Vinny's eyes fluttered open to an unfamiliar ceiling. The scent of lavender lingered in the air, wrapping around him like a soft haze. The room was neat, too neat. His head pounded as flashes of last night hit him: the bar, Lamar, the drinks… then nothing. His body tensed and he frantically looked around the room when he noticed a clock, it showed it was 12 noon, he had slept for so long. Before panic could take hold, the door creaked open. Griffin stepped in, a shirt which seemed to be his draped on his arm. His eyes landed on Vinny, scanning him carefully before his lips curved into a small, unreadable smile. "Oh, you're up." His voice was smooth, casual, but there was something else beneath it, relief? Satisfaction? Vinny pushed himself up, his muscles stiff. "Where… am I?"
"My place. Guest room," Griffin answered, tossing the shirt onto the bed beside him. "You were in bad shape last night. Figured you'd be safer here." Vinny stared at him, his mind racing. "How, how did you find me?" Griffin's expression darkened slightly. "I was at the bar. Just finished meeting my video editor when I saw you. You looked… off. Then I noticed some guy leading you toward the back rooms. Didn't sit right with me, so I followed." Vinny swallowed. "Lamar." Griffin's jaw tightened. "Yeah? Well, I was about to knock, but the door was open. So I let myself in and saw what was happening."
Vinny shuddered. The air suddenly felt too heavy. "I don't remember much after that," he admitted, his fingers gripping the blanket beneath him. Griffin exhaled sharply. "You don't need to. I got you out of there before it got worse. That's what matters." A tense silence settled between them. Then Griffin clapped his hands lightly, breaking the mood. "Come on. You need food." Vinny hesitated. His mind screamed at him to process everything, but his body betrayed him, the promise of warmth and comfort too enticing. Slowly, he swung his legs over the bed and stood.
The moment they entered the kitchen, a wave of warmth wrapped around Vinny. The scent of fresh ingredients filled the space, and the quiet hum of the stove created a steady rhythm. Griffin rolled up his sleeves and moved effortlessly, his hands working with precision. Vinny watched, entranced. He had always known Griffin was a chef, but seeing him in action, here, just for him, felt different. "You're staring," Griffin remarked without looking up. Vinny's cheeks burned. "I, I'm just surprised you're cooking for me." Griffin smirked, tossing a pinch of salt into the pan. "Gotta make sure you eat. Can't have you passing out again."
Griffin plated the food and handed Vinny a fork, their fingers brushing. "Eat." Vinny took a bite. The flavors burst on his tongue, rich, balanced, perfect. But he barely tasted it. His mind was spinning. His heart was pounding. Because for the first time in a long time, someone had stepped in for him. And that someone was Griffin. Vinny leaned back in his chair, the last bite of food dissolving on his tongue. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until now. The warmth in his stomach did little to quiet the storm in his chest, though. Griffin leaned against the counter, arms crossed, watching him. "Feeling better?"
Vinny nodded. "Yeah… Thanks for this." Griffin smirked. "Don't mention it." He grabbed Vinny's empty plate and set it in the sink, rinsing it off with practiced ease. Then Griffin turned, drying his hands on a towel. "I need to step out for a bit. Shouldn't take long." Vinny tensed. "Where are you going?" Griffin raised a brow. "Just picking up something. You'll be fine here. Just, stay put, okay?" He nodded. "Yeah. Sure." Griffin studied him for a moment longer, then gave a satisfied nod before grabbing his keys. A few minutes later, Vinny heard the front door shut. Silence settled over the house.
I used the last of my cheese cooking that meal, I have to buy more, plus I was already running low on flour, I should just restock, I think I have a list on my phone. Griffin kept voicing his thoughts out as he drove his car down the road. Stopping in front of a store 10 minutes away from his place he got ready to go in when he spotted Vinny's mother. He had seen her from time to time when she would come drop off things Vinny would forget at home for him at the shop since the shop wasn't that far from their home. He gazed at her for a while, she then turned to face him. Recognising him instantly she ran over.
She had seen him as well at the shop and with the way he and Vinny acted around each other seemed quite close. She asked Vinny who he was, he had explained that he was his boss's grandson. Running over, panic all over her face, with tears in her eyes. Please sir, I'm Vinny's mother. Yes I know ma'am what's wrong? Are you okay? Griffin asked. Please have you seen Vinny? I know you guys are close at the shop, do you by chance know where he is? He has been missing since last night. He said he was going to see a friend he went to the university with, he has been missing since then. I and my daughter have been looking for him all morning. Have you tried calling his number? Griffin asked looking worried.
That was the first thing we did! She shouted in frustration, she calmed herself down and then continued, sorry for that, we have been doing that since last night since he didn't come home like he was meant to. It's okay, I can't even begin to imagine what it is you are going through. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I only saw him last at work when someone he called a friend had come over to see him. I remember clearly he said he was going to meet up with him. Do you know the person? Have you spoken to him by chance? Is there a chance you know where I can find him? She said hoping this would lead to something tangible. Yeah he lives close by, I think he just moved in at least that's what Vinny told me. Griffin said. I've actually seen the building he goes into when I come to the shop it's just a few meters away from the shop, like a 10 minute walk. Barbara's eyes sparkled with slight hope as she begged Griffin to take her there. Griffin immediately agreed and took her with him in his car to Lamar's place.