Lovers' Maehem

Chapter 42

Griffin

October 9th, 2180

3:15pm

I think everything went well with my Dad last night, but we still haven't gotten a call. I know that could mean something good, and he brought it to the board to review, but it could also mean he's just stalling to give us bad news. I've been trying to stay positive for Mae's sake, but it's hard. She emailed Dak today from the library server we hacked into, but still no response. Just one more thing to add to the stress list. Luckily 3 days from now, Mae could be up and moving on crutches, but it's not like we can really do anything without backup or approval from the board, or at least Dad.

"How about a game of Monopoly?" Mack offers. She's spent pretty much every day here, and sometimes I can't tell if it's for me or Mae. I really appreciate that those two are becoming friends. I could tell sometimes that Mae missed her sisters and needed that kind of friend. After she's better the two of them have lots of plans.

"Sure," Mae says, attempting to put a smile on her face. "I'll be the dog." With that we play a game of Monopoly where we all get way over engaged since we are all very competitive.

"I 100% won that!" I tell them, "I have the most properties!"

"Yeah, but I have the most money! That's how you win the game!" Mae responds, her matter of fact voice taking over.

"I'm the banker so technically I have the most money!" Mack chimes in, knowing very well she didn't win. This debate continues until my phone lights up. I look at Mae hesitantly and slowly pick it up after 4 rings.

"Griffin Colton speaking," I say, despite knowing who it is.
"Mr. Colton," my Dad's voice booms. I turn the phone on speaker. "I'm here along with the Colton organization board, is Ms... is Maeve present?"

"I'm here sir," she says. I laugh at the 'sir'.

"Good," he says, "well, the board and I have reviewed your proposal thoroughly, and with several changes we think it is a great proposal." My dad continues talking, basically saying the same thing, but Mae, Mack and I are quietly celebrating. "We will send a representative of the board down to Miami to discuss changes and begin the process. A team will be sent down with him, and we will send that team to wherever you find the Blakes. Does this all work for you?"

"Yes," I say, "thank you so much for this opportunity, we won't let you down." With that we hang up and Mae immediately shrieks with happiness.

"We did it!" she exclaims, "it was approved! We get to do this! Track them down!" She grabs my shirt and pulls me in for a kiss.

"Ok, ok," Mack interrupts, "keep it PG!" I smile at Mae as our lips separate. "I'll go grab some champagne from downstairs..." she says, as Mae and I's faces stay only inches apart.

"We're going to take them down," Mae whispers, "for good."

That night we celebrate. I can tell Mae's still anxious about Dakota's response, but she tries not to show it. The next day, Mack hangs out with Mae while I go meet Cassie. I only have an hour since Dad's crew he sent out will be here in 2 hours, and we need prep time. As I unlock the Air bnb, Cassie doesn't even bother to get out of her bed.

"I assume you aren't here to let me leave," she says, her voice muffled by a pillow. I sit on the chair across the room from her.

"No, but I brought you Thai food from your favourite place down the street," I toss it onto her bed. She opens the bag and starts to eat.

"Don't expect me to share with you," she says, "you're basically holding me prisoner." I ignore her comment. She knows very well this is for her own safety, and she only has to spend a few more days here.