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.

oozing smugness, "My dear Vivienne, missing me this

the call for a

8 pm. Bring

it!" Dawson paused, "Vivienne,

you know?" Vivienne

laughed, "Come on, these little games girls play? We're onto them, except for Leopold, that blockhead. He's always talking about you or Griffin;

Dawson's words,

were not in vain as

she frowned, "You're

Larry's teachings... My heart

up, cutting

Larry, [Vivienne's giving me the cold

replied, [Serves

their entrance at Silver Bar, commandeering the most central

with Vivienne's charm, they immediately drew

crowd, deflecting advances and invitations with an air of untouchable

Dawson

he's here, he's here!" Griffin grabbed Vivienne, nearly

will you?" Vivienne chided

Percival: [Everything's

eyes twinkled as she

couldn't help but comment, "You're just like

fundamental difference. I'm texting

Griffin had no comeback.

from the ladies and signaled

drown in booze and babes, leave me out of it!" Dawson clicked his tongue, "This is for you, buddy. It's about time you got into the dating game. Or are you saving yourself for

dating anyone else felt disloyal 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 be a

up, his gaze fixated on a booth

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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