Keeping her face blank, she waved goodbye once they were in the parking lot. Arriving home, she noted that Griffin and his crew were working on the far side of the porch closest to Margaretha’s apartment. She had no intention of trying to avoid Griffin, but neither was she ready to search him out.
As she climbed the stairs, a flash of color near her door caught her eye. Jogging up the last few steps, she saw a bouquet sitting by her door. Stooping, she plucked the embossed florist’s card from the plastic stick inserted amongst the flowers. Ben Franklin said, “Never ruin an apology with an excuse.” So, no excuse… I’m sorry. Truly sorry. Griffin
She knew he was still outside but couldn’t help looking over her shoulder toward his apartment door. Smiling, she stood with the flowers in her hand and went inside her apartment. She looked around, then set them in the middle of her kitchen table. The bouquet was so large and her table so small that they took up most of the space, but she didn’t care. Their bright colors fit perfectly in her apartment.
She knew it didn’t change anything between her and Griffin but was glad they could be cordial. Her chest squeezed slightly, and she sighed. Okay, I wish we could have been more. Why are relationships so difficult?
A knock on the door had her bounding over, hoping the giver of the flowers would be standing on the other side. Throwing open her door, it was hard not to drop the smile from her face as she saw Terri standing there with a small box in her hand. A broomstick skirt swept almost to the floor, its bright colors reminding her of the bouquet she’d just received. Dangling, silver earrings graced her ears, and her typical long braid hung over one shoulder. Greeting her, she welcomed Terri inside, surprised as the box was immediately thrust into her hands.
“Here’s some of that special blend of tea that I know you like so well.”
“Oh, okay. Let me get my wallet—”
Terri laughed and waved her hands in front of her. “Nope, these are a gift from a secret admirer.”
“Huh?” She looked down at the box in her hand, her brow crinkled.
“Well, okay, not so secret. But an admirer, nonetheless.”
“Terri, who are you talking about?”
Now it was Terri’s turn to scrunch her forehead as she thought. “Well, he didn’t say I couldn’t tell you. And he didn’t say it was a secret. And if I’m truthful, he didn’t actually say he was an admirer, either.”
“Terri! Who sent the tea?”
“Oh, it was Griffin. He ran into Bjorn this morning and asked what your favorite tea was. Bjorn couldn’t remember, so he came to me. When I told them, he went back out to talk to Griffin. And then Griffin told him to pack up a box and deliver it to you. Then Bjorn asked him if he wanted to give it to you himself. But then, Griffin said he wasn’t sure he’d see you, and so he told Bjorn he could deliver it.”
By now, Caitlyn was laughing. “Terri, you do have a gift with words. You could have just said that Griffin wanted to give me some tea.”
Huffing, Terri shook her head. “Abbreviated versions of people’s interactions are so boring!”
Still laughing, Caitlyn nodded. “I think I’m going to have to write that down and tell my students. I’ll give you full credit for that quote!”
Terri’s eyes widened and she gave a little hop as she clapped. “That’s exciting! To think that I can be famous.” Throwing her arms around Caitlyn, she gave her a quick hug. “I’ve got to go. Bjorn is cooking up some more of his scented candles, and he’ll need my help. Bye!”
Before she could blink, Terri had darted out of her apartment. Looking down at the box in her hand, she recognized her favorite blend of herbal tea. What is Griffin up to? It was hard not to be pleased with the gift, but so far, Griffin was running hot and cold on her, and she was afraid of whiplash, trying to decipher his next move. A card was tucked inside the box, and she pulled it out. Helen Keller said, “Walking with a friend in the dark was better than walking alone in the light.” I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed our walk at the harbor the other night. Griffin
She wondered if he would come over that evening, but the only sound she heard was his boots on the stairs and then his door closed. She wondered if she should knock on his door but decided to wait. If he was just making amends for his brusque behavior and rude comment, then she didn’t want to read more into it.
Before she went to bed, she stood at the glass door to her balcony, her fingers gripping the handle, hesitating. She heard his door open and easily imagined him standing as he looked out over the yard. He had no chair out there to sit on, unlike her who reveled in her outdoor space regardless of its small size. It would be so easy to throw open the door and step out if for no other reason than to thank him for his gifts. God knows she was interested in him.
But then, if he’d wanted to see her, he could have come over. Frustration at her indecision speared through her, but before she had a chance to act, she heard his door open again and he’d gone back inside. Slowly, her fingers released the door handle, and she pulled the curtains closed.
She lay in bed, staring up at the rotating ceiling fan, her thoughts in turmoil. When sleep finally claimed her, it wasn’t peaceful. Dreams of racing down the halls of her school with something dark and unknown coming after her filled her nightmares.
Racing out the door the next morning, she was surprised to see Griffin across the hall, stepping out of his apartment. His eyes held uncertainty, or maybe it was hopefulness. Or maybe I’m a nutcase, and he simply hasn’t had his caffeine yet! Offering a soft smile, she greeted, “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Caitlyn.” He stepped closer, then stopped at the top of the stairs.
“I wanted to thank you for the flowers and the tea. They weren’t necessary but were very appreciated.”
His shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly, and his lips curved. “I’m glad you like them.”
“And, to be honest, the quotes were beautiful.”
“I hoped they were appropriate.” He stepped closer, looking down so that his gaze remained on her. “I really am sorry. I desperately need you to know that what you overheard has plagued me since yesterday. It’s not how I talk. It’s not who I am. I’ve always been… well, careful in relationships. In the few apartments I’ve lived in, I never went out with someone who lived there. It seemed easier to make sure my home was always kept free from an uncomfortable situation. And yet, my stupidity has made this place just so.”
She nodded, forcing her hands to remain still so that she wouldn’t reach up and brush the wayward lock of hair from his forehead. “I appreciate the apology, Griffin. I shouldn’t have pushed. You’re right, I’m sure. It would be best to remain friends.” At her words, she expected relief to flood his expression, but instead, he winced, opening his mouth but snapping it shut before speaking. Shifting her purse higher up on her shoulder, she licked her lips, pondering whether or not she should bring up what was on her mind. With a slight shake of her head, she blurted, “Listen, Griffin, I’d like to ask you something, but it doesn’t have to be now. I know you’re going to work, and I am, too.”
His eyes lit. “All you have to do is ask, Caitlyn.”