The days following Vinny's run in with Lamar were unsettling. Every time he left work he felt like he was being watched. Sure enough Lamar had taken to waiting for him at the park nearby as if hoping to recreate a casual reunion.
At first Vinny tried ignoring him. He kept his head down quickened his steps and muttered excuses about being busy. But Lamar was persistent.
"Vinny" Lamar called out one evening grinning as he stepped into Vinny's path. "Man you always in a rush. Slow down talk to me."
Vinny exhaled sharply. "I really don't have time for this Lamar."
Lamar tilted his head smirking. "Come on don't be like that. I'm just trying to catch up. You look good you know. Didn't think you could get finer but here we are."
Vinny's stomach twisted uncomfortably. He crossed his arms over his chest his voice firmer this time. "I said I don't have time."
"Damn. Cold as ever" Lamar mused hands in his pockets. "Alright I'll leave you alone. For now."
Vinny didn't look back as he walked away.
The shop buzzed with its usual quiet energy. Madam Grace at the counter tending to customers the scent of old wood and fresh herbs lingering in the air.
Griffin was setting up his phone for a Fipfop video. It had become a casual habit of his filming silly skits product showcases or random moments in his grandma's store for his followers. Vinny had gotten used to seeing him propping up his phone on the counter talking animatedly while Vinny tried to mind his business.
"Alright let's do this" Griffin said fixing the angle of his camera. "Just a quick one nothing crazy."
Vinny who had been restocking shelves glanced over curiously but quickly averted his gaze when Griffin caught him looking.
At that moment Madam Grace went into the back of the shop.
"Hey Vinny" Griffin called grinning. "Come be in the video."
Vinny shook his head instantly. "No way."
"Oh come on" Griffin teased. "You're cute. My followers will love you."
Vinny's cheeks flamed. "I I don't think so."
Griffin sighed dramatically. "Fine. Guess I'll just film alone. Boring."
Vinny tried to focus on his work but the sound of Griffin recording pulled his attention. His voice smooth and confident filled the space. When Vinny peeked again he saw Griffin smirking at the camera playing up his charm.
Distracted Vinny stepped backward his foot catching on the edge of a box. He yelped as he stumbled his arm flailing wildly and in the worst timing possible he crashed right into Griffin.
The impact sent them both tumbling to the floor.
Vinny landed on top of Griffin his palms braced against Griffin's chest their faces inches apart. His breath hitched.
Griffin blinked up at him his gaze darkening just slightly. A slow unreadable look passed over his features something almost magnetic. His stare locked Vinny in place making it impossible to look away. It was only when Griffin cleared his throat a subtle shift in his expression that Vinny realized he had been staring.
Flustered Vinny scrambled to move his face burning. Griffin's hands barely brushed his waist steadying him as he got up but there was no teasing remark this time. Just that look lingering before it was gone.
"What in heaven's name is going on here?"
Vinny practically jumped out of Griffin's hold as Madam Grace entered the room eyes narrowing at the sight before her.
"Nothing" Vinny blurted scrambling to his feet.
"Just a little accident" Griffin added smoothly standing up and dusting himself off. "Vinny tripped I caught him. That's all."
Madam Grace eyed them both clearly unconvinced but unwilling to dig further. "Hmph. Well clean up this mess."
Vinny hurried to obey his face still burning. Griffin on the other hand was unreadable his smirk ever present.
For the rest of the week Lamar continued to appear near the shop always finding some excuse to talk to Vinny.
"Hey Vinny."
"Vinny looking good today."
"You still mad at me huh?"
Every time Vinny turned him down. His responses were short firm. But Lamar wasn't deterred.
On Friday as Vinny emerged from the back of the shop Madam Grace stopped him. "Someone's looking for you" she said her tone holding a hint of distrust.
Vinny stepped forward already suspecting who it was. Sure enough Lamar stood near the entrance flashing his easy grin. Griffin standing at the counter watched silently his expression unreadable.
"You again" Vinny muttered exasperated.
Lamar chuckled. "You wound me Vin. Can't I just want to talk?"
Vinny sighed. "What do you want?"
Lamar's expression softened slightly. "Look I know I messed up before. But we had something good once. I was stupid to let it go. I"
"No" Vinny cut him off. "That's in the past Lamar. I've moved on."
Lamar studied him for a long moment then sighed. "Alright. Friends then?"
Vinny hesitated looking at Lamar a voice in his head told him it wouldn't hurt he then nodded slowly. "Friends" he replied.
A grin spread across Lamar's face. "Great. Let me buy you a drink tomorrow. Weekend's here let's catch up."
Vinny opened his mouth to refuse but Lamar gave him that knowing look the one that always broke his defenses.
"Fine" he muttered.
Lamar's grin widened and before Vinny could react he pulled him into a tight embrace. Vinny stiffened caught off guard. By the time he managed to pull back Lamar was already walking away looking entirely too pleased with himself.
Vinny sighed shaking his head as he walked back into the shop.
Griffin was leaning against the counter arms crossed watching him closely.
"What was that about?" Griffin asked.
"Nothing an old friend just wants to hang out tomorrow" Vinny replied.
"You're meeting him tomorrow?" Griffin asked voice deceptively casual.
Vinny swallowed. "Yeah."
Griffin didn't press further. But his carefree expression was for a moment replaced by something darker. Something that appeared and vanished as fast as a gust of wind.