GRIFFIN
Sunlight breaking through my slatted blinds is the first thing I notice when I crack my eyes open.The next thing I notice is that Casey isstillnot in my bed each morning.
I sigh and turn onto my side, flinging my arm over the empty space where she’d be, if she ever spent the night in my bed.She insists on slipping out and taking a shower each night, winding up in her own bed after.
Which is fine.I respect that.
I just want it to change soon.
My phone begins vibrating on my nightstand, and I reach for it, yawning as I check the screen.It’s my mother.
“Morning, Mom,” I say after I swipe the call on.
“Griffin, it’s Wednesday.”
I sink back against my pillows, letting my eyes flutter shut as I enjoy just a few more minutes in the comfy bed.“I know.”
“Are you coming to family game night tonight?”
“Of course.Wouldn’t miss it during the summer.”The question is odd; I come every week without fail in the off-season, since I’m gone so much during the rest of the year.Family game night is the Keegan family mainstay.We’ve been doing it since Piper was old enough to understand the rules of Candyland.
“Bring Casey.”
I blink a couple times, letting the demand sink in.“Uh…I’ll ask?”
“She needs to come,” Mom says.“She’s been staying with you for how long now?”
“A few weeks.”
“And you haven’t brought heronce.”Mom’s displeasure leaks through the phone.
“Mom, it’s a family thing,” I remind her.“That’s the rules.You attend if you’re a Keegan, or if you’re—”
“Witha Keegan,” she finishes for me.
“Yeah, and she’s not…” My voice falters.Based on how often I’ve brought her to orgasm over the past week, she could be consideredwitha Keegan.But she’s not my girlfriend.She can’t be.No matter how perfect she is for me.
If I push for more, life will take something away.
I need to avoid the risk.
“She’s your old friend, I know,” Mom chides.“But she’s practically family, especially since she’s been living with you this summer.Just bring her, will you?”
“I want to,” I blurt, “but everyone’s gonna make a big thing about it.I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable.”
“Who will make a big thing about it?”
I scoff.“How about Jett, Dane, Asher…even Piper.”
“My Piperton would never.”
“Fine.Your other three heathen sons will be more than happy to give me shit about bringing a girlfriend to game night, and Casey doesn’t need to go through that.”
“I’ll talk to them.”
“Is this one of your psychic things or…?”
“Just bring her.”Her voice has a finality to it, and I can tell I’ve reached the end of the road here.