On the way to the airport, Griffin and I were prisoners of our own thoughts. So much had happened over the course of the last three weeks. I had not talked to or thought of Elliott much.

“Do you mind taking a look at a place I’m thinking about buying? Hank needs his own room now, if for nothing else than for all the toys Henry buys him. I think it’s past time to close up shop on two men and a baby.”

I laughed. We pulled into the driveway, and before us stood a beautiful but small condo with a For Sale sign in front of it. Griffin fished the keys out and we walked to the front door. “Are you sure you don’t already own the place?” I asked.

“Maybe. Take a look around,” he said.

I loved the high ceilings. The natural light. I especially loved the old dentil molding throughout. It had a great layout and a wonderful living space with sturdy built-in cabinets. A small bedroom and bath stood off on one side, and the master bedroom and master bath stood on the other. He could have easily afforded something grander. This fit his frugal but very discerning taste. It perfectly suited him. We ended up in the kitchen. Naturally.

“What do you think?” he asked me. “I want you to give me your honest opinion. I’ve shown it to you before anyone else.”

“I always do,” I said. Once again, deep in my thoughts. There were so many things to like about it and I told him so.

“Will you decorate it for me, Bae?” I just looked at him for a minute. And then a minute more.

“Are you serious? You know I don’t do this kind of thing.” But then, I studied the kitchen a little more. “You could put a banquette in that corner over there like in Daddy’s kitchen,” I threw out.

“Yes. That’s what I was thinking too,” Griffin said. I realized, then, subtlety was not his strong suit. There was nothing casual about us just dropping by this condo and me having a look around. He wanted me to not necessarily recreate Daddy’s house but to reimagine the vibe in Daddy’s house. He knew I was the only one who could do that, and that’s why he hadn’t already moved in and asked an interior decorator to work some magic.

“I think I have your number, Griffin Hardwick.”

“I figured you would, Bae.”

“You can take the For Sale sign down for starters. You’re not fooling anyone here.” I grinned at him.

When we arrived at the airport, I took one long last look at Griffin. This time, I was wise enough to commit it to memory. I wanted to remember the last time I would ever be with Griffin Hardwick. We embraced. I heard his heart beat a little faster than it should have. As I left the car, I left the memories behind, knowing my past was full but my future of running a restaurant and romancing its owner was just beginning.