Page 99 of The Curveball
My chest aches. “You don’t know Griffin, Dare. He’s protective.”
“But is he a liar?”
My brother’s words hit me like rocks. One by one knocking away the lingering panic, the disquiet. Why am I so unsettled? Because Griffin isn’t here. He’s my safe place, and even after last night I still want him.
His face was horrified when Clay shouted the accusations.
“What are you thinking, sweetie?” Mom whispers.
What am I thinking? I panicked. Trauma has a cruel way of tossing the images of our nightmares front and center at the most inopportune times. I needed space from Griffin, I needed space from everyone. I needed to bend and fall apart before my head would think straight again.
Is Griffin Marks a liar?
No.
The word flies through my head with such ease, I’m upset it took me this long to dig through the pain in my mind to find it.
“He’s not a liar,” I say, more to myself.
“Agreed, but we have an issue.” Carter wiggles his phone. “Dad’s company is coming at Griffin, Wren.”
“Dad is . . . he’s going after Griffin, legally?”
I blink through a new wave of tears. Something happened to set Griffin off, something placed him with Clay last night. I don’t know what, but I choose to believe him over the slimy voice of Clay Rice. Griffin loves big. I know he probably thought of a dozen ways to get rid of Clay the moment he knew he was there. I know he did all that because he loves me.
In a way he went to battle for me.
I’ll do the same for him.
“Thanks for being here,” I whisper, glancing at my family. “But I . . . I need some time to process. I didn’t think I still needed to worry over these panic attacks.” My chin quivers. “I didn’t mean to lose it on you.”
“Wren, stop.” My mom says. “It’s a trigger, sweetie. We’re your family and we’re here for you.”
They can’t disagree. Every person in this room has witnessed when I can’t catch my breath and I’m terrified my chest is crushing in on itself. I’m angry, disturbed, and hurt Clay would be so devious. I’m angry it sent me back into my head. I’m angry I walked away from Griffin. I’m angry I was afraid of him.
Even for the smallest second.
I tell them I’m going to shower. After, I step into my old bedroom, now an exercise room, and turn on my phone. Once it wakes up, I get three messages from Griffin right away. My heart cracks as a tear slides down my cheek.
Griffin:Wren, I swear to you, I didn’t hit him. Please call me. At least tell me you’re safe.
Griffin:Birdie. I need to know you’re okay. I’m going to give you space, I promise, but please tell me you’re somewhere safe.
Griffin:Carter told me you’re at Cleo’s.I love you. Please know that.
I wipe another tear away.I love that man, and I’m not letting this hurt him. Not a chance. I dial the first number I think of.
A gruff voice answers. It’s early, but at least he answered.
“Dax.” I sniffle and force my voice to be steady. “You’re good with computers and have a cop for a brother-in-law, right? Good. We need to do something soon. As in this morning. It’s for Griffin.”
* * *
“Dax, hi.”I probably look like I crawled out of a grave.
“Hey, Wren.” Dax shifts around like a skittish cat about to bolt into the bushes.
I stand aside. “Come in.”