Finally, Lacey steps to the side and gives me her full attention. “And who’s this?”
I open my mouth to respond, but Grayson beats me to it. “This is…my friend, Nora,” he says in a rush. “She’s Jessa’s sister-in-law, and she’s helping me with the kids this summer.”
My stomach free falls, and I reach for the water glass on table and take a drink. Uncomfortable doesn’t come close to describing the atmosphere right now, and I take another drink just to
keep myself busy.
I can’t believe he introduced me as Jessa’s sister-in-law and the sitter. I’m not sure what I expected him to say, but it wasn’t that, and he didn’t have to look so darn anxious when he said it.
“Oh my gosh, the kids!” Lacey looks to Grayson and frowns. “I miss them so much. When can I see them again?”
“Anytime. You know you’re always welcome at the house.”
“I’m going to take you up on that.”
When our gazes meet for the umpteenth time, a thick tension falls over the able, and while I don’t believe she and Grayson are romantically involved, it’s easy to tell she isn’t a fan of me.
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Nora. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again soon.”
“That sounds lovely. And who did you say you are again?”
She laughs and touches Grayson’s arm. “I’m Lorelei’s sister—Grayson’s sister-in-law.”
Doesn’t she mean ex-sister-in-law?
20
Grayson
Dinner is quiet, a complete one-eighty from the way things were when we first got here. I think it’s safe to say that Lacey’s interruption has had quite the impact on this first date.
Lacey.
Seeing her here tonight was a complete shock to my system—one I wasn’t expecting, and I didn’t handle it well.
When I first caught a glimpse of her, I would’ve sworn it was Lorelei standing there.
Now that she’s gone, it doesn’t matter how much small talk I make with Nora. I can’t seem to get us back on the same page, and that’s a huge disappointment. It’s also entirely my fault.
“Keep the change.” I hand Justin some twenties and our bill, stuffing my wallet into my back pocket.
“Thank you.” He winks. “Have a good night.”
“We will.” I slide from the booth and hold a hand out for Nora. She stares at it, and for a second I think she’s going to dismiss the offer, but she doesn’t.
She attempts a smile and slips her hand in mine. I grip it tightly as we weave through the restaurant, because I don’t want her to pull away.
“Ready to go ax throwing?” I say, opening the car door for her.
“If it’s all right with you, I think I’d like to go home.”
“Nora.” Damn it, this isn’t at all how things are supposed to go. We’re supposed to be having fun and laughing while getting to know each other.
I rush around the front of the car and get in.
“Can we please talk about this?”
Nora sighs and looks at her hands. “There’s nothing to talk about. It was a great dinner, but I’m just ready to go home.”