Chapter 50: And You're Stuck With Me

"Ugh!" Indie groaned, flopping next to me on my bed. "The single life sucks!"

I shoved her away with my foot, "Maybe because you aren't single."

She rolled her eyes and sat up. Indie hadn't changed much since she left for college. The only real difference was the short hair. She snipped off a few inches and dyed it a shade lighter. Other than that, she had remained the exact same. It probably had to do with the fact that Indie wasn't good with new people.

She wasn't socially awkward, she just didn't like people in general. They didn't understand her quirks or humor. Indie was more of an acquired taste. She took time to understand, but it was ultimately worth it in the end. Loyalty was her best trait.

"You're telling me!" Kira chimed in.

"Neither of you are single! What are you talking about?"

"Bradley's so boring compared to Griffin!" She sighed. "I wish my boyfriend had some amazing secret. The only thing close to amazing about him is the fact that he's ambidextrous. That's useless now that we mostly type everything now!"

I rolled my eyes. Eventually, I decided to tell them about Griffin. I felt bad keeping that from them. Besides, they'd start to get suspicious. Whenever I went over his house, the location on my phone stopped working instantly. He also had a habit of showing up to my house inhumanely fast.

Of course, Griffin had to help me convince them. It wasn't the most feeling the world seeing him prove himself. Especially after that news he received back in January. However, he said he was fine with it and agreed that it was time they knew. There was no way Griffin knew how much that meant to me. He trusted them enough to tell them.

The only downside was the fact that Griffin being a Reaper always found a way into our conversations. I never thought I'd be tired of talking about Griffin, but I was. There was hardly a single conversation we had now that didn't involve him in some way.

"Julie's in Egypt for the summer, so I have no one," Kira frowned.

I raised an eyebrow, "Why didn't you go with her?"

"I failed two classes last semester, so I'm taking classes this summer to make up for it," She sighed. "I would've loved to ditch you losers for her!"

Together, Indie and I chucked pillows at her.

"Hey!" Kira tried shielding herself.

Just then, I felt my phone vibrate. I chucked one last pillow at her before checking my phone.

Griffy: I have good news and great news.

Me: Well... spill!

Griffy: I have to tell you in person.

Good news: He's dumping you. Great news: I get to keep the Grim Reaper for myself.

I rolled my eyes.

Me: When?

Griffy: Whenever you decide to open the front door.

I shot up, confusing my best friends. A grin spread across my face. I tried biting it back, but it was uncontrollable. Even though I was tired of talking about him, I was always happy to see him. I felt like a dog, always getting excited when a guest comes over. I tried to feel disgusted with myself, but I couldn't help it.

It's Griffin.

I hurried to the front door, opening it as quickly as I could. Griffin stood there, arms crossed. The moment he saw me, his arms were held out. I flew into his arms, pulling him into a tight hug. I felt him kiss the top of my head before pulling away. There was a certain light in his eyes.

"What's the news?"

He smiled, taking my hand, "I've finally figured it all out. I figured out how my life's gonna play out. I'm joining the council!"

I froze.

Griffin had spent the last five months trying to figure out whether he wanted to join his father on the council or not. They were practically obligated to give him time to decide. Grim Reapers aren't created every day. Losing him would be a dumb move.

Both sides of the argument had pros and cons. The biggest con was the fact that he'd work a lot more. Since he had so much free time, we spent a lot of time together. I was beyond spoiled when it came to Griffin's attention. Taking the job would unbound us from each other and he'd be back to working. The thought of Griffin not being able to sense my thoughts was unsettling.

Despite how I felt, it was Griffin's life and his choice. I told him to take as long as he needed to think about it. I told him it was his life and his choice. I told him to choose for himself. I couldn't possibly be upset that he did just that. In a way, I wasn't upset. I was more scared.

The bond between us was a safety net for me.

Zeke was never caught. He was still lurking out there. Griffin constantly told me not to worry, that Zeke knew better than to test him. My problem was that he should've known that before. Dad said Zeke figured it out before all of us, so he shouldn't have tried anything before. Yet he did.

"There's a lot I could change for all Reapers while on the council. And they have to consider my words because of what I am-"

"What's in you," I corrected. "You're still Griffin Ryder."

He smirked, "How could I possibly forget that? You only screamed it a few million times-"

I took a step back, trying to hide my burning cheeks with my hands, "And we're done."

He pulled me close to him, "Anyway, that's not the good news."

"Well, what is it?"

He pulled me in for a long kiss. One that could've lasted forever if I didn't hear cheers erupt from behind me. Kira and Indie were standing there unapologetically. I rolled my eyes, turning back to Griffin. I flipped them off behind my back.

"I would like you to accompany me to the ceremony tomorrow night," He was beaming with pride.

There was no way possible for me to say no to that face, "Of course I'll go! I could use a reason to get out of this house. Now, what's the great news?"

He left a lingering kiss on my lips before whispering in my ear, "You'll have to wait for that part."

With that, he waved to my friends and was off again. I stood there, dazed and confused. Griffin was nothing less than a drug. One that was hopelessly addicted to. He was also super vague when he wanted to be. The mystery always drove me nuts and he knew it. Otherwise, he wouldn't go such great lengths to leave me guessing.

I groaned, turning to face my friends, "What do you wear to a Reaper commencement ceremony?"

Kira grinned widely, "I have no idea about the Reaper part, but I know something that'll give Griffin a hard time. He won't be able to keep his hands off you."

And that was all it took for me to spend the next few hours deciding on a dress. I had to convince them it had to be appropriate. If it were just Griffin and me, there wouldn't be a problem wearing a low-cut dress with my thighs showing. The problem stemmed from the fact that his dad would be there, along with his fellow councilmen.

I was already on thin ice when it came to the council. They were forced to accept me. If not, they'd have the most powerful creature known to them as an enemy. They weren't exactly given a plethora of options. Though, just because they had to accept me doesn't mean they liked me in the slightest.

In fact, they probably hated me more now.

"Mackenzie, you can't show up looking like everyone else there!" Kira pouted.

"I also can't show up without clothes," I rolled my eyes. "You're less helpful than Indie."

"Screw you!" Indie's voice sounded off from across the store.

Kira and I broke into laughter before continuing our mission for the perfect dress. I tried telling her I didn't need a new one. I had plenty of dresses available in my closet, but she insisted. There was no point in trying anymore, but I continued to do so. I never won, but somehow, I hoped I would one day.

Just as I was about to beg to leave again, my hand landed on the perfect dress.

It was a deep red mermaid gown. The moment I saw the size, I was in the dressing room in a heartbeat. I almost cried when it fit. It was off the shoulder but didn't dip too low. The long skirt slightly pooled around my feet. I was completely in love with the dress. So much so that I didn't want to take it off.

Yeah, do that and get arrested for shoplifting.

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. There was nothing she could say or do that would ruin my mood. Not yet at least. The dress was perfect and inexpensive. I had just struck gold.

Kira nodded in approval when I stepped out. Indie let out a low whistle, "You're pretty fucking hot."

I flipped my hair, "Thank you, I know."

Once the dress was paid for, we spent the rest of the day at Indie's house. She set up a movie and made popcorn. Not long after the third movie started, Indie was snoring. I had to shove her away from me seeing as she had started drooling. I heard Kira lightly chuckle and I turned to glare at her.

There was a warm smile on her lips, "I missed you."

"I missed you too, Kira," I smiled back.

She shook her head, "No, I don't mean over the time I was gone. I mean you. I missed my best friend. A year old you were... lost. It's like breaking up with Micah shook your whole world. You're back now and I'm so happy to have you back."

She squeezed me in a bear hug before returning to the movie. Her words swirled around my mind for a while. She was absolutely right. I changed with Micah. Once that ended, I found my footing again. I found the Mackenzie we all know and love.

Truth be told, I missed her too.

-*-

The next morning, I woke up to Kira standing over me with a brush. I groaned, rolling over and chucking a throw pillow behind me. I knew when I didn't hear her move that I missed. She wanted to spend the rest of the day getting me ready for tonight. I, however, preferred to spend the day eating and watching tv.

"The party doesn't start for another six hours," I sighed.

"Mackenzie, it's 2 pm. This is more for you than the party," Indie, who was sitting next to me, chimed in. "You need to shower and brush those chompers."

I rolled my eyes, getting up. I knew she was right, I needed to get up and exist. Admittedly, I wasn't supposed to lie around so long. Thanks to Kira and my sister, I had a busy day ahead. Kira was doing my hair and Lindsay was coming over to do my makeup. I insisted I didn't need an entire makeover, but it did no good.

I spent a while in the shower, washing and conditioning my hair. Besides that, the hot water was always welcome. It was also soothing to the touch. Since Indie's family was rich, the shower was more powerful, adding a massaging effect.

The second I pulled on a shirt and shorts, Kira got started on my hair. She was planning a sleek low ponytail. Halfway through the process, Lindsay arrived with her makeup bag. Andrew was right behind her, already dressed in a suit. He and Lindsay were going too. Lindsay's hair and face were done, but she wasn't dressed yet. I was guessing she was waiting until she was done with me.

"I still don't understand why I need all of this. Griffin's the one joining the council!"

"And you're the one dating him," Lindsay rolled her eyes. "I didn't drag my carry on here for nothing. This makeup bag was pretty annoying too."

Andrew let out a fake laugh before taking a seat on the couch. Once she opened her bag, Lindsay got started on my makeup. Apparently, she wanted me to wear a darker look to match my dress. My eyeshadow was a gold bleeding into a dark red finish. My lips matched that color of red. The rest was mostly gold highlight and black and gold eyeliner. She finished with a setting spray.

Once she and Kira were both done, I rushed to get dressed with Lindsay in tow. They had taken so long, I only had a few more minutes until Griffin showed up. I carefully pulled my dress over my head, making sure not to mess up my look. Lindsay got dressed beside me, wearing a dress more beautiful than mine.

We both observed each other for a moment. She was the first to speak, "Can you believe this is our life? Dating the guys carrying away the dead?"

I smiled, "Not even for a second."

I grabbed my gold clutch purse and dropped my phone in. As I was stepping into my heels, I heard a knock on the door. Lindsay answered it, frowning at the knocker. She took a step back, revealing Griffin. After tossing me a mischievous look, she pushed past Griffin, leaving us alone.

He looked nice in his black suit. The best part was the deep red shirt. I didn't expect us to match because I didn't tell him about my dress. It was supposed to be a surprise. Telling by the look on his face, it still definitely was. He seemed awestruck, which didn't help my rapidly beating heart.

"You look... wow."

I grinned, "You look pretty wow yourself."

He came over and wrapped his arms around me, "I don't hold a candle to you. Not that I ever have."

"How sweet."

He leaned down and claimed my lips. Before he could deepen the kiss, I pulled back. We were already late. This definitely wouldn't help. However, I couldn't help but stop and smirk when I saw that my lipstick had rubbed off on his lips. If we weren't going to a formal event, I'd let it stay there.

I wiped it away with my thumb, "We're never gonna get there at this rate."

His grip on my waist tightened, "That's not a problem."

I removed his hands and took a step back, "Cute, but we really have to go. Andrew said there would be food and there's no way I suffered through hair and makeup for nothing."

He sighed and took my hand, leading me to the front. He made sure to keep an even pace for me. When he returned to our friends, they already had their cameras out. Lindsay and Andrew were posing together. They had a mature look to them. Not only because of their ages but because of their relationship. It had evolved into something more than a simple fling.

They're definitely more mature than you. You have a hanger.

My hand flew up to my nose, realizing she was messing with me.

Ha! You look like an idiot!

I decided to ignore her for the rest of the night. If I was going to have a good time, she couldn't be included. I shook it off and rejoined the group. Kira aimed her camera at Griffin and me. I felt Griffin's hand on the small of my back. He was smiling for the camera, but I could tell it was the last thing he felt like doing.

"This feels suspiciously like prom," He whispered, holding me with both hands for the next picture.

I posed with him, "Let them have their fun."

We posed with Lindsay and Andrew for a few more pictures. Griffin and Andrew weren't exactly friends, but they could stand each other. That was a hundred times better than before. I thought for sure they'd kill each other, but they reconciled and ended their petty feud.

Indie took the last picture before we left. The moment we arrived at the hall, I was amazed. They went all out for Griffin. The Victorian-styled building was lit up with small twinkling lights. Classical music and Reapers flowed from every door. I was suddenly glad my friends convinced me to dress up. I would stick out like a sore thumb if I hadn't. Women and men alike were dressed to impress.

As headed inside, multiple people came up and greeted Griffin. They all carried the same respect for him. Some of them even bothered to greet me. It was flattering. I wasn't even supposed to know about them, yet here I was. I practically lived among them. The younger Reapers were all for it. It was usually the older ones that didn't appreciate me knowing their secrets.

Once we were inside, Lindsay and I shared a look before she dragged Andrew off. We agreed to go our separate ways tonight. It was a night to spend with our dates. When the ceremony started, we'd come back together. For now, we were flying solo.

"There's your dad," I pointed out. "Should we go hi?"

Griffin shook his head, his eyes clouded, "We'll see him after the ceremony."

"Griff, what's up?" I frowned.

He sighed, "All my life, I knew this night would come. I knew it would happen. The thing is, I always imagined taking my seat in between my parents. That seat was taken by Zeke before... well, you know. I just... I guess I didn't realize the reality of the situation. My mom won't be here to present my seat or congratulate me."

I smiled up at him, taking his hand, "I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. She's definitely here tonight. Even if she isn't, she'll present you a better chair and congratulate you a million times over when the time comes."

Slowly, a smile spread across his face. He pulled me into a hug, "How do you know just what to say?"

"Don't I always?" I chuckled.

"Usually," He teased, pulling away. "Thank you."

"Anytime," I took his hand once more. "Now, let's find some food. I'm starving!"

It didn't take long for me to locate the buffet table. It took even less time to pile hors-d'oeuvres on my plate. The table didn't have any real food. It only consisted of small foods and cocktails. I decided on sparkling water for the night. I patiently waited for Griffin to finish making his plate and grabbing a drink before leading him back to our table. I didn't fail to notice how much more food I had than him.

I win!

I bit into the first thing I could get from my plate. It was a croquette filled with some sort of cheese and grilled ham. I couldn't help but moan at the delectable appetizer. Immediately, I felt Griffin's foot nudge mine under the table. He shot me a look of warning.

"What?" I asked, my mouth slightly filled with food. "It's delicious."

"I don't care," The second I saw the look in his darkened eyes, I knew what he meant.

I grinned devilishly before offering him a croquette, "You have to try it."

"I don't-"

"Just try it," I rolled my eyes.

He sighed and leaned forward, taking a bite. He hummed with delight before returning to his food. We carried on like this, having each other try new foods. We managed small talk, but we mostly shared and swapped food. He had some really good appetizers on his plate that I wanted more of. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to grab seconds because the ceremony was starting.

Griffin kissed me quickly before straightening his suit and headed up on the stage. Andrew and Lindsay returned to the table with plates of their own. All it took was a quick glance to find out what they've been up to. Andrew had lipstick smudged on his lips. Lindsay, however, looked as if nothing happened. I almost laughed at the sight.

"Good evening!" A man with a head full of white hair spoke into the microphone. "I would like to start by thanking you all for coming. As you know, the council..."

I zoned out as he droned on about the history of the council. The ceremony reminded me of graduation. A few people were in line to give speeches. I groaned quietly, sliding down in my seat. Andrew chuckled.

"Why didn't anyone tell me it would be a snooze fest?" I whispered.

"It's essentially them giving him a medal and a chair then we eat cake. Would you have come if we had?"

"Duh! I just would've brought a pillow with me."

A few more speeches later, Gram Ryder rose to his feet and received a medal from one of his fellow councilmen. He turned to Griffin with a proud smile. I was tempted to take a picture, but I held off. I didn't want to ruin this moment in any way.

Gram pinned the medal to Griffin suit jacket