“I always have a pocketful of ideas, Griffin. Sara Beth’s in New York started out as a breakfast place, and now they have a nice nighttime crowd. I received texts from Lea, Annabel, and Mac, who is ready for me to start on his place. They were all congratulating me on my new gig. News travels fast. Nothing from you two.”

“We were too busy trying to rise to the occasion to match Henry’s sister’s standards. Speaking of rising … You’re going to have to get off my lap, Bae, unless I can use my checkbook,” Griffin said rolling me off his lap.

“Never,” I laughed.

“This is going to be fun.” He winked. “I love what happens when you are the guinea pig for some of my concoctions.” I knew he meant the sidecar and the Bing cherry hot chocolate. “VERT is going to be amazing and beautiful,” he said, bestowing a long-awaited kiss. I ensnared him for just a little longer.

“Amazing and beautiful. That’s what I was going for. Good night, Griffin.” He grabbed my hand. I turned around. He said it then. Unequivocal. Unadorned. Without preamble.

“I love you, Bae.” He released my hand, and we went to our separate rooms.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Eight

I blinked and summer had dwindled to one little month. August. September loomed—the grand opening. We were all busy. NOIR had recently garnered another award. I marveled at how Henry could create dishes and redefine and adapt his creations. He was always tweaking, rediscovering spices and recipes, and adding a new flair. He had done that in himself and in his kitchen. He had dedicated his life to it. As I performed my own life tweaking, I realized Henry and I were very much alike. We both needed Griffin and Lea to add balance; they were key ingredients to us, and without them, we could go haywire.

We were at home one night when I broached the subject with Griffin that I had been avoiding.

“You know, after this, I have to go back to New York and work for Mac. I discussed it with Jake. He thinks it’s a good idea for me to rent a corporate apartment. Unless you don’t mind me living with Mac.” I dodged making eye contact with him.

“I don’t think so. Can’t you just stay here?” Griffin asked. But he knew the answer.

“It’s who I am. I can’t change that about me. I don’t want to. Just like you can’t change being a caretaker. I understand that now.” I paused to let him think about it.

“My work is everywhere. But I will always come home to you. You are my person, Griffin.” He had waited a long time to hear me say those words. He finally smiled and embraced me.

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Fifty-Nine