“Wow, that’s a lot.”
She nods eagerly. “So many, I can ride my bike all by myself now!”
I can see now why she has Grayson and Roxy wrapped around her tiny finger. I give her hand a soft squeeze. “Wow, you must be so brave.”
“Yup! Mommy says I’m the bravest girl she knows.”
“You must be pretty special then, aren’t ya?” I reply, squishing my nose in a smile. “You seem like you’re feeling better today too.”
“I’m not sick, silly,” she giggles, tilting her head at me. Roxy gives me a subtle, weary head shake, so I drop it.
“I think my brain got scrambled like eggs from the plane ride,” I reply with a wink.
Grayson watches us closely but doesn’t say a word. From what I’ve gathered, he’s very protective of Nova and her mom. I’m sure he’s just making sure I don’t upset this little girl who is clearly his whole world, but his attention is debilitating.
Nova puffs out her chest, all serious. “I like you. Can we be friends?"
Three simple words from this little girl, and my world flips upside down. I know it’s silly, but hearing someone who is so sure in life say they like me, it’s like a sucker punch to the gut. In just minutes, this little girl has deemed me important enough to be a part of her life.
I let out a shaky laugh. “I would love that, Nova.”
She tugs on my arm, dragging me behind her. “Uncle Gway, can Waisie drop me off at school today too?” she pleads.
“Uhhh…well, I?—”
“Please?” She pins him with Puss and Boots eyes, the green around her eyes growing. He’s a goner.
He looks at me, gauging my reaction. I can’t tell if he’s pleading for help or wants me to come but doesn’t know how I feel about it. Honestly, I’m like a deer in headlights.
Do I want to go with them?
She tugs on his shirt, her bottom lip dramatically pursed. He chuckles uncomfortably, taking off his hat to run his fingers through his long brown locks.
He looks over at me one last time before replacing his hat and grabbing Nova’s hand. “Well, I guess that’s up to your new friend.” His hesitant eyes find mine. “What do you say, Maisie? Care to ride shotgun in my truck to drop this little monster off at school?” He rubs his knuckles on Nova’s head, messing up her perfectly curled pig tails.
She swats at his hand, and then those puppy dog eyes are on me. “Waisie?”
Yup, now I’m a goner. “How could I say no to that adorable face?”
“YAYYYYYYY! ROADTRIP!” she screams, racing towards her stuffy. “Let’s go, Mr. Sparkles Sugarplum Pinky Glitter Bum!”
She jumps into Roxy’s arms, giving her a quick kiss before shuffling down and grabbing my hand to drag me to Grayson’s truck. Roxy winks at me, and Grayson follows closely behind us.
“We’ll be right back,” he shouts to a smiling Roxy, that knowing look back on her face.
“Please, take your time,” she cheers.
What have I gotten myself into?
Research notes: cowboys are pushovers.
grayson
. . .
EIGHT
This is a terrible idea.
