Chapter Text
Finally, the office was complete. Four rooms down and one more to go. A pile of empty cardboard boxes sat in the middle of the living room. That was going to be a pain to take apart and haul outside. But he chose not to worry about that right now. A few boxes still needed to be unloaded for his bedroom as well, but he would cross that bridge once he got to it. This apartment was starting to feel more like home with each passing day.
Garrett Griffin was told that Japanese wasn't a lucrative language and he wouldn't go far with it. Well, he would soon get the last laugh as he would eventually get a promotion and relocated to the city of Carlisle. So far, it was a large step up compared to his home town of Rivermouth. The people are friendly, crime rates were low, and he could walk to most places just to name a few reasons. He didn't meet any of his neighbors yet, but they weren't noisy so they didn't have any reason to be on his bad side. Yet.
Garrett picked up his phone and saw that his cousin was trying to video call him. He pressed accept and faced the camera towards his face.
"Hey, Sadie."
"Hey, Gary!" Sadie greeted. "Just wanted to check in on you. How are you settling into your new place, hon?"
Garrett rolled his eyes. She was lucky that she was the only one that was allowed to call him that.
"It's going good so far. Lots of stuff to do and no annoying Karens. I think I'm really gonna like it here." Garrett replied as he sat down on the couch.
"Well, good!" Sadie smiled. "Now that you're in a better place, maybe you'll consider getting back on the saddle?"
Garrett's smile slowly faded. "Nah, I think I'm just gonna lay low."
"Oh, come on Gary." Sadie gave a little whine. "The world is your oyster now! You can't let Rivermouth live rent free in your head forever."
"You know I can't do that." He shook his head.
Sadie sighed. "You know, at some point you're gonna have to let some new people in."
"I have you and Jordan. As far as I'm concerned, that's all I need." Garrett replied.
"You're a real stubborn man, you know that right?"
"And yet you're stuck to me like glue."
"True." Sadie shrugged. "But still, you can't just rely on us forever."
"I dunno, I've managed to do just fine doing that."
"Alright. But promise me you'll at least try to make one friend over there. Capiche?"
"Caposh." Garrett nodded.
"Good." Sadie smiled. "Oop! Gotta go. Baby just woke up. See ya!"
"See ya."
The call then ended.
Part of him knew that Sadie was right. He couldn't isolate himself from the rest of the world. It was impractical. But a bigger part of him couldn't let himself be vulnerable again. He's learned that lesson one too many times. Being open didn't get him anywhere at school. It didn't get him anywhere with his family. It didn't even get him anywhere at his old job. Garrett was convinced that the only reason they promoted him to the Carlisle office was to get rid of him. Not that he was complaining, though. The feeling was more than mutual by that point.
A little meow took him out of his thoughts. Garrett pet his cat Sasha as she curled up into his lap. He couldn't forget about her, of course. Got her from a shelter when she was a kitten. She's like a daughter to him. He was more than thankful when he found out this complex was pet friendly.
In the end, he was happy with those he kept close. He didn't need anyone else. Rivermouth reassured him of that. Garrett turned on the television and put on a random show for background noise. A little break was well deserved.
The next day, Garrett was at his desk doing some correspondence at work. An important client from Japan was interested in collaborating with a small business in Carlisle. It was up to him to make sure that the client's message and intent came through clearly to the shop owners.
It wasn't long before one of his coworkers tried to spark up a conversation with him.
"Hi, Garrett."
"Hi." He acknowledged her presence with a nod.
Britney leaned forward. "You know, Paula's really into you."
Garrett raised a brow. "Really now?"
How could he not take notice? She had all the subtlety of a car crash.
"Of course! You don't notice how she looks at you like you're a Greek god reincarnated?" Britney was surprised.
"Guess I never really noticed." Garrett shrugged as he continued to type.
"Well, Paula and I are going out Saturday with Colby. We, well more she, was hoping that you would tag along." Britney explained the reason for why she was there. "Make it, like, a double date."
"Sorry, I don't drink."
That was true.
"That's too bad." Britney sighed. "Well, how about the movies or a restaurant instead?"
Garrett could see where this was going, so he decided to just cut to the chase.
"No offense, but Paula's not exactly my type."
"Huh? Why not?"
"Well... I'm not really into blondes."
That was half true.
"Hmph, men." Britney rolled her eyes before walking away.
Thank God that was over.
He didn't really care if people saw him as an asshole bachelor. It was better than people finding out what the real deal was all over again. If those two knew, their clinginess would only escalate. Then they'd have their own gay best friend to flaunt around and treat like a purse puppy. The thought of holding that title with them made him gag.
He found himself interrupted shortly after once more, this time by Matt.
"Hey, so me and some of the other guys were planning to go watch the game at Fletcher's. Wanna come?"
What was it with everyone trying to socialize with him today? At least he would be among other men. That made him feel slightly better.
"I'll think about it." Garrett gave him a small smile and a nod.
"Awesome." Matt gave him a firm pat on the back before leaving him alone.
He felt a shiver roll down his spine when Matt touched him. He was good about keeping his cool with the same sex, but there were times that he worried about his true self coming through. Would they notice? Could they notice? For Garrett, it was best to not take that chance.
At least Sadie would appreciate the small step forward.