Page 87 of The Grump

“Hey, Mr. Grinch, you can get out of character now, okay?” She said this so seriously that I instantly burst out laughing.

The front door swung open. Chad nodded at me, then he turned to Bailey.

“Hi, Bailey, nice to see you again,” he said.

“And you. Hi, Scarlett. Oh, your dress is amazing.”

Scarlett instantly smiled, hoisting the baby up on her shoulder.

“You brought beignets too. Good instincts,” Chad said. “Let us know if you need anything.”

“We won’t,” I told him.

He always said that, but something truly major would have to happen for me to call him on a damn date.

“Bailey, thanks a lot for stopping by tonight,” Scarlett said. “You had your hospital visit this evening, right?”

“Yes. It went really well. Xander here even successfully played the Grinch.”

I’d never seen Chad shocked, but it was a sight to behold. He jerked his head back so fast, I was surprised he didn’t get whiplash. His eyes were comically wide, his jaw hanging open. He closed it as if he’d just realized that.

“Wait, what? Was there a costume involved? Explain this. I need the details. Did you paint yourself green?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I replied.

“He didn’t even need a costume. The kids bought his act even though he was wearing a suit and all. That’s how convincing he was,” Bailey said.

Scarlett only chuckled, but Chad burst out laughing. “One day we need the full details of the story,” he said. “Preferably when the entire family is present.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’ll get it, I’m sure. Now go before you’re too late and lose your reservation.”

“Brother, it’s only been a few minutes. No one boots you out of your place unless you’re more than fifteen minutes late.”

“You’re already five minutes late,” I pointed out.

“You with the details, always.”

As they left, Bailey and I stepped inside.

“Bella?” I asked loudly.

“I’m in the kitchen, Uncle Xander.”

When she was a little girl, she’d wait by the door and jump into my arms. I missed those days.

“Dad said you were coming with your girlf—” She stopped talking when she noticed Bailey. “Hi, Bailey.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. My niece had a penchant for calling everyone “girlfriend” when she saw them. Then again, it was true.

“It’s nice to see you again, Bella.”

“You brought beignets.” She clapped her hands excitedly before grabbing the bag from Bailey.

“The girl knows what she wants,” Bailey whispered as Bella brought the bag to the table.

“Yes, she does,” I whispered back. “By the way, if she tries to talk us into watchingGoblet of Fire, we have to say no.”

“Chad doesn’t allow it?” she asked.

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