see that there’s a flight that lands at one in the afternoon, and there are open seats. “Are you in?” I ask him.
“Damn right I’m in.”
That’s all I need to hear before I book two tickets to Tennessee. “She’s going to flip when you tell her.”
“Yeah, I’m not going to tell her,” I tell him, hitting the purchase button. My smile widens when it pops up that my order is complete.
“We don’t know where they live, plus it’s her birthday. What if she has plans?”
“She does. She already told me her mom is making her favorite dinner.”
“You’re just going to crash it?”
“Yep. It’s been five fucking weeks since I’ve seen her outside of a damn computer screen. Hell yes, I’m crashing.”
“You’re going to need backup.”
“I know. I’m going to text Karina now.”
Me: Hey, is Peyton around you?
Karina: No. I’m at the library.
Me: Good. Can you step out so I can call you?
Karina: Griffin Anthony, if you’re about to break her heart, I’m hopping on the next flight to Florida and kicking your ass.
Me: Never. I told you that.
Karina: Fine. I’ll call you when I’m outside. I was getting ready to leave anyway, so I needed to pack up my stuff.
Me: Thank you.
“She’s at the library. She’s going to call me once she gets outside.”
“Is Peyton with her?”
“No. It’s like this was meant to be.”
“You’re meeting the parents,” he reminds me.
I shrug. “She’s already met mine. It’s only fair that I meet hers. Besides, they need to get used to me being in her life. I’m not going anywhere.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re pussy-whipped,” he teases.
I laugh. “It’s more like Peyton-whipped. She’s got me under her spell,” I say just as my phone rings. Grabbing my bag and tossing it over my shoulder, I show Oliver the screen. “I’ll meet you at the Jeep,” I tell him and swipe the screen. “Hello.”
“What’s up?”
“Our schedule was printed wrong. Our game is Friday instead of Saturday.”
“Okay.”
“I just bought a flight to Nashville for Saturday.” It takes maybe three seconds for her brain to register what I just said.
“Holy shit! She’s going to flip.”
“I hope so.” I laugh. “Anyway, I want to surprise her. I don’t know where you live or where her parents live. I know she’s having dinner there on Saturday.”
“What time does your flight land?”
“One.”
“Okay. We have to be at her parents’ place at five. Let me call her sisters, and I’ll get back to you.”
“You can give me their numbers if you want, and I’ll call them.”
“Maybe, but I don’t like to do that. Especially with Paisley and Parker, considering who they are married and soon-to-be engaged to.”
“Fair enough. Let me know.”
“I’m on it. I’ll call or text you soon.”
“Thanks, Karina. Oh, and just so you know, Ollie is coming with me.”
“Is he?” she asks. I can hear the interest and maybe even a little excitement in her voice.
“He’s one of the good ones,” I tell her.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replies. “We’ll talk soon.”