She gave an indignant huff."Youknowwhat I mean.You have to be made of something different because you're a Flying One.The sky stretches you out.That's what Lady Darling said.She said all the Flying Ones are tall because the sky stretches you out."
Ollie had to laugh.He could just picture Becca's mom, Darlene, telling Zia that.
"Well, that one's a secret even to me," he said, "but if I figure it out, I'll let you know."
Zia's arms dangled at her sides as she stared at him.The kid was a trip, and Ollie could totally see why Reaves had fallen so hard for her.
"Do you know my Grandpa Grape?"she asked.
"I do."Ollie had no idea how her little mind had jumped there.He was just grateful that he was able to keep up, so far.
"He's going to call and read me bedtime stories over the phone.Isn't that wonderful?Isn't that kind of him?"
"It is," Ollie agreed."Your Grandpa Grape is a very kind gentleman."
"Oh, I know," said Zia.She glanced at Alara."You like him too, don't you, Mom?"
"I do.I like everyone we met at the Jacobs estate."
"I know, but you liked Prince Daddy and Grandpa Grape the most, didn't you?"Zia insisted.
Ollie happily noted that Alara looked a little embarrassed.He'd be glad to report that back to Reaves.
Zia tapped on his knee."You came to Grandpa Grape's castle, didn't you, when I went there and met the sunflowers?"
"I did," he agreed."You already know that Reaves is my—" He corrected himself on her behalf."That Prince Daddy is my best friend.I go over to see them quite a lot."
Zia let out a big sigh — a sigh so dramatic that her shoulders rose and fell."You're so lucky.I wish I could go and see them whenever I like."
Ollie glanced at Alara, feeling bad for her.Whether Zia was saying it to make a point that she didn't want to leave Napa, or simply because she genuinely wished she could see more of Reaves and his dad Charles, he didn't know.But either way, he didn't want Alara to feel bad.
He touched the tip of Zia's nose."At least you'll be able to see them on the phone, when Grandpa Grape reads you stories."
"I will," Zia agreed grudgingly."Maybe you'll be there sometimes too, and you can wave to me."
"I will."He wouldn't normally give his word without couching it in amaybe, but it seemed important to her.So he did.
Her little eyes lit up."Thank you!And you'll bring Lady Sunshine with you, won't you, so that I can wave to her too?"
He shot Callie a glance.He'd be more than happy if she wanted to join him.
Zia turned to her."Say you will, Miss Callie Clay.Say you will, please."
Callie smiled at Ollie before looking back at the girl."I think we can probably arrange that," she said."You see, your Grandpa Grape wants to buy some of my sunflower glazes."She met Ollie's gaze."He's going to ask Ollie about helping to deliver them."
Ollie grinned; it was the first he’d heard about it, but it certainly wasn’t a problem; he was happy to roll with it."Then maybe when I come to pick them up, I can bring you back with me to deliver them, and we can all be at Grandpa Grape's castle to say hi to Zia when he reads her bedtime story."
He held Callie's gaze for a moment longer, and Zia let out a happy little squeal.
It was only when he checked on Alara again that he noticed her eyes were drooping.
Callie followed his gaze."We should probably get out of here and let you get some rest," she said.
Alara startled."Sorry, I guess I didn't get all the sleep I needed.I'm so glad you guys came.It was so good to see you again."
Zia surprised Ollie by climbing onto his lap and then reaching up to press a sweet little kiss to his cheek."I'm so glad I got to see you again, Secret King," she told him in a low voice."I was sad that you didn't have a name, too."
After they'd said their goodbyes and were back in Callie's truck, he could tell that she was as agitated about the situation as he was.
