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I glance at Piper. She quickly looks down, focusing on measuring the coffee grounds. She’s changed into shorts and a T-shirt, her hair pulled up in a messy bun.
“This isn’t town,” I say as gently as possible.
“Okay. I’ll leave.” Bailey slides off the stool she was sitting on.
I take a step forward. “You don’t have to leave. I’m happy you’re here. I just wanted to make sure Oak Grove’s police department isn’t out searching for you.”
“They don’t expect me back until dinner,” Bailey says.
“Oh.” I’m at a loss for what else to say or do as the coffee maker begins toglug, filling the kitchen with the pleasant aroma of fresh coffee.
It feels wrong to have her here when the adults who are responsible for her have no clue where she is. But I’m glad—shocked but glad—she’s here, and forcing her to leave won’t convey that.
“Bailey’s going to the fair tonight,” Piper says, surprising me. “I was just telling her how much fun it was last night.”
Bailey nods, giving Piper a much more enthusiastic look than any she’s aimed at me. “I’ve never been to a fair before.”
“Maybe you should call your grandparents,” Piper suggests. “Check on what time they’re expecting you home before you head to the fair. And let them know where you are, in case they need to reach you before then.”
“Yeah, okay,” Bailey agrees, adding to my shock.
She slips a pink cell phone out of her pocket—something I did not realize she had since I’ve always called the landline—and wanders toward the stairs with it pressed up to one ear.
“Thank you.” My voice is low and fervent.
Piper smiles as she pours herself some coffee. “I babysat a lot when I was younger. Toddlers and teenagers were always the trickiest. I hope I didn’t overstep.”
“You didn’t. I’mreallyglad you’re here.”
“Well, well, well. Words I never thought I’d hear.” Her smirk turns teasing around the rim of the mug.
Words I wasn’t expecting to say.
And words that have nothing to do with Bailey, if I really think about it, but this isn’t the right time or place to share that sentiment.
I’m not sure that right time or place will ever exist since we were aonetimething.
I walk over, pouring myself a mug of coffee. “Our relationship is…complicated.”
“I gathered, from what you said last night.”
“Nonexistentwould probably be a better descriptor. I just…” I blow out a breath. “I have no idea what to say to a thirteen-year-old.”
“Imagine if she wasfamous.”
I nod slowly, registering her meaning. “You’re right.”
I don’t doubt Bailey is in a similar predicament; it just complicates everything even more. Her showing up here today is the only time she’s given me any signal she’s curious or interested when it comes to me.
“Uh, do you have Ella’s number?” Piper asks.
I raise an eyebrow, but don’t ask why, sliding my phone out of my pocket and scrolling through my Contacts until I find Ella. I hold the phone out to her with the number pulled up.
Piper pats her pocket, then frowns. “Crap. I think I left my phone in my—” She breaks eye contact. “Yourroom.”
“Just use mine.” I hand it to her. “I should check on a couple of things…outside. Can you let Bailey know I’ll be back soon?”
She nods before I walk into the living room.
