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.

up immediately, his voice oozing smugness,

regretted the

8 pm. Bring Leopold to

"Vivienne, is

you know?" Vivienne was

about you or Griffin; I should've

Dawson's words,

vain as long as

then she frowned, "You're

thanks to Larry's teachings... My

hung up, cutting him off

texted Larry, [Vivienne's giving me

replied, [Serves

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

Griffin's rare beauty paired with Vivienne's

crowd, deflecting advances and

Dawson

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

down, will you?" Vivienne chided

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

she replied

couldn't help but comment,

fundamental difference.

Griffin had no comeback.

far from the ladies and signaled for

is for you, buddy. It's about time you got into the dating

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

stood up, his gaze fixated

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