Page 102 of Griffin
“Savannah and I would like to thank everyone here today, all our friends, who for us are really our family.”
I hear Daisy swoon over in the back somewhere.
“Savannah and I often say how our path to this point has been unconventional…”
“You can say that again!” Sawyer hollers out, gaining more laughter.
“But to be honest, there’s been one constant in our lives, one supporter who has always been here, always had our backs, always been our comfort and that is this town and its people. Whispers is a special place. I’ve been coming here for years, and while not a local—”
“You’re part of the furniture now, Griff!” Tanner yells, and I chuckle.
“I think I can safely speak on behalf of both Savannah and I when I say that we’re glad to now call Whispers home. So again, thank you everyone. We really appreciate the effort. We’re grateful to have so many amazing friends, and appreciate your support,” Griffin finishes, and everyone cheers as we cut the cake, and before I know what’s happening, the girls all swallow me up with hugs and kisses, passing me a small glass of champagne.
There’s so much noise and chatter that I get caught up with it all, and when I look at the time, I realize I’ve been gone for an hour already. I look around to find my husband, seeing him sitting with Tanner and the guys at a booth in the back, a bottle of whiskey now opened.
“I’m going to go and check on Tommy,” I tell him quickly.
“Bring him over. There are lots of people here wanting hugs,” Tanner offers, and I grin, thinking I will do just that. It feels like the whole town’s here, so I don’t think I’ll be getting many customers at Betty’s this afternoon anyways. I can probably close early.
“I’ll come with you.” Griffin starts to stand.
“No. It’s fine. I’ll be five minutes, tops,” I tell him, already walking out, wanting him to stay and enjoy this time.
I thread my way through the people and out the door, again basking in the sun as I cross the road and walk across to the bakery. The smile on my face is hard to remove. Life is good. I’ve met and married the man of my dreams. My son is loved and thriving. My business is booming, and we’re surrounded by so many great friends. I couldn’t ask for more.
Seeing the signs of my bakery, I feel pride at having my own little business here on Main Street. I’ve come so far. I wonder if Gran knew this was going to be the outcome. I think she did. I think she knew I needed to start fresh and get out of Williamstown. She would be happy for me, I know it.
I step into the bakery, the chimes ringing and announcing my arrival.
“Hey, I’m back!” I holler, seeing the front area empty and assuming they’re in the kitchen. I’m still smiling, wondering how Melissa kept this a secret from me. I saw her talking to Rochelle yesterday. I should’ve guessed something was up.
“Melissa?” I call out as I step into the kitchen, my grin still wide, but then I pause, seeing it’s also empty.
“She must be upstairs,” I tell myself, and I run upstairs to the apartment. Tommy’s probably asleep, and she must be watching him.
“Melissa?” I call out quietly as I reach the top step, not wanting to wake Tommy, but the apartment is empty, exactly how I left it this morning. Not a cushion out of place. I haven’t lived here for months, but I do still spend time here, feeding Tommy or having a restful moment when needed.
“Where is she?” I run downstairs again.
“Melissa?” I walk to the back door, assuming maybe she’s outside. It’s a beautiful day and she might have taken Tommy for some fresh air.
“Melissa?” My eyes sweep over the small courtyard, but there’s no one here, nothing out of place.
Panic sweeps through me, nearly toppling me over. Something isn’t right.
“Sweetness? You alright?” Griffin calls from inside, and I rush back in.
“She’s not here.”
“What do you mean, she isn’t here?” Griffin frowns and looks outside before running back in.
“I came in, looked everywhere, but Melissa and Tommy aren’t here.” I’m panting, heart in my throat.
“Are they upstairs?” He runs up before I can answer, but he’s back in two seconds.
“They’re not here.” I can’t immediately think something bad has happened. I can’t let my thoughts spiral. “Maybe she took him for a walk?” That has to be it. “The sun is shining… It’s a beautiful day. That makes sense.” I look around, seeing her handbag and his baby bag gone.
“The bakery was left unlocked.” Griffin looks unimpressed.
