Page 59 of Shattered Hearts

She lets out a small giggle, crossing her arms and leaning against the door frame “I like her.”

“Me too. I think she’ll fit in nicely.”

“Better than Raymond last week.”

My face scrunches when I think back to the guy who came in and almost broke the oven while assessing it. He was a little too forward, and I could just tell from his personality that he would be bossy.

I nod. “Good move not hiring him.”

“Tell me about it,” Macie breathes out. “Speaking of Grayson, you two were looking close the other night at Afterhours.”

“We danced, that was all,” I answer bluntly, fiddling with some papers to keep myself busy.

Macie chuckles. “Don’t think I didn’t see how you were looking at each other, and he got you your own plate of chips.”

I smile, “It’s because I’m pregnant, and if my baby wants chips, then everyone else can back off.”

“Feisty.”

I give a small nod. “I am when I want to be.” I take some bills off my desk to pay before peering at Macie. “Do you think Grayson might feel something for me that’s more than friends?”

“I mean, he’d be stupid not to. You’re hot, smart, and hard working. What’s not to love?”

“Maybe the fact that I’m having someone else’s baby?” I point out.

Macie hums, neither agreeing nor denying, and it makes my gut clench. Why would he want me now? I feel used and now have a baby. He’d be better off staying my friend than getting caught up in all of this.

“I reckon pizza,” Delly says, sitting on the couch beside Macie.

“Pizza is always a good choice,” adds Sadie, who is patting Freddie lying between us like the lazy thing he is.

I take my phone and grab the menu off the coffee table. “What toppings are we thinking?”

“Hawaiian,” Macie answers at the same time Delly says, “Meatlovers.”

“Can I have vegetarian?” Sadie asks.

“Oh, shoot, I forgot you don’t eat meat,” Macie mutters. She smiles at me. “How about one meatlovers, and one vegetarian to share?”

I find the local pizza shop’s number and call them, placing the order for delivery. “Thank you, Charlie!” I chirp before hanging up. “It will be about twenty minutes.”

“Sweet. Should we make some mocktails?” Macie chimes, jumping off the couch.

My parents walk into the living room dressed up.

I grin at them. “Where are you both going?”

“Your dad is taking me to a paint and sip. They’ve just opened one in Hollow Grove, and we want to give it a try. I hope we paint something fun,” Mum says happily, pulling on her coat.

Dad helps her before slipping his own on and handing her a scarf. “It’s meant to be good. Darline and Jerry went a few weeks ago. We’re meeting them there in an hour.”

“Will you get something to eat after?” I ask, giving Freddie a scratch under his chin. He purrs calmly.

“It’s Saturday night, so they’ll have food trucks at the park. We might stop there. Will you girls be all right here?” Dad questions, grabbing his wallet and keys off the bench.

Mum fluffs her hair and buttons up her coat. “Levi, they’ll be fine. They’re getting pizza and watching movies.”

“Sounds delicious. Maybe they’ll have a pizza truck at the park?”