Page 55 of Please, Stay

Ms. Iris came in through the front door, Carrie’s hand in her own.

Grayson slid his hand into Juliana’s, and he tugged her backward. Her hip brushed his shoulder, and she leaned, just a little. Cute butterflies swooped like F-15s through her stomach.

Her dad didn’t acknowledge Carrie, but his eyes tracked Ms. Iris’s movements in the mirror. “Iris, is that a new dress? That color looks nice on you.”

Still holding Carrie’s hand, Iris turned toward Hugh, pleasure radiating in her expression. “What a kind thing to say. It is a new dress.”

“Maybe you’d like to wear it out a night next week. Somewhere nicer than Rhonda’s.”

She beamed a smile in his direction. “I’ve been waiting for an invitation.”

“That’s so sweet,” Juliana mumbled to Grayson.

“After the way he acted the other night, I’m not sure your father has much sweet in him, Juliana,” said Grayson.

“He does. It’s just locked up. And Ms. Iris seems to have the key.”

Grayson chuckled.

Juliana looked down, watching his blue eyes as they laughed at her. “What?”

“I’ve said some corny lines in my years as an actor, but that was pretty bad.”

She bumped his shoulder with her hip. “Hush.”

“Becky, dear,” Ms. Iris called out and waved her forward. Becky shoved her pencil in her hair as she walked over. “This is a dear friend of mine’s little girl. Her mama had an emergency, so I’m keeping her for a bit.”

They’d rehearsed everything with Carrie, who was now Caroline. That was her idea to go by her full first name. And, smiling sweetly, Carrie played the part perfectly.

Becky leaned over until she was even with Carrie. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Caroline.” She added a head nod for emphasis.

Even though it was her first name, Juliana held a pang of regret at having Carrie lie. Cameron had warned them about it. But Carrie thought it nothing more than a game to be an actress.

“Well, Caroline, sit right up here at the counter.” Becky picked her up under her arms and set her in the seat next to Juliana’s dad.

Ms. Iris walked behind the counter. “Do you like milkshakes?” She tied an apron around her waist and washed her hands.

Carrie’s eyes lit up. “Yes, ma’am.” Juliana knew from experience that her reaction was not an act. If it contained sugar, Carrie would eat it.

Her dad turned his head, looking like he would rail into whoever decided to sit next to him. His face went blank.

Replaced with recognition.

“Did it work?” Grayson’s low whisper fanned that little flame.

“I think so.” She squeezed his hand. It was her turn to help the situation with Carrie along. Too bad her dad didn’t want anything to do with her right now. With a pang of regret, she slipped from Grayson’s side as she headed back to the counter.

“I see you found a new lunch partner.” Juliana set her hands on the back of Carrie’s stool. “What’s your name?”

“Caroline.”

“She’s too cute, Ms. Iris. Where did you pick her up?”

“My friend needed someone to watch her for a bit.”

Her dad’s eyes narrowed. They still never left Carrie’s face. “What friend?”

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