Chapter 6 Gracie #2
“I could do that, buddy boy,” Sam said. “I’ll drive over for the day.”
A seven hour drive? Sure, Sam.
“Really?” Benny squealed.
“Sam, it’s on New Year’s Eve day,” Gracie said stiffly. “I doubt you’ll be free.”
“Well, uh…” He cleared his throat. “I’ll make myself free. For Benny. And Sir Isaac Newton.”
“Dad! That would be so cool!”
Wincing at the disappointment she already knew this would bring, she turned into a parking spot and looked at Benny’s bright and excited face, knowing how that smile would disappear when Sam failed to show.
“I’ll do it,” Sam said. “I’ll be there.”
Or he’d have an excuse, an apology, and another empty promise that it would be different next time.
“Yay!” Benny shouted so loud, the dog jumped and barked.
“Oh, I hear Isaac!” Sam said on a laugh.
“He’s excited to meet you,” Benny said, not even correcting his father with the dog’s full name like he did everyone else. And it was time to step in.
“That would be lovely, Sam,” she said, keeping her voice even. “But we understand if you can’t make it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he gushed. “I was calling about making a visit, so this is perfect.”
Her stomach churned. He would miss it. He always did.
“That would be so awesome, Dad,” Benny crooned, glowing. “Because at the end, they’re doing a special photo booth for Dads ‘n’ Dogs. We could take a picture together.”
“Dads ‘n’ Dogs?” Gracie choked. He’d never mentioned that.
“Don’t worry,” Benny said quickly, probably seeing her expression in the mirror. “There’s one called Moms ‘n’ Mutts, so you’ll get a picture, Mom.”
“Dads ‘n’ Dogs?” Sam repeated, amused. “Sounds perfect. Count me in, champ.”
Benny was smiling so hard it had to hurt his face.
And Gracie didn’t want to say anything that would wipe that smile away.
“Well, we’re at the dog refuge,” she said, putting the van in Park. “So you two say your goodbyes and we won’t hold you to—”
“I’ll be there, Grace,” he said, his voice lower. “I can come and I want to. I mean, assuming that’s okay with you.”
“Of course,” she said, feigning brightness she certainly didn’t feel. “I’ll text you the time and place.”
“Perfect. And Merry Christmas, you two.”
They said their goodbyes, Benny still bubbling with excitement.
“So, why didn’t you tell me about the photo thing, Benny?”
Benny shrugged, adjusting his glasses. “Because I knew it would make you sad.”
The words sliced through her, clean and brutal. He said them so casually, as if managing her sadness was just another chore.
She blinked hard, turning to get her purse. Should she warn Benny not to count on his father showing that day? Would he even listen? Benny’s hopefulness was stubborn and blind. Sometimes he was so much like her mother, MJ, the eternal optimist.
It had gotten Benny through plenty of letdowns where Sam was concerned, and somehow, he handled them all. Mostly because Red made him laugh and forget his sadness.
Just then, she spotted Marshall climbing out of his SUV, helping Olivia with her dog named Kat.
He moved with the easy walk of an athlete, one hand protectively on his daughter’s shoulder. He wore a puffer vest that showcased broad shoulders and a strong posture, his head uncovered and giving her a good look at tightly cropped black curls.
Her gaze darted to the cream puffs again, the treats practically daring her to make a move.
Should she take them in with her? No, not with their kids both present.
They’d probably walk back to the parking lot together, like yesterday. When they did, she’d tell him she’d brought him something, hand him the box, and…suggest coffee.
Oh, boy. She’d rather crawl through broken glass, but wasn’t that how her son felt about making friends? Someone had to break the ice and get uncomfortable.
Benny was already half out of his seat when she opened her door, Sir Isaac Newton bouncing beside him, nose pressed to the glass.
The second she opened his door, he spilled out with the pup, both of them a flurry of energy.
“C’mon, Mom!” he called, racing toward the entrance. “Sir Isaac Newton can be first if we beat her.”
Gracie didn’t want to beat them. She wanted to walk with them, but it was impossible as Benny shot off with his dog.
She waved to Marshall and Olivia as she hustled to keep pace.
Marshall called, “Hello!” in greeting, his smile visible from the distance, warm enough to give her the encouragement she needed.
She would definitely give him the cream puffs and her number. Today. Right now.
Tugging off her gloves, her hands sticky inside the leather, she followed Benny into the lobby. He zipped through sign-in, gave a quick wave, and marched off to the training room to be first.
“He’s a doll,” Renee said to Gracie as she replaced the clipboard. “So independent and smart.”
“That he is,” Gracie agreed, fighting the urge to glance over her shoulder and see if Marshall and Olivia had reached the door yet. She had to time this just right. “I was hoping he’d make some friends here.”
Renee looked just dubious enough that Gracie knew Benny hadn’t even tried. “His dog loves everyone,” she said, clearly grasping at straws.
Gracie laughed, mostly because she was relieved that cool air blew in, which had to mean—
“Good morning, Olivia!” Renee called brightly.
Yes! Feeling a smile grow, Gracie turned, lifting her gaze in anticipation of seeing Marshall. But it was only Olivia.
“Where’s your father?” Renee asked, echoing Gracie’s thoughts.
“I just said goodbye to him.” The little girl pointed over her shoulder. “He had to take a work call. I can sign myself in, Miss Renee.”
Renee handed her the clipboard, but smiled at Gracie. “I’ll encourage him,” she said on a whisper. “Sometimes men just need a little push.”
For a moment, she felt the blood rise to her cheeks. Was she that obvious? Then she realized Renee meant Benny, not Marshall.
“Thanks, Renee,” she said softly.
“Oh, and Benny volunteered the actual Grumpy Santa to deliver our treats at the talent contest,” she added, beaming. “That’s a coup. Can we count on him?”
“Yes, you can. He’s Benny’s great-grandfather and he’ll be here for sure.”
As Gracie pulled her gloves back on, ready to walk out, she caught Olivia handing the clipboard back.
“Miss Renee?” the little girl said, so politely it hurt. “I want to use a dog whistle set to a certain frequency for my trick. Will that be okay?”
“Of course, honey,” the woman said, gesturing toward the hallway. “You just practice it a few times and make sure the others know.”
Oh, no. A dog whistle on a special frequency. Someone wasn’t going to like that.
Sighing and hoping that didn’t increase the rift between Benny and Olivia too much, Gracie stepped outside, just in time to see Marshall’s truck approaching, catching him on the phone, laughing.
He stopped to let her pass, giving her a smile and friendly wave, intent on his conversation.
Well, she could hardly jump up and down and offer cream puffs and a coffee date now, could she?
Maybe next time. If there was a next time.