Chapter Seven
Griffin
I’d had to leave the fundraiser early because Declan had gotten scared at Ian’s house, and wanted to come home. I’d texted my apologies to Avery because she was at the podium with Hadley and Dylan. It wasn’t how I wanted the night to end. I wanted to talk to her again.
Last night was enlightening. I’d made progress with Avery then taken ten steps back. She was a hard one to get to know, resisting me at every turn. It made me want to break through her barriers even more.
Every step with her would require strategic planning like playing a chess game. Each move, countermove carefully considered before engaging. I hope I wouldn’t regret my decision to play.
I flipped the pancakes on the griddle, my back to Declan who spun on the barstool, the base creaking with each turn. “You’re going to break that chair.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.” I took the first stack of pancakes, placing them on the island between us.
Declan immediately piled some on his plate, pouring syrup over them. He took a big bite. “These are so good. Thank you, Uncle Griff.”
He was the only one who called me by a nickname. I secretly loved it. It was something we shared. “I’m glad you like them.”
I could provide a home, food, and an education for him, but I wasn’t sure if I could provide much more. I loved him. He was my nephew, but shouldn’t he have more? A mother, grandparents, extended family? Here, it was just me. Even though he was in a similar situation with Julian, it was different because he was his father.
“What do you have on tap for today?” I asked him.
“Video games?” His voice was hopeful.
“After your chores are done. Fold and put away your clothes and clean your room.”
“Fine.” He stuffed more pancakes into his mouth.
He was adjusting okay. He had moments where he was sad and I knew he was thinking about his father. He never asked about his mother. I wasn’t sure what Julian told him, but her absence probably told him everything he needed to know.
I never thought I’d be content with a leisurely Sunday, no plans other than feeding and entertaining an eight-year-old, but I was.
“We could go to the park.” It would get him away from the TV for a while. It was one of the things I’d changed my stance on since becoming a father figure. I was no longer the cool uncle who came over to play video games. Instead, I worried about things like how much screen time was too much.
“We could play soccer or throw a ball around, ride bikes?” Declan grinned widely.
“That sounds good. Let’s ride bikes.” Declan had one when I moved in, but I’d had to purchase one. We’d ridden quite a few times since.
“Eat. Do your chores, then we can go.”
He nodded with a mouthful of pancakes.
I wondered what Avery was up to. What things did she fill her solitary time with? Did she get up early and work out or stay in bed reading? Or was she drinking coffee, thinking about last night?
Lorelai was always on the go, shopping or brunch with girlfriends, exercise classes, art gallery openings. There was always something to do. Declan made me realize I liked quiet, slow mornings and physical outdoor activities.
Had anything I said to Avery penetrated? For a moment, I wondered if I’d scared her off for good. I had to push her out of her comfort zone, or she’d never give me a chance. I had to be different than those other guys. I had to be honest and real with her.
Like I’d told Cade last night, anything worth doing, took work. Getting to know the real Avery was worth whatever it took. I didn’t delude myself into thinking I’d be successful, but I’d sure enjoy trying because something about her called to me. Whether it was that moment in her conference room when she selflessly offered to help me after I’d been an ass to her or our second meeting when she described her family, her childhood, I wanted to show her things could be different even when I was stuck in a holding pattern.
I had this home with Declan, enough money in the bank to never work again, but I was lost as to what I should be doing.
Declan finished eating, heading up to his room to do his chores. I cleaned the counters, the griddle, and went upstairs to pull on workout shorts and a T-shirt. I looked forward to spending time with Declan, being someone he could count on. It was nothing I’d ever expected, yet I liked it. I loved him. Things were good and thinking of last night they could be even better.
I wanted to be the one who brought happiness to Avery’s life, to erase whatever brought her pain in the past, giving her hope for her future, whether it was with me or someone else.
I loaded the bikes onto the bike rack on the back of my SUV. In California, I wore suits, worked all day and night. Here, we planned activities outside as much as possible—biking, fishing, and swimming. We tried new things every week.
Declan came running out of the house, he’d grown out his short dark hair so that it hung over his eyes. Wearing his hair like this reminded me of Julian as a kid.
“You ready? Chores done?”
“Yes.”
I wanted to get on the road before it got too hot, so I didn’t check on his progress. I’d do that later before I allowed him to play video games.
“Where are we going?” Declan asked, sliding into the passenger seat.
“I thought we’d park along the Baltimore Annapolis rail trail and take it down to Annapolis, get some lunch.”
“Okay.”
Thankfully Declan was an active kid. I could help with schoolwork and teach him to code, it was the other stuff I was worried about. Was he struggling with the death of his father? Did he want to know where his mother was? I figured I’d take it one day at a time, handle any questions with his counselor as they were raised.
“How are things at school?” I looked at him in the rearview mirror.
“Fine.”
“You like it?”
“I like seeing my friends.”
When I asked him questions, he usually didn’t say much. Stories from his day usually popped up later when he was more talkative. I wanted to ask how he was holding up, but I didn’t. If it was too much he’d tell me, right? The counselor at school would mention if he was struggling, his grades falling. I made a mental note to contact the school counselor to check in.
We parked in a lot used for the trail, only a couple of miles from Annapolis. I unhooked the bikes, we strapped on our helmets, biking toward Annapolis.
We stopped after a mile to drink some water. I felt invigorated being outside doing something physical. Declan seemed to be holding up fine, he had a boundless amount of energy.
“I like doing stuff like this with you.”
I enjoyed spending quality time with him too. I worried that eventually the memories of his father would be replaced. “Yeah?”
“Dad didn’t go bike riding.” His tone was wistful.
I didn’t want to compete with his dad. I wanted to create new experiences and memories. “He was probably busy with work and school. I’m not working right now, so I have plenty of time to spend with you.”
His forehead wrinkled, probably considering what I’d said. “Maybe.”
“Your father loved you. He wanted the best for you.” Julian refused all of my offers to help him out financially when his ex left. I’d started a college fund for him years ago, but Julian didn’t know about it.