“Probably whenever you’re free. She’s going to be over at Grayson’s a lot,” James says. “And even though she told him that she’s going to make him do the night shift on his own, I think she’s going to feel sorry for him—or maybe for Evelyn—and show up really early and end up staying late.”
I nod. “That’s great. I’ll try to get home early tomorrow night so you can introduce us. I’m looking forward to meeting her.”
James smiles. “I think you’re really going to like her.”
Yeah, I think I’m really going to too.
Caroline Bell might just be exactly what we need.
CHAPTER6
Caroline
It’sgood to be home.
I love seeing the world and I’m definitely not done exploring all the universe has to offer, but it’s nice to have grown up in a place like Honeysuckle Harbor. It changes slowly, people are kind and gracious, and the pace is easy. When I come back for a visit, it still feels like home. The town and its people just open their arms back up for me and I love that.
Case in point—the older men who hang out in front of the cafe every day.
It’s my first day babysitting for Evelyn and Grayson was pacing back and forth on the phone. Evelyn couldn’t seem to focus on anything other than the fact that her dad was not holding her. I tried rocking her, distracting her with toys, putting her in the bouncer—thatreallypissed her off—and letting her suck on my T-shirt sleeve. But in the end, it seemed smartest to pop her in the stroller and go for a walk.
Sunshine and hopefully seeing other people and dogs might dazzle her into forgetting she’s not being held by Grayson. That’s my hope, anyway. She may be a baby, but she is a city girl and probably used to lots of stimulating sights and sounds. And maybe a messy apartment that still has the lingering scent of diapers is just trying her patience.
The apartment looks better today, but it’s still a long way from clean and organized.
I’m a little surprised Grayson is letting me just leave with his daughter, but I also suspect he thoroughly vetted me last night via the Honeysuckle Harbor gossip chain, and maybe through a lawyer. That seems like something a wealthy man would do.
So now I’m outside on the sidewalk chatting with the men playing chess, who are all complimenting Evelyn and making faces at her. She’s not crying, but she’s not smiling either.
One of the men playing chess is Fiona and Frannie’s grandfather, so I’ve known him basically my entire life.
“Mr. Anderson, I saw Rose yesterday, but I didn’t realize it was her until it was too late to say anything. She was hot footing it out of Grayson’s apartment.”
He laughs. “Poor Rose. She probably needs to sleep for three days straight after all that babysitting. The word going around is Grayson Ross is a demanding boss.”
Yikes. I already suspected that, but it’s still a little daunting to hear it. Good thing I’m an easygoing person.
“Don’t tell her that. She’s working for the man,” Sam Reed says.
“Well, this is only temporary,” I tell them, pulling the stroller back and forth to soothe Evelyn. “Until he finds a couple of agency nannies.”
“Make sure you find time to have some fun, too, while you’re here,” Walt says.
I laugh. “Don’t worry, I’m here to relax and catch up with family and friends, too. I’m on my way to check out James’s new baby gym right now, actually.”
They all nod.
“Right, right,” Mr. Anderson says. “James and Cas have that cute little guy. We’re having a bit of a baby boom here in Honeysuckle Harbor. Must be something in the water. Be careful, Caroline.”
I know it’s just a joke—something he would say to any single woman—but I still have a few years of exploring ahead of me before I’m ready to settle down and start a family.
But, like I told James, I’m not having sex right now, so I have exactly nothing to worry about.
“Good thing I don’t go in the water,” I say lightly.
I mean that literally and figuratively.
The men laugh and I give them a wave and say, “No cheating at chess, gentlemen.”
