Page 29 of Please, Stay

“He’d frighten little Carrie to death.”

“Eliza needs to move home. She’s so alone up in Atlanta. Never went to college. If she moved back home, we could watch Carrie for her. She could do online courses or something. Your mom already said she’d help.”

“Mom would do anything for you and Eliza. So would Dad, but Uncle Hugh would make things miserable for them. I think Eliza and Carrie are better off out of his reach.”

“I can’t believe that, Cameron. My mom’s sudden death tore him up. Then for Eliza to elope like she did—”

Her voice broke. She sniffed and blew out a steady breath. “He thought he’d already failed Mom.”

“He failed her worse by never forgiving Eliza and asking her to come home. Anyone that’s been around Eliza knows the more you push her to do something, the more she’ll do the opposite. Just like your dad. This won’t work, Jules.”

She stepped closer to Cameron, held onto his arm like a lifeline. “Please, Cam. Dad won’t even listen to me if I bring up Eliza’s name. We’re going to have to get them together somehow. But I need help to pull this off. I know Uncle Jimmie won’t help.”

“No. My dad barely speaks to Hugh.”

Grayson shoved his hands in his pockets. He was useless to Juliana. This drama with Eliza wasn’t his business. It couldn’t be. But he hurt right alongside her for her sister, someone he’d never met. Her pain was real. Important. He’d been that child abandoned. Not in the same manner, but it’d never stopped following him around. The questions. Why did his parents give him up?

Standing this far away from city lights, the stars in the sky glowed brightly. He hadn’t thought about his parents in years. He didn’t even know if they were alive anymore. Moving from one movie or show to the next kept him busy. A flurry of temporary friends and co-star romances occupied his mind. But this was what he wanted. To feel again. To truly care about someone. To have someone to care about him.

But long-term wasn’t an option. He was under contract to fly to Australia before January. Juliana’s life was here, gluing the fragile pieces of her family back together.

Cameron threw his hands up. “Geez, stop with that pouty lip. I’ll help.”

“I will, too.”

Juliana spun around. “You’re on vacation. You don’t have to get involved in this. I’m sure it will be extremely unpleasant.”

“Jules, it’s going to get downright dirty once we bring Eliza back to Statem.” Cameron’s face split into an unexpected grin. “But you’re right. She belongs here, and I can’t wait to have her back.”

She yawned. “I want us to be together for Christmas next Saturday.”

“That’s a little quick.”

“Then I guess we need to make a plan. Let’s do dinner tomorrow. Or tonight.” She fought against another yawn and waved her hand in the air. “Whatever it is now.”

“I’m guessing Becky is involved.” Cameron sounded despondent simply saying her name.

Juliana poked him in the chest again, and this time he let her. Grayson now saw the love in Cameron’s eyes for her. Aside from their skin tone, Cameron’s much darker, they shared several features. “She’s the best at manipulating people, you know that.” She looked up at Grayson. “I’d like for you to come if you really want to.” She looked so shy, watching him with the hope that he’d want to hang out with her.

“Tell me when.”

A call came through Cameron’s radio.

“I’m on my way, Officer Mitchell.” He narrowed his eyes at Grayson. “Get a helmet. And watch out for Jules,” he added at the last second. “And for God’s sake, tell Trevor I’d never lay a hand on his sister. He’d have to stand in line behind my mom and my dad, not to mention Addie, to have a turn kicking my ass.”

Juliana held her hand up. “And me. But we’d all be behind Becky, so there wouldn’t be much ass left to kick.”

Grayson held out his hand and shook Cameron’s. So, they did understand each other.

Cameron climbed into his car and pulled away.

Juliana yawned again. If Grayson had a chance to kiss her before she fell asleep standing up, now was it. He pulled her into his arms.

She gave a little yelp of surprise before a small smile flitted across her lips. “This is crazy,” she mumbled as his hand cupped the side of her cheek. His thumb traced back and forth over her smooth skin.

Their bodies barely touched. He almost expected someone to yell “cut,” except he’d never had this anticipation build inside of him during a movie scene. He’d just met her. She was right. This was crazy.

She took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “It’s hard to believe you’re Grayson Moore."

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