“You’re crazy, but okay.”

That was how Grayson became the proud owner of a ruby-red ball gown and matching slippers that would look “perfect” on one of the dolls Auntie Lu gave her for Christmas last year. He was rather proud of the way he’d convinced her to get something for herself while also dodging Emma’s rules on spoiling her.

After they waited in a line twenty deep to pay, Grayson directed her toward the café.

“Where’re we going?”

“Lunch.” He rubbed his belly dramatically. “I’m starving after all that shopping.”

Her eyes bugged when she saw where he was leading her. “Here? We can’t eat here! It’s ridiculously expensive!”

“Special treat to celebrate my first time. You wouldn’t want to deny me, would you?”

“Mom is going to flip out.”

“Let’s send her a selfie.”

“You’re going to get in big trouble for this,” Simone said with wisdom beyond her years.

“That’s okay. For you, I’m willing to risk it.”

Chapter 25

There can be no deep disappointment

where there is not deep love.

—Martin Luther King Jr.

Emma was on a fifteen-minute lunch break when her phone dinged with a text from Simone that contained a photo of her and Grayson eating at the American Girl café, both wearing big smiles.

Is he spoiling you? Emma asked her daughter in a text.

Maybe a little. But don’t worry. I know it’s a special treat.

Tell him we will talk about this later.

She replied with laughing emojis—Simone was wild about the emojis. I told him he’d be in big trouble for this!

You were right about that. Have fun and don’t be late for the party.

We won’t. Grayson likes cabs. This comment was accompanied by a wink.

Emma stared at the picture of the two of them for a long time, hoping she was doing the right thing allowing her daughter to get attached to a man who may or may not be part of their lives going forward. An ache settled in her chest at the thought of him not being part of their lives. It hadn’t taken long for her to become attached to him and addicted to the way he made her feel when he touched her, or even looked at her, for that matter.

She took a minute to text Troy. Are you speaking to me?

The text showed up as delivered and then read.

After a minute, he wrote back. Just barely.

You have to speak to me. You’re one of my best friends.

All my best friends are leaving me.

But we still love you, and I’m not going anywhere. Not now, anyway.

Seems I’ve heard that before… After another long pause, he added, Don’t mind me. I’m being cranky. If you’re happy, I’m happy.

You mean it?