Griffin clutched the jacket to her chest, reveling in a sweetness she had never felt before.

By the time Leopold returned, Griffin was truly asleep.

Cradled in her arms was Leopold's coat, her face adorned with the kind of smile unique to little girls who had just been gifted candy.

Leopold, arms laden with bags of groceries and takeout, stuffed Griffin's fridge until it was bursting at the seams.

He popped some ready meals in the microwave, leaving a note to remind Griffin to eat once she woke up.

After tucking her into bed and ensuring everything was perfect, he slipped away, leaving the jacket tightly clutched in Griffin's hands.

The next day.

Vivienne's phone was bombarded with a flurry of texts from Griffin, gushing like an overexcited puppy.

[Vivienne, for the first time, our fridge is chock-full!]

[He carried me to bed last night, oh my god, does that mean he cares about me?!]

[Vivienne, is this a crush, or is it love? Am I torturing myself?]

Vivienne massaged her temples as she read the relentless stream of messages.

She did not know if Griffin was crushing or if it was love, nor if Griffin was torturing herself.

What she did know was that Griffin was torturing her!

[Zip it.] She texted back.

[Hehe, morning Vivienne! What do I do next? I don't know how to act around him. He hasn't said he likes me, but why would he care otherwise? I'm worried I'm reading too much into this. It could just be him being nice.]

Vivienne finally came to her senses and typed swiftly: [Meet me at Silver Bar tonight, 8 pm sharp.]

Then she called Dawson.

immediately, his voice oozing smugness, "My dear Vivienne, missing me

Vivienne regretted the call for a

pm. Bring Leopold to

Dawson paused, "Vivienne, is Griffin going

you know?" Vivienne was taken

except for Leopold, that blockhead. He's always talking about you or Griffin; I should've seen

Dawson's words, Vivienne

efforts were not in vain as

then she frowned, "You're

Larry's teachings... My heart

cutting

texted Larry, [Vivienne's giving

[Serves

pm, Vivienne and Griffin made their entrance at Silver Bar, commandeering the most

rare beauty paired with Vivienne's charm, they immediately drew

goddesses, they sat amidst the crowd, deflecting advances

Dawson arrived

Griffin grabbed Vivienne, nearly leaping

you?" Vivienne chided

received a text from Percival: [Everything's set, Vivienne.

eyes twinkled as she replied

couldn't help but comment,

there's a fundamental difference. I'm texting my

Griffin had no comeback.

a booth not far from the ladies and signaled for a bevy of beauties

it!" Dawson clicked his tongue, "This is

to Griffin. And the idea of someone else pining for him for fifteen years was downright terrifying. "Enough," Dawson said, pushing drinks toward him. "Live a little. Look at all these gorgeous women. Don't

the women swarmed in, Leopold stood up, his gaze fixated on a booth

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