Page 32 of Good Girls Don't Kiss and Tell (Rock Canyon, Idaho 7)

“I think it would probably be easier to meet.”

“Okay, I’ll go inside and pack up her toys and some clothes. Do you want to meet in Buhl in the Ridley’s parking lot in half an hour or so?”

“Sure, that sounds good.”

Gracie ended the call and fought back the tears as she unbuckled Pip. “Good news, sweetie. You’re going to meet your great-grandmother.”

The little girl, oblivious to what her words meant, climbed into Gracie’s arms, snuggling close and breaking her heart without meaning to. Gracie carried her inside, noting the difference in her weight in just two weeks. She sat her down when they got inside, and tucked a stray light brown hair behind her ear.

“Let’s put your toys in this box, and I’ll grab a bag with some clothes.”

Gracie set the cardboard box in the middle of the floor, and Pip started gathering up her toys and putting them into the box. Gracie went into the bedroom and pulled a sparkly pink backpack she’d had in high school from the closet. She put several pairs of footed pajamas and a couple of outfits inside. She’d pay Hope for the clothes she sent with Pip, but she didn’t know what the grandmother had for her.

The diaper bag was packed and in the car, filled with most of what Pip needed, and she realized that this was the most painful thing she’d ever experienced. She had lost her grandfather when she was young, but other than that, her life had been pretty great.

But knowing that in no time at all she might never see Pip again ripped her insides up.

She walked out into the living room and saw Pip holding the stuffed horse Eric had bought her. The little girl’s face lit up as she lifted her arms for Gracie and the tears she’d been holding back spilled over.

Wiping at them rapidly, she picked Pip up and settled her on her hip. Once they were strapped in, Gracie started the car and took the left turn that would take them out toward Buhl. She turned on the Disney soundtrack she’d bought and watched Pip sway from side to side to the beat, her thumb shoved into her mouth as she looked out the window.

Gracie didn’t rush, partly because of the ice on the road, but mostly because she didn’t want to say good-bye.

She pulled into the parking lot of Ridley’s Supermarket and spotted Viola’s car right away. Gracie parked right next to her. She pulled out the CD and snapped it into the case, turning to smile at Pip.

“I’ll be right there, okay? I just have to talk to Miss Viola.”

Pip’s blue eyes were wide, and Gracie wondered if she understood something was different about this drive.

She closed the door and went to the back of the car where all of Pip’s stuff was. Viola joined her and helped load it into her car.

“Viola, I was wondering…do you think her great-grandmother would let me see Pip?”

Viola hesitated as she closed the trunk of her sedan. “I can ask if she’d be open to it, but it might be a good idea to give Pip some time to adjust.”

Gracie nodded. “I’ll get her out if you want to install the car seat.”

Gracie opened the door, determined to put on a brave face for this little girl. “All right, sweet monkey, let’s get out of there.”

Pip wrapped her arms around Gracie’s neck tight. Gracie hugged her back and whispered, “It’s okay, honey. You’re completely safe. You’re going to take a ride with Miss Viola, and she’s going to drive you to meet your grandma. She’s very nice and cannot wait to see you.”

Pip’s grip grew harder.

“And just because you aren’t here with me, doesn’t mean we won’t see each other or I won’t be thinking of you. I’ll miss you every day.”

Viola pulled her head out of the car and watched them grimly. “It’s time.”

Gracie reached behind her neck and loosened Pip’s hands. The minute Viola put her hands around Pip’s waist, the toddler went nuts, screaming and clawing for Gracie.

“It’s okay, Pip. Really.” Gracie’s stomach rolled and twisted as Viola put the little girl in the car, fighting her the entire time. Gracie ran to the other side and opened the door. She leaned acros

s the seat and held Pip’s hand, which the little girl gripped hard. Tear-streaked cheeks and desperate whimpers nearly destroyed Gracie.

The last buckle clipped in, and Viola disappeared out of the other side and shut the door.

Gracie kissed the back of Pip’s hand. “I’ll see you soon, baby.”

And before she completely lost it, she pulled out of Pip’s grip and closed the door.

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