“I already assured her she didn’t,” Nora says.
“Nowa!” Emma runs toward us, her too-big swimsuit hanging from her body and wet hair plastered to her face. “Will you come watch me go down the swide?”
“I would love to.”
“She’s great,” Lacey says as we watch Nora follow Emma to the bounce house.
“Yeah, she is.”
“How’s this going to work, Gray?”
I look at her. “What do you mean?”
“Do I really have to explain it?”
“Flatter me.”
“She’s famous.”
“I know.”
“Like, super famous.”
“Wow, Lace, I’m starting to think you think I’m not good enough for her.”
“That’s not it at all. It’s just…how does a relationship like this work? Your life is here, and hers is everywhere else.”
“I don’t know how it’ll work, just that I want it to. She’s amazing,” I say, watching her splash through the water with Emma.
“What’s it like dating a celebrity?” Lacey whispers.
“Honestly, most of the time I forget she is one. She’s so down to Earth and—”
“Normal? Yeah, I got that about her too.” Lacey rests her hand on my arm. “I’m happy for you, Grayson.”
“Thank you.”
“I, uh…I talked to Lorelei the other night.”
I take a breath and look up at the sky. “I’m almost too afraid to ask.”
“She’s the same. Strung out on God knows what, hopping from couch to couch, barely making ends meet. But she did ask about you and the kids. She misses them, Gray.”
“Christ, Lacey, I don’t know what you want me to say to that. She should miss them. She’s their mother, and she left them.”
“I know she did. She wants to see them.”
“I can’t.” I shake my head, flabbergasted that she’d even ask. “I can’t let my kids see her like that. It isn’t fair to them. They’ll get their hopes up, and then she’ll disappear again. She’s hurt my kids enough, Lacey. I refuse to let her do it again.”
“I know. I know, Grayson. You don’t have to explain yourself. That’s why I took the liberty of telling her it’s not going to happen until she straightens herself up.”
“You said that?”
She nods. “She needs serious help, or one of these days she’ll end up dead, but she has to want help. I’ll always be here for her, and I’ll continue to offer her help in hopes that one day she’ll take it, but I can’t force it on her.”
“I’m sorry, Lace.”
She sniffs, wipes her face, and ducks her head. “I, uh…I’m gonna go. Thank you for inviting me.”
I wrap her in a hug. “You’re always welcome.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Lacey pulls back. “I’m going to say goodbye to the kids and head out.”
Lacey walks away, and I stumble backward when a group of kids go flying by.
“Slow down, boys.”
They don’t.
“Bye, Wyatt!” Jack waves goodbye to the last boy to leave.
My yard is a muddy mess from all of the water and kids running around. I don’t even want to think about how long it’ll take my grass to grow back, but it was worth it to see the smile on Jack’s face.
“Dad?”
“Yeah, bud?”
“Is there any cake left?”
“Yes, but I think you’ve had enough sugar for the day.”
“It’s not for me.”
I tilt my head. “Who’s it for?”
“It’s a surprise. Can I have a piece?”
Okay, I’ll bite. I nod toward the dessert table and cut him off a small square. Jack grabs one of the seven candles that were in the cake and pokes it in.
“Can you light it?”
“What for?” I say, reaching into my pocket to grab the lighter I used earlier.
“Nora.”
“Nora?”
“Uh-huh.” Jack nods and watches me light the candle. “It’s her birthday.”
Wait. What?
“It is?” I ask, but Jack is already gone, walking carefully to keep the flame from blowing out.
“Happy birthday, Nora,” he says, stopping behind her.
She turns around, her eyes widening when she sees my son. “What is this?”
“It’s for your birthday. Hurry, make a wish and blow out the candle!”
Nora closes her eyes. A few seconds later, she opens them and blows the candle out.
“What did you wish for?”
“I can’t tell you or it won’t come true.”
Jack smiles. “Wanna know what I wished for?”
“No,” she says, laughing. “But I would like a fork so I can eat this cake.”
Jack grabs one from the table and hands it to her.
“We’re leaving. Thanks for the invite,” Nick says. “Oh, and Jessa and I are taking Nora out for breakfast tomorrow morning for her birthday. You and the kids are more than welcome to join us, if you’d like.”
“You could’ve told me it was her birthday, fucker,” I whisper.
I would’ve planned something, and now I’m left wondering what in the hell I could possibly do for her on such short notice.
“Sorry. I didn’t think about it.”
“Is breakfast a special birthday tradition or something?”
“Not really. When were little, before Nora moved to California, every year on our birthday our mom would make us our favorite breakfast and bring it to us in bed. Nora loved it. She said it made her feel like a princess. Jessa and I had plans of giving her breakfast in bed, but since you ruined that…” He gives me a pointed look. “…by inviting her to live out here, I have to settle for taking her out for breakfast.”
I remember the night I surprised her with a bubble bath, the look of pure joy and happiness on her face. I want to make her smile like that again.
“I have a huge favor to ask.”
Nick sighs. “You’re dating my sister, and I’m actually okay with it. What else could you possibly want?”
“I want you to let me surprise her with breakfast in bed. Me and the kids. We’ll make her favorite breakfast—”
“Do you even know what her favorite breakfast is?”
“No, but you could tell me.”
“Homemade biscuits and gravy and bacon,” Jessa says in a rush, earning a glare from Nick. “What? It’s sweet that he wants to do this for her.”
“I was really looking forward to celebrating with her. This is the first time I’ve actually seen her on her birthday since she turned sixteen.”
“You guys can come here. I’ll make enough for everyone. What do you say, Nick?”
He ponders it for a second and then claps a hand to my shoulder. “You’re a good man, Grayson. My sister is damn lucky to have you in her life.”
“I’m the lucky one.”
After everyone leaves, the mess is cleaned up, and the kids are bathed, I put them to bed. I tuck Henry into his crib, and by the time I go to give Jack and Emma a kiss, they’re already fast asleep. Today wore them out.
When I walk into the living room, Nora gives me a smile that heats me from the inside out.
I order my body to ignore the physical response to her, but it’s no use.
Nora Hayes owns me.
She ruined me for every other woman in the world.
“Why didn’t you tell me it’s your birthday.”
She looks at her watch. “Technically it’s not.”
“You know what I mean.”
I take her hand, pulling her off the couch and into my arms.
“Because it’s not something I’ve ever really celebrated. From the time I was eleven, my birthday was just another day. I think I’ve spent most of them working.”
“I can’t believe Nick wouldn’t make a big deal about it.”
“Oh, he did. I usually got a bouquet of flowers or a cake delivered t
o whatever hotel room I was staying in, but it’s hard when we’re always apart.”
“And your parents?”
“Busy. Not long after I moved to California to start shooting for Dear Diary, It’s Me, Nora!, Dad got promoted within his company. His salary doubled and required a lot of travel. Life after that just sorta changed.”
“I hate that for you.”
“Don’t.” She shakes her head. “I’m happy. Jack gave me cake tonight, and Nick and Jessa are taking me out for breakfast tomorrow morning; it’ll be a great birthday.”
“You’re right. It will be. Come on,” I say, leading her down the hall.
Nora digs her heels into the carpet. “Where are we going?”
“My bedroom.”
“Grayson, the kids—”
“Are sleeping. I just want to lie with you for a while. Is that okay?”
Nora answers me by walking into my room and curling up on my bed. I want her in my bed every night, but I know we need to take things slow. A few hours tonight will have to suffice.
“Don’t drop them.”
“I won’t,” Jack insists, carrying the plate of freshly baked biscuits.
“I gots Henwy. Come on, Henwy.”
Using a couple of hot pads, I grab the bowl of gravy. “Are we forgetting anything?” I look around, but I think we’ve got it all, and everything else we need is in the loft. “All right, let’s go.”
I manage to usher the kids out of the house and up the stairs toward Nora’s loft.
Emma and Henry knock on the lower half of the door, and a second later it opens, revealing a slightly disheveled Nora.
“Happy birthday!” the kids yell.
Nora blinks twice.
From the looks of it, she’s still processing what’s happening. I nudge her into the loft.
“Good morning, sleepyhead.”
“What is all of this?”
“What does it look like?” Jack puts the biscuits on the table. “It’s your birthday breakfast.”
“You guys cooked me breakfast?” Her voice holds a tinge of disbelief.
“Daddy did most of it, but Henwy and I helped.” Emma pulls Nora to the small kitchen table. “I wike biscuits and gwavy.”
Tears pool in Nora’s eyes when she looks at me. “You made me biscuits and gravy?”
“Someone told me it’s your favorite.” I kiss the top of her head while sliding a plate in front of her.
“It is. Mom used to make it for me every year on my birthday.”
“I know.”
“But what about Nick and Jessa? I was supposed to have breakfast with them this morning.”
“They should be here any minute.”
Just then there’s a knock on the door.
“Speak of the devil. Come in,” I holler.
“Good morning.” Nick holds the door open for Jessa, who has her arms full of goodies.
“Happy birthday!” Jessa sets her load on the couch so she can wrap Nora in a hug. “Why are you crying?”
“Because I’m happy. I can’t believe you guys did all of this.”
“I can’t take the credit.” Jessa smiles at me. “It was Grayson’s idea.”
“If someone would’ve told me sooner that your birthday was coming up, I would’ve planned something better.”
“This is truly great.” Nora wipes the wetness from her face. “Are those presents?”
“Of course, but you can open them after breakfast.”
Nora smiles like a kid. “I kinda want to open them now.”
“Then open them.” Nick gives his sister a hug. “Happy birthday, sis. Glad we get to spend it with you this year.”
“Me too. And I told you guys not to get me anything.”
“We wanted to.” Jessa thrusts one of the gifts at Nora. “Did you know you’re the hardest person in the world to shop for?”
She’s right. What do you get a woman who could buy herself anything?
“By the looks of it, you managed just fine.” Nora laughs and digs into the first present with the gusto of a child at Christmas.
“Ooh, dat’s pwetty,” Emma croons when Nora pulls a beautiful, light pink dress out of the box.
Nora stands and holds up the dress. It looks like it’ll cut mid-thigh. If I didn’t think Nick would punch me, I would thank Jessa for the dress myself.
“This is gorgeous. Where did you find it?” Rather than put the dress back in the package, Nora drapes it over the back of the couch.
“My friend’s boutique in town.”
“Remind me to shop there again when we get back from LA.”
“I don’t think you’ll have to. Jessa bought the place out.” Nick looks at all of the gifts piled up.
“It’s not every year I get to spoil my favorite person on her birthday,” Jessa admonishes.
Nick frowns. “I thought I was your favorite person.”
“She really only married you to get closer to me.” Nora and Jessa hug and laugh at Nick’s obvious displeasure.
“How about you finish opening your presents so we can eat while the food is still hot?” Nick rubs his stomach. “I’m starving.”
Ignoring her brother, Nora rips into another present and pulls out a pair of heels that I imagine were bought to match the dress—gold heels that’ll look fantastic draped over my shoulders.
Fuck. Please, please let her wear those in California.
“I don’t care what color dress I wear to the premiere; I’m wearing these heels.”
Yes! Thank you, Jessa.
“Seriously, Jess, these are killer.”
Jessa grins. “I may have bought a pair for myself.”
Nick groans. “I don’t even want to know how much that shopping spree set me back.”
Jessa laughs. “You’re right. You don’t.”
“Daddy, I’m hungwy.” Nora climbs onto a chair. “Can we eat?”
“Hungwy!” Henry shouts.
Nora sets the other box down and lifts Henry onto her lap. “Let’s eat.”
26
Grayson
“Where are you going?” Emma follows me from my bedroom to the living room as I retrace my steps.
Our ride to the airport will be here any second, and I still can’t find my stupid phone.
“Emma, honey, we’ve talked about this several times. Nora and I are going on a little trip, remember?”
“But I wanna go.”
“For the hundredth time,” Jack shouts, “you can’t go.”
“Jack, don’t yell at your sister, please,” my mom scolds gently. “Have you guys seen your dad’s phone?”
Jack and Emma shake their heads.
“Wing-wing.” Henry squeals from the living room floor, pushes himself to his chubby knees, and stands up. My little guy wobbles but manages to right himself and holds my phone out. “Wing!”
“That’s right, the phone rings.” I slip my cell into my pocket, pick up Henry, and tickle his belly. “You little stinker. Did you have my phone this whole time?”
His infectious giggle fills the air.
“Knock knock!” Nora opens the front door, wheeling a giant pink suitcase behind her.
Emma rushes to her. “Can I go wif you? Pwease?”
“I’m sorry, sweetie, not this time.” Nora squats down to Emma’s level. “Oh, no, Emma, don’t cry.”
Too late.
“I don’t want my daddy to weave.” Emma goes from dry eyes to a snotty mess of tears in three seconds flat.
“Emma.” She throws herself at me and doesn’t let go. “Don’t weave me, Daddy.”
Talk about breaking my heart. God, this is so much harder than I thought it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled at the idea of an entire weekend to myself—no poopy diapers, screaming kids, or fights to break up—but I have a feeling it’s those things I’ll miss the most. Well, maybe not the poop.
Nora rubs Emma’s back. “We’ll be back before you know it. One night, that’s it.”
&n
bsp; “One?” Emma lifts her head from my neck and wipes her face with her arm. “I fought you said two nights.”
Nora looks at me curiously.
“Mom figured since she made the drive up here, she might as well stay the whole weekend. I was going to surprise you with it once we got in the car. But if it doesn’t work out for our flight and what you’ve got planned, we can always come back early.”
“No.” Nora shakes her head and looks excited. “This is great. It’ll give me the opportunity to show you around a little bit more. But maybe I should’ve packed a few more outfits.”
I want to tell her she won’t need more clothes because I plan on keeping her naked most of the time, but that’s not appropriate for little ears.
“Don’t you have clothes at your house in LA?”
“Well, yeah, I guess. I’m never there, so I don’t really know what’s hanging in the closet.”
Emma continues to wail, and Mom takes her out of my arms.
“Dry those tears, pumpkin. We’re gonna have so much fun this weekend.”
“We are?” Emma sniffs.
“You bet. Nana and Papa have lots of fun stuff planned.”
“Speaking of Papa, where is Dad?” I ask.
Mom gives me a look. “Where do you think?”
“In the garage.” Dad loves cars as much, if not more, than I do.
“What’re we gonna do, Nana?” Jack asks, seemingly not at all bothered that I’m leaving.
“It’s a surprise.” She taps his nose. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”
I hear a car pull down the lane. A second later a horn honks, and Nora reaches for her suitcase.
“That’s our ride.”
“I still don’t know why you didn’t just let me drive us to the airport.”
“Thank you again for watching the kids.” Nora gives my mom a quick hug and bends to hug each kid as well.
“Call if you need anything. You have my number and Nora’s. I left Nick and Jessa’s number on the refrigerator in case you can’t get ahold of one of us and—”
“Grayson.” Mom puts a hand on my shoulder. “Relax. We’re going to be fine.”
“I know you will, but I haven’t been away from the kids since Lorelei had partial custody and I’m just…”
Wait For Me Page 19
