Page 87 of My Lucky Charm

“Eloise, grab my iPad and pick out some good music,” Kim says. “Something that will help Gray get in the mood.”

My eyes dart to his without permission, and I quickly look away.

In the mood?! Kim’s innocent turn of phrase makes me think not-innocent thoughts.

It would probably be inappropriate to queue “Let’s Get it On,” right?

I need to get out of my head. I need to change the entire atmosphere in this studio. And I need to put a little distance between me and Gray.

So, I do what any sane person would do and turn on “MMMBop 2.0.” The second the song starts to play, Scarlett jumps up and starts to dance.

“Come on, Eloise!” she says. “Dance with me!”

I shimmy my way over to her, and while the light from the flash pops, Scarlett takes my hands, bouncing around in a circle all the way until the chorus. And when I spin back around, my smile fades because Gray is watching us.

And he doesn’t look happy.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Gray

The second the shoot is over, I head to the dressing room, changing back into my hoodie and joggers.

I’m frustrated.

I specifically told Eloise this couldn’t happen.

And then I saw her watching me in the changing room.

And then she turned on that ridiculous song and started dancing around with Scarlett. Seeing that—it did something to me.

After what I’ve been through, happiness feels like an ache.

If the world lost power, all it would need is Eloise. She’s like a bright light all on her own.

There are fleeting moments, flashes really, when I think that’s exactly what’s been missing. But I can’t have room for bright lights in my life. I can’t.

When I finish changing, I meet them in the lobby. “I’ve got to get to practice.”

“Right,” Eloise says, taking my uniform from me. “I’ll make sure this gets back.”

I nod. I won’t lie, in some ways, it’s nice to have someone taking care of things for me.

“I was thinking maybe Scarlett and I could go shopping for her room while you’re at practice,” Eloise says. “You know, if you trust us to decorate it.”

She seems to know exactly how to jump in and help, but I need to be careful how much I let myself rely on her. Still, this is important. It’s for Scarlett.

“Sure,” I say. “But no black walls, okay?”

Scarlett tosses me a look followed by an eye roll that feels a little too teenager-y.

“Duh,” she says with a grin. “I want turquoise.”

Eloise smiles. “Bold choice. And the right choice, I might add. It’s my favorite color.”

“Okay, well,” I reach into my pocket and grab my wallet. I pull out a credit card and start to hand it to Eloise, whose eyes light up. I pull it back, and she looks at me. “Don’t go crazy, okay?”

She snatches it out of my hand, makes a huge oh my gosh face at Scarlett, which makes her giggle.

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