“You can give me their numbers if you want, and I’ll call them.”
“Maybe, but I don’t like to do that. Especially with Paisley and Parker, considering who they are married and soon-to-be engaged to.”
“Fair enough. Let me know.”
“I’m on it. I’ll call or text you soon.”
“Thanks, Karina. Oh, and just so you know, Ollie is coming with me.”
“Is he?” she asks. I can hear the interest and maybe even a little excitement in her voice.
“He’s one of the good ones,” I tell her.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replies. “We’ll talk soon.”
“I heard that,” Oliver says from behind me.
“I wasn’t trying to hide it. I was being a good wingman.”
He shakes his head, but there’s a smile pulling at his lips. “Come on, Romeo, I’m starving.”
Tossing our bags in the back of my Jeep, we head to my parents’ place. I need to tell them I’m leaving town this weekend, and I know there’s always something mouthwatering waiting for me in their fridge. We might have to hang around until they get home, but that’s fine too. Now that I don’t live at home, I can’t keep up with their schedules, mine, and Peyton’s.
“So Parker’s picking us up?” Oliver asks as we deboard the plane.
“Yes. I told her we could get a rental, but she insisted. I wasn’t going to argue with her.”
“And we’re staying with the girls?”
“Yeah. Karina knows that Peyton’s going to want me to stay with her, and she said the two of you could catch up.”
“Nice.” He grins.
Since we’re only here for one night, we have one carry-on each. Making our way through the airport, I see Parker and recognize Paisley from the pictures Peyton has shown me as the woman standing next to her, and that must mean that the little boy in the stroller is Jett, her nephew.
“Griffin!” Parker smiles and rushes forward, hugging me. “She’s going to be blown away when she finds out that you’re here.”
“I hope so. I hate that it’s only for one night, but I’ll take what I can get.” I turn to Oliver. “This is my best friend, Oliver. Ollie, this is Parker, Peyton’s middle sister, and I’m guessing this is Paisley, her older sister.”
“He’s good.” Paisley beams.
“Told you,” Parker boasts.
I crouch down and offer my fist to Jett. Peyton told me he loves to fist bump. He doesn’t hesitate to bump knuckles. “You must be Jett. My name is Griffin. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You’s Pey’s friend,” he announces.
“That’s right. I am. I’m here to surprise her.”
He nods and goes back to munching on the small container of Goldfish crackers in his lap. I stand back to my full height. “Thank you for coming to get us. We could have rented a car.”
“No way,” Paisley replies. “This is going to be epic. She’s been mopey all week, and you are going to cheer her up. I can’t wait until she sees you.”
“So what’s the plan?”
“Well, we thought it would be best if you’re at Mom and Dad’s when she gets there.”
“Okay. What time is she coming?”
“Mom told her we’re eating at five, so she’ll be there a little before that.”
“And until then?” I ask.
“You get to hang out with the family. It will give us a chance to get to know you better.”
“By family, you mean your parents?” Oliver asks.
“Yep.” Paisley grins.
“Is that okay?” Parker asks.
“Yeah. I just know how your dad reacted to Cameron and Holden, and they have a hell of a lot more going for them than I do. They were already in the league, and I’m just a college player with aspirations.”
“That’s not true,” Parker tells me. “Peyton told us all about your double major. That’s a lot for a student-athlete. And you can’t take our dad too seriously. He didn’t like Cameron and Holden, not because of the men they were, but because they were dating us. He’s protective like that. Sometimes, I wish we had a brother he could have bonded with, but then I think about how Dad would have brainwashed him to be just as protective, and I’m glad it’s just us girls.” She laughs.
“I’m in regardless,” I tell them.
“We’ll keep Dad in check, and we’ve brought Mom on board. They know you’re coming, and she’s going to keep him reeled in.”
“Okay. Well, let’s do this.” Oliver and I follow them out of the airport and into the parking garage. Paisley drove her SUV. We toss our bags in the back and then slide in on either side of Jett’s car seat. He jabbers on about his daddy and baseball and his pappa, which I’m guessing is how he refers to Peyton’s dad. The trip is quick, and before I know it, we’re pulling into a huge-ass house with a gated driveway that’s long and paved.
“Are you ready for this?” Oliver asks.
“Yes.”
Parker turns in her seat to look at me. “Awfully confident,” she teases. There’s a glint of happiness in her eyes, and it reminds me of Peyton.
“It’s inevitable. I’m not willing to give her up, so this is just the progression of our relationship. Besides, she met my parents.”
“Yeah, but you were there with her,” Oliver counters.
“In about three hours, I get to see my girlfriend, who I haven’t had my arms around in five long weeks. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t endure to make that happen.”
“Damn,” Paisley mutters.
“Mommy. Dat’s a bad word,” Jett tells her.
“Mommy’s sorry,” she tells him. “But Uncle Griffin just made Mommy swoon.”
Jett turns to look at me. “You’s my uncle?” he asks, his little brows furrowed.
“Not yet, little man, but one day,” I tell him. It’s a big claim to make in front of her sisters and her nephew, but it’s where I want this to go.
“See what I’ve been living with?” Oliver jokes.
“I think it’s sweet,” Parker tells me.
“I’m just being me.” I shrug.
“Well, we better get in there. I’m sure Mom’s excited to meet you, and Dad, well, he’s going to be cold, but just be you.” Paisley meets my eyes in the rearview mirror. “He needs to see the real you. Don’t hold back from him, and don’t let him intimidate you. He’s going to need to see that you’re here for her and nothing else.”
“Trust me. That’s why I’m here.” I don’t plan to hold back. It’s not possible even if I really tried, not after five long weeks without her. He needs to get used to me being around. I plan to visit as much as my schedule allows.
“I believe you, but we’ve,” she motions between her and Parker, “learned a few things with introducing Dad to Cam and Holden. We’re passing that wisdom on to you.”
“I appreciate it, but I’m fine.”