Vinny has been working with Madam Grace for two months now. At first, he was clumsy and all over the place since he didn't have a clue what he was doing, but with Madam Grace's guidance and patience, he was able to learn the ropes.
He has down basic knowledge about some herbs and their uses at the shop, plus coming out to get a job has been a positive impact on his mental health generally. He still gets anxious, but he can at least converse with the customers that come in and out of the shop.
Things were generally looking good for Vinny now, and he would not have it any other way. He wasn't able to find another job to supplement the one he had at the moment, but all in all, he was happy with where he was and how far he had come.
It was another day at the shop; there was oriental music playing in the background, and Vinny thought it helped with the holistic atmosphere of the shop.
He was packing up some herbs to be delivered to a client when he heard the door swing wide open. Madam Grace came in all gung ho and ecstatic, He's coming,' she said while she swayed from side to side as she danced happily. Vinny had gotten used to seeing her eccentricity, but he didn't know what got her all giddy this time. Ma'am, who's coming over? He asked, genuinely confused.
My baby boy, the apple of my eye, my wonderful and handsome grandson,' she said in an almost singsong way. Vinny was surprised to hear that. He had heard about her grandson when she would randomly start talking about how if her grandson were around, this and that would happen, always singing praises about him; she completely adored her grandson, and Vinny felt curious as to why, so hearing the news, he was also excited to see the ever so loved and amazing grandson.
Get the shop ready for me. Vin, my boy, I want the place to look perfect for when my little baby boy comes over. Madam Grace? asked Vinny. Yes, Ma'am,' he replied.
It took about forty five minutes for him to make the shop look as good as it could. He was focused on arranging some display samples according to colour, texture and use. He found peace in doing things like this, and even without the Madam asking, he would have done it anyway. He just couldn't stand looking at things he considered imperfect and not doing anything. While he was getting the samples ready, the store bell rang; out of habit, he said 'welcome' without looking back at the person that came in. Hey,' the voice behind him said. Vinny then paused; he was sure he was hearing things. After all, he had just heard Griffin's voice. Without turning, he continued arranging the samples. Good day, how may I help you? He asked. I'm looking for my grandma; is she in? She goes by Madam Grace. Now Vinny paused completely, the rag in his hand dropping to the floor as he turned around to confirm he wasn't hearing things.
Standing before him was his dream. Griffin. He wore a plain white tee shirt with a pair of baggy cargo pants and a pair of white sneakers, carrying grocery bags in both hands. When his gaze met Vinny's, he dropped both bags to the floor, as if in shock. Then Vinny said in a shaky voice, Griffin?' Griffin came back out of his trance, picked up both his bags and said, Yeah, do you know me?' Vinny couldn't control himself as he went into full on fanboy mode. Oh my Godddd! It's really you. I am such a huge fan. I watch every video you post; I don't miss any. I love watching you so much, Vinny said, not thinking at all. Griffin smiled. 'Thanks. It's always nice meeting a fan.' He grabbed both of Vinny's hands in his and said, 'I really love my fans, especially the gorgeous ones. Vinny at first was confused. He thought he was hearing things. Sorry, what did you say? Vinny asked, Sorry about the sudden physical contact. When I see beautiful people, I can't just control myself.' Vinny cringed so hard he felt like he was going to die. Me? As in meeee? Sorry, thanks for the compliment, but you don't have to lie. Anyway, the Madam is in the back; she has been waiting for you.
Griffin chuckled, clearly amused by Vinny's nervousness. "No lies here, I promise," he said with a wink. "But I'll let you off the hook for now. Let's go see her."
Vinny, still trying to process the fact that Griffin, his favourite influencer, was standing right in front of him, awkwardly nodded and stepped aside to let him pass. "Yeah, of course," he said, his voice still shaky.
As they walked towards the back of the shop, Vinny couldn't help but glance at Griffin from time to time, his heart pounding in his chest. This was really happening. His idol was just a few feet away from him, and he was talking to him.
Madam Grace was humming a cheerful tune, unaware of the two approaching. When she heard the footsteps, she immediately turned around, her face lighting up with pure joy. "Oh, my baby boy!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop Griffin in a tight hug.
Griffin laughed, returning the hug with just as much warmth. "Grandma, it's been too long," he said, pulling back slightly to look at her. "You look great as always."
Vinny watched the interaction, his stomach fluttering. It was clear how much Griffin loved his grandmother, and the bond between them was unmistakable. He felt a strange sense of pride, like he was witnessing something personal and beautiful.
Madam Grace finally turned her attention to Vinny, noticing his wide eyed expression. "Vinny, meet my wonderful grandson, Griffin. Griffin, this is my dear helper, Vinny."
Griffin extended a hand with a smile. "Nice to meet you, Vinny. I've heard a lot about you."
Vinny, still somewhat starstruck, shook his hand awkwardly. "It's... It's really nice to meet you, Griffin. I... I'm sorry, I just... didn't expect this." He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
Griffin chuckled. "Yeah, I get that a lot," he said, his smile warm and genuine. "It's not every day you meet a fan in person."
Vinny blinked, still processing. "I'm not just a fan; I'm... I'm a big fan," he corrected himself, his voice rising in excitement.
Madam Grace, noticing her grandson's playful demeanour with Vinny, grinned knowingly. "Well, I'm glad you two are getting along," she said, guiding them both to a small seating area near the back. "Now, Griffin, tell me everything. How's everything going with the videos and the world domination?" she teased, her eyes sparkling.
Griffin laughed, taking a seat next to her. "You know how it is, Grandma. Just taking over one video at a time."
Vinny felt a little out of place but was too fascinated to leave. He'd always imagined being part of Griffin's world in some way, but now that he was in it, he wasn't sure what to do with himself.
"You're welcome to sit down too, Vinny," Madam Grace added, noticing his hesitation. "No need to stand like a statue."
Vinny nodded, almost too eagerly, and took a seat across from them. "Thanks, Ma'am. I... I'm just happy to be here," he said, a small smile forming on his face.
The shop's doorbell rang, and Vinny excused himself to attend to the customer that just came in.
Griffin watched as Vinny, still slightly flustered, stood up and excused himself to attend to a customer who had just entered the shop. His eyes followed Vinny's movements, the way he awkwardly adjusted his shirt and cleared his throat before walking over to the counter. For a moment, Griffin just sat there, a small smile tugging at his lips.
As his gaze lingered on Vinny, something dark flickered in Griffin's eyes.