“I don’t understand.”
“I can’t explain it until I get something to eat because I’m ravenous. Lunch is on us. Come on.”
After I lock up, we trek down the street to the Cactus Bloom Diner, order sandwiches, and grab a small table in the corner. We’re halfway through our meals when Paige nudges Baylee, who nods.
“We have a problem,” Baylee says slowly. “And we thought you might be able to solve it for us.”
I set down my drink. “I thought this was about my housing situation.”
“In a roundabout way, it is. Think of this as an alternative solution.”
I don’t have many options unless I want to live above the butcher’s shop, and that whole building reeks. “I haven’t found anything in my price range,” I admit.
Baylee nods. “With big developers buying up so much property around here, it’s drying up a lot of affordable options.”
My heart sinks because that’s exactly the impression I’ve gotten after scouring the community bulletin boards downtown and talking to a few shop owners to see if they have any leads. “I’m open to almost anything.”
Paige reaches over the table to grab my hand. “You need to know this is only an option. Don’t feel pressured to take it if it’s not right for you. Bay and I both know it’s a big decision, but we’re desperate to find someone to help.”
Frowning, I sit up straighter. “What’s going on?”
Paige glances around and lowers her voice. “We just found out we have a new niece.”
I sit with that a minute. “I’m not sure what that means. Did you discover her in a pumpkin patch?” I chuckle and then feel bad when neither of them laugh.
“I need you to keep this between us. I know how gossip flies in this town, and I’d prefer we not make the gossip column in theGazettethis week.”
“Of course. You have my word.” Besides, who am I going to tell? My houseplant?
Paige fiddles with her napkin. “Maybe I should back up and share our good news. Jace’s band got a huge offer to go on a national tour.”
I force a smile. “That’s… That’s great. Please congratulate him for me.” I’ve been wrestling with how I feel about Jace Walker. I thought I had that guy all figured out—he’s a player who’s probably left a trail of hearts in his wake. Been there, done that, have the scars to prove I was on that rollercoaster. But thenhe had to go and save my life and cradle my head, and… well, it’s confusing.
Baylee finishes her sandwich and pushes her plate away. “It’s spectacular news. Did you know he’s been in that band since high school? He’s been hauling his shit all over Texas to try to get a break, and he finally got one.” From what I understand, Baylee grew up with Paige and the Walker brothers, so I’m not surprised she’s proud of Jace. “Only…”
“Only?” I look back and forth between her and Paige.
Baylee taps the table so hard, our drinks rattle. “Only his baby mama, who no one knew about until Sunday, showed up and dropped off his one-year-old daughter.”
I don’t know what to say.
Judging by their somber expressions, they’re not happy. “Congratulations… again?” I don’t mean for it to come out as a question. “He’s, um, he’s sure it’s his?”
“We get the results back tomorrow, but she has his green eyes.” They explain the DNA test the mother brought when she dropped off her daughter.
“Wait, so she wants to share custody with Jace?”
Baylee shakes her head. “She said she’s done and will sign whatever custody forms Jace needs from her.”
My heart hurts when I consider that. “Poor little darling. How is she doing?”
Paige’s eyes light up. “She’s such a good baby. You’re going to love her.”
I’m still confused, though. “Thanks for sharing your news, but what does this have to do with an apartment?”
Paige chews her bottom lip before giving me a cautious smile. “We figured you might be looking for another job since the library is probably going to be closed for a while. And Jace doesn’t think he can do the band thing with a baby because he needs so much help. So we wondered, what if we get him ananny? And since you’re great with kids, we instantly thought of you. Would you be interested?”
My attention snags on the part about the library. “I… I hadn’t… I’m not sure the library will close for that long. Will it?”
