Free Built to Last by Jean Page Page A

had crushed on. Her heart squeezed in her chest making the smile on her face wider.
    “Strawberries, I can’t eat strawberries. If you avoid those, then anything else will be fine. I need to go. I’ll see you in a little while.”
    Noelle closed her phone and put it back in her purse. She returned to the table and Griffin smiled up at her from his seat. “Looks like I can get you into bed at a decent hour after all. Vincent is up next.”
    She chose to ignore the obvious innuendo and gave him a big smile. She took a swig off the top of the new bottle of beer that had replaced the old one. The group that was singing now was two college girls with a guitar. The song sounded familiar and they weren’t half-bad. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Griffin looking at her with an intensity that put her off.
    “I hope we have some time to talk outside all of this noise.” Noelle once again lifted her voice so he’d hear her. He nodded and watched the girls on stage. She was starting to feel hot. There were too many people in the room, no doubt, and because it was winter, they had the outside doors closed. She was wishing she had picked a table not so much in the middle of the row so she could stand nearer the door. She leaned the cool beer against her forehead that felt better. She had a decent tolerance for alcohol; her body metabolized it pretty fast. With the excitement of the upcoming events of the evening and her nerves, she wanted to make sure she would be clear-headed before she climbed back into the car for the night. So, she downed her beer while it was still cold and decided it was water for the rest of the evening.
    “Want another?” Griffin asked and she shook her head at him. The crowd broke into applause for the two women and then it was Griffin’s friend’s turn.
    The man on stage introduced himself and sat on a stool with his guitar in hand. Noelle was having trouble making out the words. How long had she been here? She looked at her watch. Surely two beers weren’t effecting her this much? The man on stage began playing and she looked over at Griffin. She felt so hot. “I need to get some air.”
    “Just a couple minutes baby,” he called back to her. Since when was she okay with him calling her Baby?
    “I’m sorry Griffin; I’m just too hot I think. I probably should have eaten before coming. I can still listen from the doorway.”
    Griffin looked at her and down at the empty beer bottle in front of her. “You never used to be such a light weight.”
    “I know...” Noelle answered scooting out the chair she was sitting on and pushing herself up to stand. She staggered a little as she gained her feet.
    “Whoa!” Griffin stood and steadied her. “Maybe you're right, you do need some air.” He led her toward the exit with his arm around her waist. “How many beers did you have before I got here?” he asked.
    Noelle looked up at him seeing he was concerned. “You gave me my first one so only two total.”
    “I should take you home,” Griffin stated firmly.
    “No, no, I’m feeling better already.” Noelle shook her head at him. The cold early March air did seem to be helping clear her head a little. She was feeling embarrassed now for making a scene. “I’m sorry; I’m m aking you miss your friend playing.”
    “It’s okay. It was more of an excuse to invite you out. I’ve heard him play before today. Are you sure you are all right? I really feel like I ought to take you home myself instead of let you drive.”
    “Yeah, I’m fine now” even though her head was still swimming. Griffin was rubbing her back in a gesture than was a little too friendly for her comfort. “I think we should talk a bit.”
    “Sure,” Griffin replied, “whatever you need.”
    “Griffin, you know I have always enjoyed your company. You make me laugh and let me be myself which is sometimes hard for me.”
    “I know, I feel the same way about you Noelle,” he interrupted. “I have been thinking