Page 28 of The Maxwell Brothers
I didn't have a lot of nanny duties because Grandma Beatrice was glued to Paisley. I spoke to Reese, who confided in me that she was excited to work at Beatrice’s bookstore starting Monday.
“I didn’t know she still had a bookstore,” I exclaimed.
“It’s because she couldn’t keep the original name. This one is called The Happy Place. Gran insisted on keeping it because it was the first store they had, and they lived above it for many years. She owns the whole building. She doesn’t actually run it, of course. She’s got a manager. Anyway, I’ve helped out theresince I was in high school. I’ve always loved the place. It was one of the reasons why I wanted to turn the upper levels into a spa with my shitty ex, Malcolm. It’s sitting empty, and will continue to stay that way, unless my ex gets his way.”
“Why don’t you open it on your own?”
“I might, at some point. Right now, though, I’m honestly not in the right frame of mind to start a business. I need something to ground me now.”
She seemed so disheartened that I wanted to hug her. I’d had my fair share of heartbreak over the years.
“Do you want to talk about what happened?” I asked her, then added, “Sometimes talking with someone unfamiliar with the situation can be helpful.”
She nodded, then blurted out, “He slept with my best friend.”
I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand.
Reese sighed. “Man, I’ve said that out loud a million times and I still want to drink a shot of tequila whenever I repeat it.”
“Oh, Reese. I’m so sorry. That sucks. If you need a partner to spray-paint his car or something, I’m your girl. If that’s not your style, forget I said anything.”
Reese started laughing, inching closer to me. “I’ve already had that offer from my sister and several of my cousins. Don’t tell Declan or he’ll behead us.”
“My lips are sealed.”
“You’re a lot of fun, Lexi. I’m glad Tate hired you. Now, let’s see what goodies we’re having for lunch.”
Once the brothers started the grill, the food just kept coming. After I filled my plate, Beatrice waved at me and patted the spot next to her on the rattan sofa. I looked around for Paisley, butshe was with Tate. The sight made something twist in my chest. I went straight to Beatrice, sitting down.
"Do you need anything?" I asked. "Something to drink?"
She was already holding a plate of food.
"No, no, I'm fine. Tyler handed me this, and it’s more than I’ll ever eat," she said. "I’m glad you stayed today. I told Tate I wanted to meet you."
"You did?"
"Yes. I speak to Paisley every evening, and she’s talked my ear off about you. That's a good sign. I think she likes you more than anyone who's ever watched her."
"Really?" My heart swelled. I was already starting to care about Paisley too, and I was happy that she liked me.
"It's a pity you can only stay until the summer ends."
My smile faded a bit. "Yes, Tate and I talked about that, but I’ll help him find someone else."
"I told him I can watch Paisley, but he insists this old bag of bones can't keep up."
I glanced from Tate to Beatrice, searching for the right words. I needed to put it delicately, but I was with Tate on this one. "Well, Paisley is very active. We bike a few miles every day."
Gran shuddered. "Good Lord. What is it with kids these days? They have more energy than I ever remember."
I couldn't help but laugh.
"You know what? I don't think it's just Paisley who's happier since you came around.” She leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper. “Tate is too."
"Oh?" I asked, hoping I sounded innocent and that my face wasn't red, though it felt suspiciously warm.
"Yes, he's cheerier. I can’t explain it. Maybe he’s at ease that he finally found someone who knows how to interact with Paisley so well. Ever since Nora left, he's closed himself off," she added.
