Smiling at her, I murmur, “I’d like that.”
She lets out a contented sigh when the beautician begins to massage her feet. “If I fall asleep and drool, just pretend you don’t see anything.”
I let out a chuckle. “You’ve got it.”
We talk about random things, and when there’s a nice shiny coat of pink on my nails and I feel completely relaxed, I say, “This can become a bad habit.”
“Not a bad habit but a must,” Charlotte corrects me. “We can make it a set date every two to three weeks.”
“That would be nice,” I agree, deciding to give my appearance more attention. I’m no longer just a girl from a small town in the Sugar River Valley but Lainey’s guardian and connected to Easton. I’m going to have to adapt to how things are done here in Beverly Hills.
After we’ve paid and we’re walking toward the cars, Charlotte says, “The girls are having so much fun. Maybe Lainey could spend the night at my house for a sleepover with Porsha, seeing as she’ll be back at school on Monday. That’s if you don’t have plans?”
“Lainey,” I call out to get her attention. When she stops walking, I ask, “Do you want to have a sleepover at Porsha’s house?”
“Oh my gosh! Yes.”
“Let me just check with your uncle,” I say while digging my phone out of my handbag.
“Don’t worry about calling him. I can follow you home because you’ll have to pack a bag for her anyway.”
“Right.” I give her a quick wave as I head to the SUV where Izak and Tyler are waiting. “See you at home.”
When Lainey and I climb into the back seat, she says, “I’m actually enjoying today.”
“I’m happy to hear that, my sweet girl.”
“Do you like Charlotte?” she asks.
“I do. She seems really nice.”
A smile curves Lainey’s lips, and I take today as a win.
Izak hardly has time to stop the SUV completely when Lainey jumps out and runs into the house. I follow her inside and hear her asking, “Can I sleep over at Porsha’s house? Nova already said yes.”
“Sure,” Easton answers from where he’s sitting on the couch and reading through a script.
“Do you need help packing an overnight bag?” I ask.
Lainey shakes her head. “I’ll be right down.”
I hear movement behind me and turn to smile at Charlotte and Porsha. “Lainey’s just grabbing her bag.”
Easton stands up and gives them a friendly smile. “Did you all have fun?”
“Yes, and we’ve decided to make it a standing date every two to three weeks,” Charlotte replies.
Placing my handbag on the island, I ask, “Can I get you anything to drink, Charlotte?”
“No, thanks.”
Lainey comes flying down the stairs. “Bye, Uncle Easton.” She gives him a quick hug, then rushes over to me for a hug. “Bye, Nova.”
“Have fun,” I say while chuckling. “What time should I pick Lainey up tomorrow?”
Charlotte shrugs as she follows the girls out the front door. “Let’s play it by ear.”
“Okay.” I stand on the front steps and wave at Lainey. “Be good.”
