Page 24 of Please, Stay

“Maybe you’re right.”

Becky slipped the new order she’d taken in the metal rack and twirled it around for the cooks. “How have you not figured out yet that I’m always right?”

“Fine, what do I do now?”

“I have about a dozen ideas you won’t like, so we’ll skip those and go straight to the one that you’ll agree to. Wait and see if he shows tomorrow morning at the coffee shop. If he does, then explain that you hope he didn’t get the wrong impression. If he doesn’t show, then go over to the bed and breakfast and see if Mrs. Roberts knows where he is. Track him down like a bloodhound and make him listen to your lame explanation.” She waved a rag in the air. “Men like him don’t show up but once in a blue moon.”

“I’m not sure men like himevershow up in a town this size.” Lexi patted Juliana’s shoulder. “It’ll work out. If not, then come by Ms. Peggy’s house tomorrow night. I’ll be there, letting her kick my butt at poker.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled, her stomach twisting into knots. He might have already left town. The rational side of her brain knew that if the man was that much of a commitment-phobe, jetting out of town instead of having a conversation, then he wasn’t worth her time.

The emotional side wanted a date.

Becky picked up another tray of lunch orders. “After he’s accepted your explanation, then ask him out to dinner. It’s that simple. Ms. Iris is on standby to help out with your dad.”

Nothing ever ended up as simple as Becky made it seem. She’d messed up her explanation once before, something would mess up again.

* * *

Grayson sethis packed duffel bag on the bed and adjusted his cell phone. “I’m thinking of heading to Cabo for the rest of the trip.”

“Bored with Statem already?” Trevor laughed. “What about Juliana?”

“I saw her.” And now he had to leave.

“Ah, no go? Addie was excited about the two of you. Said Juliana’s is very nice and down to earth.” Trevor chuckled again. “And pretty.”

Grayson squeezed his eyes tight. The woman was gorgeous. And sweet. And down to earth. “She’s just not interested in dating.” He’d keep her family comment to himself. He could offer Juliana anything in the world. Travel. Clothes. Jewelry. He scrubbed his hand over his beard and half-laughed. Dinner.

A date with a pretty girl was what he wanted. She’d asked him for a family. She probably hadn’t meant it how it sounded, but the fact that she’d associated him in the same sentence as wanting a family turned his skin inside out.

Trevor laughed louder. “Shot down!” Addie mumbled something Grayson didn’t catch, but it made Trevor laugh. “Yeah, Grayson’s girl shot him down. Wouldn’t go on a date.”

“She didn’t shoot me down exactly.”

“You’re leaving without getting a date. Face it, bud, it’s been a long time since you lost out chasing a woman.”

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he stared at the red and blue-checked carpet. “You sound far too happy about this.”

“The agent you pay is very sorry this happened to you. I’m sure I can find you another woman to help you forget your troubles.” He snickered through the phone. “But your friend is a little pleased to find out you’re human like the rest of us.”

That “human” side of him kept him from walking out of Statem first thing this morning.

“Let me know if you want to head this way. We still have room at the condo in the Keys.” After a moment of rustling, and a grunt, Addie replaced Trevor on the phone.

“Grayson.”

He smiled at her stern voice. “Addie.”

“I’m marrying into that family, so I’ve gotten a little bit of a background on Juliana and her dad.”

His hand fisted at the mention of Hugh. “What about it? Juliana already told me some.”

“Hugh wasn’t always like this. Their mom died in a car accident. Eliza, instead of going to the funeral, rode out of town with some guy who’d been in Statem maybe a week and headed to Alabama with him, sending her dad a copy of the marriage license. She was eighteen. Cameron said Hugh’s health has declined. For a while, he wouldn’t eat. Hardly slept. All Juliana has ever wanted was for them to put the pieces of their family back together.”

He signed and leaned against the wall. “I knew some of that.” It reaffirmed how messed up a family could get.

Addie continued, “And I know your issues with commitment, but she deserves someone like you. If even for a few dates. You’re an amazing guy when you let your guard down. Don’t run yet. Try. One more time.” She laughed lightly. “Call me back if you want any pointers. I can squeeze them from Cameron or even call Becky—”

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