by Nia Anderson
"Um, I’m a little tired. How about we go back to my place for an early night instead?" Julie’s eyes shone as she looked at Evan.
"There you have it,” was all Evan said to Lori.
Nodding, Lori turned to look at Griffin and Erica.
"Honestly, Lori, I’m heading home. I’ve had a trying week and I need to sleep. Sorry,” Erica told her.
"Yeah, I’m gonna have to bow out also. I’ve got to get home to relieve the babysitter,” Griffin said apologetically.
"Aw, you guys suck,” Lori joked. "That’s alright though. We can catch up next week. I have an idea for a group trip I want to run by everyone."
With that, Lori and Sabrina took off to meet up with the others who were heading to the club. Evan and Julie excused themselves and left shortly after that, leaving Griffin and Erica alone at the table.
"I guess I should run,” Erica said to Griffin. Sure enough, there was that awkward feeling again.
"Yeah…me too." They both stood up and walked out to the parking lot. As he headed for his car, Griffin stopped, spun around, and headed to where Erica was parked. "What are you gonna do now?" he asked. At Erica’s confused expression, he continued, "I, uh…I was just wondering because the babysitter will stay as long as I need her to. I just wasn’t in the mood to go to another club. Not really my scene."
Erica hesitated. "That depends,” she responded, obviously skeptical. “What are you suggesting?”
"Uh, I don't know…” Griffin rubbed his neck as he thought it over. “How about we catch a movie at the Castro like old times?"
Taken somewhat aback by the memory, Erica’s eyes widened slightly.
"This isn’t a date or anything,” Griffin rushed to say. “Just two friends catching a flick.”
"Who said anything about a date?” Erica retorted. "I guess I’m just a bit surprised you'd want to hang out."
Sighing, Griffin looked above Erica’s head then back at her face. “We always end up doing this. Why is that?"
Erica didn’t know if she should answer, as Griffin didn’t seem to be asking a question. It was more like he was stating a fact.
"Screw it,” Griffin proclaimed. “We're both adults now, Erica. We've matured. I think we can manage a friendship, don't you?”
Looking Griffin in the eye, Erica could see that he was trying his very best to level with her. "Okay,” she said with a smile. "Let’s go see that movie then, friend."
As if to solidify the deal, Erica held out her hand for Griffin to shake. With that, the pair made a silent truce to put the past behind them once and for all.
Chapter six
Erica felt relaxed and comfortable sitting across from Griffin sipping her chai latte. They were on their second round of hot beverages and were enjoying each other's company. After the movie, they’d decided to go out for coffee at a café close to the theater. It was now just after 2:00 a.m., but neither one them were ready to call it a night just yet.
Griffin had called home, and his sitter agreed to stay as long as he needed her to. Avery was fine in that she had been sleeping for hours.
During a lull in the conversation, Griffin deciding to broach a subject that had been bothering him for the better part of the evening. Looking at Erica, he inquired about her relationships while she was in D.C.
"Um, I didn’t do very much dating in college,” Erica revealed with slight embarrassment. She figured Griffin’s college experience was quiet the opposite. Still, she continued, “After high school I decided that I wanted to focus on my studies and not let anything distract me..."
At this, Griffin looked away from Erica. He felt bad that she missed out on experiences near the end of high school because of the heartbreak she’d suffered during the end of their relationship. Sensing this, she reached across the table to give one of his hands a comforting squeeze.
"Griffin, what’s done is done, okay?"
Looking down at their joined hands, Griffin turned his palm into hers and slightly squeezed back. "Okay, water under the bridge," he replied.
Pulling her hand from under his, Erica went on. She needed the separation as her hand felt comfortable and too familiar while resting in Griffin’s. "Where was I? Right, I did eventually meet someone my first year of grad school though. His name was Robert and he was wonderful."
With a faraway look in her eyes, Erica told Griffin about her courtship and brief marriage to Robert.
Wow, this guy sounds like prince charming himself, Griffin thought. For some strange, reason he felt a sudden burst of resentment toward this man he’d never even met.
When Erica stated that she and Robert had gotten divorced very shortly after getting married, Griffin felt secretly victorious. Still, he knew it was wrong of him to relish in something Erica was obviously still somewhat wounded by. "What happened?” he asked with genuine interest. “I mean…why the divorce?"
As if emerging from a trance, Erica shook her head and looked at Griffin. Sighing sadly, she decided to tell him the truth. "You know, I really loved him. He was intelligent, funny, wise, ambitious…all the qualities I’d usually look for in a man, in anyone actually, but I don’t know. I wasn’t in love him. I respected, liked, and admired him, but...that was it. There was no love on my part."
After taking another sip of her latte, Erica continued, “It’s weird. I knew in my heart when he proposed that I should have said no. Everything in me said to refuse him, but…I did the exact opposite. The thing I regret most, though, was hurting him. He tried so hard to make things work, and I just…I couldn’t do it."
Sitting back in his chair, Griffin expelled a heavy breath he hadn’t realized he was holding in. He had no words.
Wanting to steer the conversation away from herself, Erica asked Griffin about Avery’s mother. Focusing his gaze on hers, Griffin told her about his short relationship with Toni and the sequence of events that led up to Avery’s birth.
"So the relationship was purely physical?" Erica asked. She felt her cheeks warm slightly. "How can that be? I mean, sex without love is just…empty, isn’t it?"
Chuckling softly, Griffin stared at her. "She was hot, okay? Besides, I stopped ‘making love’ after you and I broke up."
Only after the words left his mouth did Griffin realize what he’d said. He knew it was pointless to try backtracking. Instead he apologized.
Smirking, Erica tried her best to make light of the situation. "It’s fine," she assured him. “I say stuff without thinking all the time.”
Allowing himself to relax again, Griffin distracted himself by pouring another packet of artificial sweetener inside his tea. The air, however, was thick with tension as neither he nor Erica seemed to know what to say to fill the silence.
Needing to escape for a few minutes, Erica excused herself and walked back to the ladies’ room. Once inside, she stared at her reflection in the mirror and frowned. Griffin considered what we did making love? she wondered, what does that mean?
Meanwhile, back out at the table, Griffin was silently berating himself. You idiot, he scolded, why did have to admit that? Why? You ruined everything.
Looking into his empty cup, Griffin decided to end the evening before something disastrous happened. When Erica returned to the table, he made an excuse about needing to get home and she readily agreed. Little did he know, she was just as desperate as he was to put some distance between them.
"Say hi to Avery for me," Erica said once she and Griffin reached their cars.
"Will do," Griffin replied.
Turning around, Erica unlocked her car door and was preparing to get in when Griffin halted her progress by touching her lightly on the shoulder. Would you maybe want to get together sometime next week?" he asked with caution. "Maybe we could catch another movie, or..."
"I’d love to, but…how about we do something with Avery instead?" Erica interrupted. There was no way she could handle being alone with him again so soon. "There’s a new Looney Tunes movie coming out next week, and…" Looking arou
nd and moving in closer to Griffin, Erica whispered, "I really want to see it."
Griffin laughed. This was a secret side to Erica. She loved kid movies, but she went to great lengths to make sure no one ever found out about it. Griffin was among a select few who knew about her little obsession.
"What? I love cartoon movies, you know that. Do you think Avery would want to see it?" Erica asked.
"Yeah, she loves Bugs Bunny, so yeah – we’ll all go."
"Perfect.”
Taking a risk, Erica gave Griffin an innocent hug. He was momentarily taken aback by it, but he returned the affectionate gesture all the same.
Feeling a strange pull toward his lips, Erica broke the embrace and took at step back before she did anything she’d later regret. "I’ll call you next week and we can arrange something, okay?"
"Sure, sounds good,” Griffin said with a cordial nod. “Talk with you then."
Erica climbed inside her car then and made the short drive to her townhouse. Her heart was beating very quickly and she felt dizzy. What’s going on here? she wondered. It’s only Griffin. Forcibly pushing him out of her head, she stepped down on the gas and concentrated on getting home.
Griffin was also having a hard time keeping his thoughts in the present as he drove home that night. Remembering the subtle scent of Erica’s perfume brought back memories he’d long since buried. In vivid detail, he allowed himself to remember all the good times they’d shared before the darkness set in.
Frowning, Griffin caught himself. He’d vowed to keep their relationship purely platonic, and yet, here he was thinking about their past. He didn’t want to go there again. Erica was special to him. She was the mother of his first child, and for that, he’d always hold her in high regard. Now that they were on speaking terms again he wasn’t going to do anything to destroy this new beginning.
All Griffin’s resolve promptly went out the window, however, when he spotted Erica waiting for him and Avery outside the Castro movie theatre the following Friday. When she observed them approaching, she stood up from the bench she was sitting on and smiled as she approached them.
Wow, was all Griffin could think. Erica looked stunning in a form fitting silk blouse, delicate pink earrings, and tight jeans that made her long legs look impossibly longer. Gulping, he tore his gaze from her curvaceous frame and led Avery over to her.
Squealing in delight, Avery squirmed until her father let go of her hand so that she could run up to Erica. Taken by surprise, Erica watched the little girl bolt toward her and laughed.
"Hi!” Avery chimed. "Daddy says we’re gonna see Bugs Bunny! I can’t wait!" Avery was jumping up and down in front of Erica as she spoke.
"Well..." was all Erica managed as Avery continued.
"And he said I could get popcorn because I was good all day. Right daddy?" Avery looked over her shoulder to where Griffin was lingering behind her.
Smiling, he answered, "Yep. You earned it.”
Avery started to spin around in circles at the novelty of having a treat before continuing to talk Erica’s ear off. She rambled on and on about all her new school, her new babysitter, and just about everything else of slight relevance while the trio were waiting in line to purchase their movie tickets and popcorn. It wasn’t until they walked into the darkened theatre and took their seats that she finally piped down.
After the movie, Griffin told Erica that he was taking Avery to Golden Gate Park for the afternoon and asked if she’d like to tagalong. Thrilled to be asked, she readily accepted the invitation and ended up spending the remainder of the day with them.
Avery had so much pent up energy from sitting inside the theater for two hours that Erica was left exhausted by the time night fell. She wasn’t the only one though. As soon as the trio made it back to Griffin’s place, Avery had a crash so intense she was practically begging Erica to tuck her into bed.
Sensing that a full blown meltdown would follow if she didn't, Erica agreed and waited until the child fell asleep before venturing back downstairs in search of Griffin. Eventually she found him on the couch in the living room, half-consciously flipping through different television channels. Looking up, he grinned at her. "You look tired,” he observed.
"Ha, like you're one to talk,” Erica teased as she plopped down beside him. “I am though. Honestly, I have no idea how you manage to keep up with Avery. It's like she runs on rocket fuel or something.”
That got Griffin laughing. "I’ll admit – when Avery was first born, I was totally outside of my element. I had no idea how people managed a job and a kid, but…I did it. I guess it’s just something you get used to. Now I can’t imagine my life without her."
Erica looked at Griffin in awe. "Griffin, I hope you don't mind me saying this, but…you’re so much different now. In a good way. I mean, when I left for school you were still this man-child – no offense – but now…I don't know. I’m impressed. Avery’s really lucky to have you as a father."
Pleased by the compliment, Griffin smiled. For some reason it was a relief that Erica saw him as a competent father.
Switching gears, Erica asked Griffin about the current state of his love life. "Are you seeing anyone these days?”
Even though her question was intended to be a lighthearted one, Erica felt a stab of pain in the pit of her stomach all the same. For some bizarre reason, picturing Griffin with someone else was still every bit as gut-wrenching for her as it’d been in high school.
Unaware of Erica’s inner turmoil, Griffin shook his head and sank deeper into the couch. "Nah. I’ve been really busy with work this past year, and Avery requires a lot of attention, so…no." Passing a hand through his hair, he continued, "I’m fine with it though.”
Griffin was clearly exhausted, as his eyelids were drooping heavily as he stared rather blankly at the television. It was almost as if he was fighting to stay awake. Taking the hint, Erica straightened her back against the couch and prepared leave.
"Well, I’d better head home. You look pretty tired."
At this, Griffin’s head spun around quickly. With a frown marring his brow, he looked at Erica and said, "I’m not tired, I’m just…relaxed. Please, if you don’t mind…stay. I’m really enjoying your company. Besides, you haven’t told me much about what you’ve been up to all these years."
That was all Erica needed to hear. Since she didn’t really want to leave and Griffin was encouraging her to stay, she once again leaned back against the couch. "Well what do you want to know?" she asked him.
Griffin shrugged. "Tell me about your job. What is it that you do again?"
Relaxation renewed, Erica and Griffin spoke about their respective careers, what they did in their spare time, and how their family members were. They were so immersed in conversation that, hours later, neither one of them were aware of who drifted to sleep first…
Chapter seven
The following morning, Griffin awoke to sunlight streaming through his front blinds and rushed to shield his face from it. Groaning, he started to stretch but froze when he felt a warm body pressed again his. Realizing that it was Erica, he smiled to himself. Her head had somehow ended up on his chest.
Easing slightly upwards so as not to disturb her, Griffin looked at Erica and reminisced. The previous night, they’d let their guards down with each other in a way they hadn't in years. It was so incredible that Griffin was left feeling like he knew her inside and out. Though she was still the same stubborn, smart, strong-willed girl he’d dated in his youth, womanhood had afforded her a certain self-assurance that only made her all the more alluring to him.
In sleep, Erica sighed softly, and her hands automatically moved up to clutch Griffin’s waist as if she were grabbing for a pillow.
Oh god, was all Griffin could think. His physical reaction to Erica’s touch was strong and purely male, so much so that he had to take a few shallow breaths in order calm himself.
It was at this precise moment that Erica’s eyes gradually opened. She looked around
slowly and abruptly pushed herself upwards when she realized who she was draped across. "Oh, Griffin!" Erica breathed out a sigh of embarrassment. "Sorry, I just…I forgot where I was for a second."
Chuckling, Griffin said, "I guess we fell asleep last night, huh?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Erica mumbled. Her senses returned with a jolt as she realized she’d been sleeping on Griffin all night. "Sorry,” she added. Griffin started to ask what for, but she cut him off and continued speaking in a rushed tone before he could. "For sleeping on you," she elaborated. "I’m so mortified. I don’t know what happened."
Visibly nervous, Erica stood up and began pacing back and fourth the room. Through no fault of her own, she’d crossed some sort of invisible line of decency with Griffin. Now all she could think about were the repercussions.