Page 11 of Sawyer

I took a deep breath, relieved when he finally stepped back. Why was my control so strained when it came to Casey?

"Who was that?" Griffin asked me once Casey had left.

I was glad Griffin stayed in the background and let us finish our conversation.

"Casey, he owns a pet grooming store," I said, showing the business card to Griffin.

"Oh yeah, I pass by his place on my way to work. If I owned a dog, I definitely would bring him there," Griffin said with a nod, returning Casey’s card to me.

“I also noticed you seemed extra friendly with him,” Griffin added.

"Extra friendly?" I echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“Like, I haven’t seen you smile like that in a while," Griffin said, nudging me playfully. "It's nice to see you enjoying yourself again."

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the beer I’d had earlier.

"Yeah,” I said.

"Come on, let’s get back to your party. Everyone’s waiting," Griffin said, clapping me on the back.

As we walked back to the bar, I couldn’t help but think about Casey.

Maybe Griffin was right. Maybe Casey was just what I needed right now.

And who knew? Maybe this was the start of something special.

I sipped my third can of beer that evening while occasionally stroking Benny's fur.

He had curled up on my lap a few minutes ago and decided to take a nap there. It felt rude to disturb him, or at least that’s what I liked to tell myself.

I appreciated my pack mates and friends showing up, but I had reached my limit when it came to socializing.

Nine out of ten times, someone would ask me about my leg and how I was doing.

While I appreciated their concern, I couldn't help but think if they were scrutinizing me, wondering if I was fit to be pack second.

I wouldn’t be surprised if challenges arose, and I needed to prepare myself for that. To do that, I needed to get fit and healthy again.

I glanced down at Benny on my lap and envied him a little. He looked like he had zero cares about the world.

"Hey, Sawyer. Your brother sent me here to ask why you're brooding in a corner at your own party," Uncle Ben said, taking the empty stool next to me.

"I'm just winding down, relaxing," I said.

Uncle Ben snorted, clearly not buying my lie.

He was sort of a father-figure to Miles and me, especially after our own father passed away, so he could read me more easily than most.

Uncle Ben cleared his throat.

"Also, did you know that Ron is now single?" Uncle Ben asked out of the blue.

I groaned and looked at him. "Let me guess. Miles also told you to point that out?" I asked.

"Well, Ron's a good guy, but I'll tell Miles you're not interested," Uncle Ben said.

Someone tapped him on the shoulder. "Well, I'll leave you to your brooding," Ben said.