Six Days: Book One in the SIX Series Read online

  “Hey Addie,” Johnny said, putting an arm around my shoulders, interrupting my thoughts. “I’m really glad you came tonight. Everyone has been hearing so much about you from Mallory, so I’m glad you were able to come and meet some people. Are you loving it so far?”

  “Of course,” I mused, hoping he hadn’t noticed my flush cheeks.

  “You look really nice tonight. Have you met everyone?” he asked, nodding towards the main room.

  “Um, well, a few people here and there I guess. Seems like everyone here knows each other pretty well,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. I felt a little awkward and out of place.

  “Well, I’ll give you the rundown. We mostly all know each other from school,” Johnny said, leading me from the open kitchen into the living room. “I think you already met Stephanie and Tyler at the shop earlier this week,” he said pointing, “and this is Mo and Carrie. They’re some old friends from college but they live in San Francisco now. They’re just visiting.” The two strangers nodded at me politely and then resumed their conversation with each other. “Then you know Meg and Steve already, and that’s Griffin over there.” Johnny pointed to the handsome guy still on the phone, the guy I had been eyeing just moments earlier. “It’s a good group of people. I think you’ll fit right in, if you’ll have us,” Johnny said, giving my shoulder a squeeze.

  “Everyone seems really nice so far. And obviously Mallory is so great, she’s really taken me in. It’s no wonder she has such great friends,” I replied.

  The front door opened to a guy with short reddish-brown hair and a big smile. “Mike!” Johnny yelled across the room, leaving me to make his way over to the door. “He’s an old roommate of mine. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him,” Johnny said over his shoulder while walking towards the door to embrace his friend.

  All of these names started blending together, and I knew I would never remember them all if someone asked me to reference them later. I glanced around the room and noticed everyone was talking to someone. Well, everyone but me. I just stood there, uncomfortably swirling the rest of my wine. Feeling the need for some fresh air, and more importantly, the need to feel less like a loser standing by myself at this party full of close-knit friends, I slipped out the back door onto a beautiful stone-lined terrace. The softly lit lights strung overhead reminded me of a garden party you would see on a blog somewhere. The air was still, and although crisp, it was a perfect night without a cloud in the sky.

  “So, the prettiest girl at the party is outside all alone, huh?” The low voice came from behind me, startling me, making me drop my wine glass. It shattered on the patio stone beneath my feet.

  I turned around and gasped slightly as I locked eyes with the handsome grey-blue eyes staring directly into mine. “I, uh, damn, I…” my voice trailed off, torn between being locked in his gaze and knowing I had shards of glass all over my feet.

  “I am so sorry, my name is Griffin. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said apologetically.

  “Oh no, I, I just thought I was out here alone,” I replied, bending down to pick up some of the large pieces of glass around my feet.

  “Oh don’t, you’ll cut yourself. Let me get a broom,” he said stoically. He turned to leave, and then paused. “Tell me your name first,” Griffin added, his mouth turning up into a smile.

  “Adelaide. Well, people usually call me Addie,” I replied, trying not to blush any more than I already was.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Adelaide. I’m really sorry about scaring you. Wait here, I’ll be right back. Don’t move. I don’t want you to get hurt,” he said, turning and walking quickly back into the apartment.

  I looked down at the strappy heels I borrowed from Mallory. “Thanks for the sensible shoes, Mal,” I uttered under my breath.

  Within a minute, Griffin had returned with a broom and a dust pan. His arms and chest looked strong in the fitted white button down shirt he wore, and the dark loose fitting jeans made him look relaxed. Oh crap, I’m staring at him. I bent down to help clean up the mess.

  “Adelaide, I’ve got it, really. I don’t want you to get hurt,” Griffin said, gently shuffling me over a bit. He bent down to clean up the glass. “So why are you out here by yourself? Are my friends dull and unimpressive?” he asked with a smirk.

  “Oh no,” I replied, shaking my head. “Not at all, they’re all really nice. I just needed a little fresh air. What about you?”

  “It’s just been a long day. I was actually going to sit out here for a bit and listen to some music. I really love this patio,” Griffin responded, pulling an iPod out of his pocket. “Damien Rice?” he asked, looking at me quizzically.

  “What? Who?” I asked, my face furrowed with confusion.

  “Alright, so we don’t have the same taste in music. I don’t know if things are going to work out between us,” Griffin said grinning. “Here, listen,” he held one of his headphone earpieces up to my ear. I listened for a minute.

  “So what do you think? Terrible? You love it? You could make it work for you?” Griffin asked, removing the ear piece from my ear. He stared directly into my eyes.

  “It’s soothing. It’s really nice, actually. I can see how that would be nice to listen to out here alone, under the lights,” I replied. I couldn’t help but look back at his face.

  “What do you like listening to?” Griffin asked, shoving a hand in his pocket. “Think very carefully about that before you answer. If you start rattling off some young pop starlets who are all audio processed, I am going back inside immediately.” He smiled a boyish grin.

  “Honestly, I’m a little out of the current music scene, unfortunately. The last guy I was with, for too long I should add, liked classical music, which I appreciated but never really liked. And then growing up, one of my dads, I’ll explain that comment some other time, he always had on James Taylor, John Denver, that kind of thing. So I kind of came to like that music. I probably need a good music lesson though, I suppose,” I said rambling, surprised to see Griffin still staring at me intently.

  “Apparently, geez. John Denver, really? You need some work,” Griffin said, smiling back at me. “What’s the last concert you went to? Anything this decade?” he smirked, leaning against the stone railing around the patio.

  “Do symphonies count? I don’t know that I’ve ever been to an actual concert. Is that weird?” I replied, cocking my head.

  “Oh no, what are we going to do with you? Never?” he said, exasperated. I shook my head.

  “I grew up in a small town. I guess I didn’t really get out much,” I replied, wishing I still had a glass in my hand to sip on. “By the time I went to school I was more of a book worm I guess, plus with all the classical music around me, I just kind of preferred silence otherwise. Wow, I guess I really haven’t gotten out much. That’s how I ended up moving out here, actually. Looking for a little more adventure, I guess,” I smiled shyly.

  “Well, I think this place will work out for you, Adelaide,” Griffin said, taking a step closer to me. “I’m glad you’ve met the whole crew. I think you’re going to fit in nicely. I bet I can find some adventure for you.” Griffin’s eyes stared at me intently. “Pretty night, huh?”

  I glanced up at the night sky, taking in all the stars overhead. Griffin took another step closer to me, and I wasn’t sure if the shiver I felt was the chill in the air or his proximity to me. He smelled amazing.

  “Are you cold? I can get you a jacket or a sweatshirt or something,” Griffin said genuinely, resting his hand on my arm. My skin prickled, and I smiled up at him.

  “So I see you’ve met Addie,” a loud voice said, walking towards the patio. It was Steve. Griffin took a step back and nodded. “A pretty little addition to the group, don’t you think?” Steve asked, winking at me.

  Damn. The site of them together was almost too much. They had such contrasting looks. Steve had such blonde hair and light eyes. He looked like summer, which made me smile. Griffin on the other hand was more dark and
mysterious, but the light in his eyes softened him. I could have stared at them both for a long, long time.

  “What are you guys all doing out here?” Mallory cut in, joining us out on the patio. “It’s a little cold out here, don’t you guys want to come back inside?” She looked at us all in confusion, as if she just realized she walked into our conversation at in inappropriate time. “They’re not giving you a hard time, are they Addie? Why is there a broom out here?” Mallory asked, clearly confused as to why we were all gathered out on the patio.

  “Oh, Addie threw her wine glass at me. It was in self defense though, apparently I scared her when I came out for fresh air,” Griffin said, winking at me. I laughed.

  “Don’t let them bother you, Addie. They’re harmless. Let’s go back in,” Mallory replied, grabbing my arm, leading me towards the apartment.

  Griffin grabbed the broom and we all followed Mallory back inside. As I stepped over the door jam, I felt a hand on the small of my back, but I felt too flush to turn around to see if it was Steve or Griffin.

  “I’m going to pull out the cake,” Mallory said, heading into the kitchen.

  Within two minutes Mallory reappeared, holding a cake with a single lit candle. She walked towards the center of the room and I was confused for a moment. Everyone broke into an off-key rendition of ‘Happy Birthday,’ and Johnny blew out the flame. I looked around the room and noticed quite a few people had left already. Apparently they had other events to head out to that night, and the room felt a little more comfortable with less people. There were still about ten people lingering around, and I was glad to be amongst a smaller group. A couple people handed Johnny liquor bottles tied with bows.

  “Mallory, you never told me it was a birthday party! I feel so bad, I came empty handed,” I said, shooting Johnny a sympathetic glance. “I’m sorry Johnny, I didn’t know,” I said embarrassed, punching Mallory in the arm. Johnny had been so sweet to me in the past two weeks, stopping by the bakery to see how we were doing, complimenting me on my progress. No one ever mentioned it was his birthday.

  “Your gift to me can be coming on our annual camping trip in a few weeks, how about that? Kate’s gone, and we need an even number,” Johnny said, looking around the room. “I guess I should get the group’s approval on that, but I’m inviting you,” Johnny said beaming. He opened up one of the liquor bottles he was handed and took a sip, though his face soured quickly after.

  “I agree,” Megan chimed in. “Addie should come camping with us,” she added, holding up her wine glass. The others nodded in agreement.

  “Camping? Like, in a tent?” I replied, feeling a little nervous with everyone staring at me. “Do I have to own a tent?”

  “We’ve got it all covered, Addie. We go every year,” Griffin answered, shoving his hands in his pockets. “You just show up,” he added, smiling.

  “Oh, okay, camping,” I replied nervously. “You guys are great, thank you for including me. I’m really glad I met all of you.” My eyes locked on Griffin’s. He nodded in agreement. Everyone who had a glass clinked them, and the party continued.

  A few more people stopped by the party here and there, and although I was introduced to all of them, I still had no recollection as to who was who. It was nice seeing all of these people together though, people who had clearly known each other for years. I loved how they still enjoyed each others’ company after knowing one another for so long. It was a very comforting feeling to me. At the same time though, I felt awkward at best for intruding on a birthday party when clearly I was disconnected from all of these people. They were all so genuine though, so I certainly hoped I would get to know all of them better.

  Sometime around midnight, Mallory grabbed me by the arm. “Hey, are you ready to head out? We’ve got that party delivery tomorrow afternoon, so I kind of wanted to get to the shop early tomorrow to get started, if that’s okay.”

  “Only if I can drive your car back, you seem a little giggly tonight,” I replied. Mallory cocked her head back and laughed.

  “I’m sorry Addie, are you sure you don’t mind? That wine was so good. I just didn’t realize it was getting so late,” her voice trailed off as she let go of my arm to say a few good-byes.

  Steve wrapped me in a bear hug and kissed the top of my head, leading me to believe he had quite a bit to drink. “I’m glad you came tonight, Addie.” His shirt was soft against my face, but his body felt strong pressed up against mine.

  “You’re going to have fun camping in a few weeks, I promise,” Johnny added, pulling me in for a hug as soon as Steve let go. Megan hugged me the longest, drunkenly rambling about how she was so excited we could all be best friends and something about how she also liked my cupcakes almost as much as Mallory’s. I really had no clue what she was saying, but she seemed genuine as she spoke, so I nodded and smiled.

  I politely said my ‘good-byes’ and ‘nice to meet yous’ to the other guests as we made our way towards the door. As we were leaving, Griffin appeared out of the hallway and grabbed Mallory in a tight hug. “Leaving already?” he asked with his perfect grin. I could see his muscles flex under his form fitting shirt and I felt a chill run through my body.

  “Yeah, we’ve got an early morning at the shop,” Mallory replied, releasing him.

  “Maybe I’ll stop by tomorrow then? To see how it’s going?” Griffin said with a small shrug. He looked at me with his piercing eyes. “It was really nice to meet you, Adelaide,” he said, swiftly kissing my right cheek. “It’s been an adventure already,” he added, taking a step back.

  Mallory led us out to her car, handing over her keys to me. I smiled, happy to have been coerced into coming to the party. On the drive home Mallory was rambling excitedly about something, though I hardly paid attention. My mind drifted to thoughts of Griffin, wondering if I would in fact see him tomorrow. The thought of it made me smile, though I cursed myself at the same time. I knew these types of thoughts were the wrong ones to have for a girl who just ran away from the last handsome man who looked at her that way.

  Chapter 4

  The next morning I arrived at the shop at seven o’clock as I had promised, and Mallory was already there pulling out mixers and thumbing through orders. I could tell Mallory felt sluggish, but we both had a very productive morning making cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and a giant sheet cake for a birthday party delivery later that afternoon.

  “So this camping trip,” I began as we started mixing frosting, “what is that all about?”

  “Oh, we’ve done it every year since we were nineteen, kind of an annual tradition I guess you could say,” Mallory replied, smiling. “We do this thing, I’m trying to think how to explain it.” She paused, deep in thought. “Back when we were younger, you know, that age when you’re technically an adult, but yet your parents are still kind of telling you what to do,” she stated, looking at me for understanding, so I nodded. I still had yet to really explain all the years of foster homes I had gone through to Mallory. “So,” she continued, “we kind of just decided that summer that we would do this 'thing.' It came up during a round of truth or dare, actually. We all knew each other too well, so the ‘truths’ weren’t really an option since there wasn’t much else to know about each other. So we all ended up “daring” each other to do something, like, with our lives. Something motivating. Something maybe good for us, but not necessarily what our parents were nagging us about, you know?”

  “Like what kinds of things? What were some of the dares? What was yours?” I asked, trying to understand what she was saying.

  “Well, I always wanted to travel, right? I was obsessed with France in high school. So, Meg dared me to go. The next semester I studied abroad in Paris and it absolutely changed me,” Mallory said, shaking her head. “So we just all made it into an annual tradition. Every year we draw names out of a box and you have to dare that person to do something. Maybe it’s something you know they’ve been contemplating but they haven’t done anything about, that type of thin
g. It’s usually something kind of inspiring, just to push us all into being better people, or whatever.” Mallory went back to mixing up the frosting.

  “So what were some of the other dares then?” I asked. It seemed like an interesting concept, though unusual.

  “Well, Meg was frustrated with college so one summer one of the guys dared her to try her hand at cosmetology school, since she always loved that kind of thing,” Mallory smiled, thinking of the memory. “She only made it two months I think. She actually burned off a chunk of someone’s hair with an iron that was too hot,” Mallory said, laughing, which made me laugh too. “So it’s not to say that all these dares worked out by any means. But still, I know Meg was at least glad that she gave it a shot, you know?”

  Throughout the rest of the morning we talked about some of the other dares that had come up over the years. Johnny joined the Peace Corps one year, which his parents really freaked out over. Griffin moved to Los Angeles for a short stint to get away from his father, which also failed. Mallory, last year, was dared to finally open her own official bakery. Her friends knew she loved baking so much, so she was finally dared to try and make some actual money doing it. Mallory explained that you had to complete the dare in order to pull your name out of the box. You essentially had a year to do whatever was dared of you, since it had to be completed by the following year’s camping trip. Knowing that your friends thought the dare would be in your best interest made them easier to jump into. The dares made the group feel even more connected over time, even when they didn’t work out as expected, so they continued to do it year after year.

  As the afternoon came and went my mind wandered to thoughts of Griffin, wondering why he hadn’t stopped by the shop as he had suggested. I guessed maybe he got caught up in work, but then it dawned on me that I didn’t even know what he did for a living.