I blinked a few times. “Sorry. Got lost in outer space for a second. It’s really nice of you to ask, but I have plans with Griffin and the kids tonight.”

He nodded, heading for the produce section. “Maybe another time. We meet up every week.”

“Sure. Maybe.”

Kenna appeared right at that moment, rounding the counter and pulling me into a hug. “Hey, Cae. Was the new guy asking you out?”

I pinched Kenna’s side. “Quit it.”

“Ow! What was that for? You’re lucky I’m not nauseous today. Something like that could get you barfed on.”

I scowled at her. “Max might’ve heard you. Don’t embarrass him.”

Kenna arched a brow. “Do you want him to ask you out?”

“No. But he’s nice, and he doesn’t deserve to be embarrassed.”

Kenna studied me carefully. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I had a brick thrown through my window, my sisters were almost abducted, and my mother was murdered. Just a few things.”

She winced. “Sorry. I know it’s a lot. I didn’t mean to come across like a heartless bitch.”

“No, I’m sorry.” I pulled Kenna in for a hug. “It’s just been a very long twenty-four hours.”

She rubbed a hand up and down my back as she hugged me. “You know you don’t have to be here today. Nobody expects you to go on like nothing happened.”

“I don’t want to be anywhere else.” My voice broke on the last word, tears fighting to get free.

“Hey, hey now.” Kenna pulled back but kept hold of my shoulders. “What’s this about? Your mom?”

I shook my head. The tears should’ve been over my mom, but I just couldn’t summon them for her. The only thing I felt about my mom was a truckload of guilt, my last words to her playing over and over in my mind. “Things are off with Griffin. And that’s really inconvenient because I’m in love with him. I’m terrified that he’s just going to be done with me and throw me away.”

“Come on.” Kenna tugged me into the back office and shut the door. “There are lies taking root in your mind right now, and you need to yank those suckers out. Trust me. I know what it’s like to think that everyone who comes into your life is a breath away from leaving it, especially those you love most. But I don’t think Griffin’s shown any sign of that. He seems pretty stuck on you.”