“Yeah. You’re so quick to tell me to give Cameron a chance and ski, of all insane things, but I never hear you talk about anyone.”
“Because I’m a single mom of a ten-year-old, Nic. And I’m married to my business. Also, I live with my geriatric grandfather. Can you imagine if I invited someone in for a nightcap? They’d end up playing Monopoly with Red.”
Nicole snorted. “Not only would they lose, they’d be subjected to his opinions on everything. But,”—she pointed at Gracie—“there are worse ways to spend an evening and the right guy would know that.”
Gracie shrugged, her dark amber gaze distant as she looked away.
“Why not?” Nicole pressed. “I mean, if I can ski, you can date.”
She shook her head. “I have a kid who needs me and a business that consumes me, and by the end of the day I want pajamas and theGreat British Baking Show, not a meet-cute. I mean, I could, but I’d rather not.”
“Do you know who you sound like?”
“Someone who knows what they want?”
“You sound exactly like Benny when you ask him to make friends. ‘I could but I’d rather not,’” Nicole mimicked Benny perfectly.
Gracie cracked up. “Well, that’s humbling. And so true I could scream. Genes are strong, I guess.”
“If you want him to make a friend that much, maybe he feels the same way about you having a man in your life.”
“He’sten,” Gracie insisted.
“He’sBenny,” Nicole shot back. “Ten going on fifty-three with a brain that works overtime. Don’t you think his feelings are as advanced as his IQ? Don’t you think he’d love a role model who wasn’t born during World War Two?”
“Of course I do,” Gracie admitted with a sigh. “The deadly guy? He was another parent at camp.”
“Oh, so married.”
She smiled. “Actually, he referred to himself as a single dad.”
“Mmm? Hopeful. More details, please.”
“His name is Marshall with a little spitfire of a daughter who gave Benny a run for his money in the brains and ’tude department, and he likes my cream puffs.”
Nicole raised a brow. “Are you sure that’s not a euphemism for something else?”
Gracie chuckled. “He saw the logo on my van and they usually are the first thing everyone mentions. They’re not nearly as good as my Linzer tarts, but cream puffs get all the PR.”
“So, he’s single, cute, and has good taste in pastries. What are you waiting for?”
“Um…Benny to go to college?” she said on a laugh. “No, seriously, I’m not the outgoing person you are, Nic. And this guy was a tad out of my league, if I’m being honest.”
“Out of yourleague?” Nicole drew back. “Are you kidding? You are gorgeous and own this amazing business and are the best mother. He’d be so lucky to take you out.” Nicole reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “I’m serious.”
“Thanks.” Gracie looked around again. “Maybe I’ll take him a cream puff at the end of camp.”
“Or tomorrow.”
“Don’t rush me.” Gracie smiled as Nicole’s phone buzzed again. “Is that him?”
She glanced down. “Yep. He says, ‘Promise I’ll explain tomorrow. Wasn’t trying to be rude. Can’t wait to tackle every double black D. JK!’”
Gracie pointed at her. “Ilikea man with a sense of humor,” she said. “Plus, he obviously is telling you he respects your fears and he’s wallowing in guilt for what he did.”
“You gotallthat out of one text?”
Gracie laughed. “So, you’re going skiing with a cute boy.”
