Good Girls Don't Kiss and Tell

by Codi Gary

  “Hey, Gracie, it’s Sam.”

  “Howdy, Sam.”

  “How’s it going?” he asked.

  “We’re all good. Just about to eat dinner.”

  “Good. I just wanted to let you know that we put out a warrant on Rita, but she still hasn’t come home. Social services called me back and asked if you could meet them tomorrow afternoon at St. Luke’s so they could have the child blood tested and examined.”

  Gracie smiled at Pip, who was starting to whine in impatience. “Yeah, sure. What time?”

  “Two.”

  “I’ll be there, but I gotta go. I got T-minus five before she melts down.”

  Sam laughed. “I’ve been there. Good luck!”

  Gracie ended the call and carried the plate over to Pip, setting it on her tray. She waved the pink princess spoon she’d picked up for her at Hall’s. “Can you use one of these, or do you need help?”

  Pip picked up a piece of turkey with her fingers and popped it into her mouth. When she started to grab another piece, Gracie stalled her. “Chew that one and then take another.”

  It was a battle getting Pip to eat slowly, and by the time she finished, Gracie had to change her pajamas again.

  Gracie finally got to eat once she’d moved any breakable or tiny object out of reach. She didn’t bother with the dishes, just picked Pip up and carried her into the living room.

  “Wanna watch a movie?”

  Gracie sat on the couch with Pip in her lap and turned on the TV. Once she’d settled on another kid’s show, she pulled the throw on the back of the couch over them. They didn’t even make it through one episode before Pip’s body relaxed into hers and her breathing became deep and even.

  And then it occurred to Gracie that she’d forgotten to set up the Pack ‘n Play.

  Crap.

  * * *

  Eric stood on Gracie’s doorstep just after eight. He’d called Hope’s husband, Sam, to ask him who the little girl was, and when he’d heard the story, it had been a little hard to believe. He knew Gracie had a big heart, but taking in a strange kid?

  He’d told his family during dinner, and his mom had gotten up from her mashed potatoes and gone to her “hoarder’s closet,” as his dad called it. His mom had a bit of a compulsive shopping problem and would buy things she didn’t need, just because they were a good deal.

  She came out with a box of kid’s toys and stuffed animals and pointed at him. “When you’re done with your food, you take this over to that girl, you hear me?”

  “Mom, I don’t think she’s keeping her. It’s just for the night.”

  She’d planted her hands on her hips and twisted her mouth up in disapproval. “When I want your opinion, Eric Andrew Henderson, I will give it to you.”

  Which is how he found himself standing there, knocking on Gracie’s door. Even as a grown-ass man, he didn’t argue with his mother.

  “Who is it?” Gracie called from the other side of the door.

  “It’s Eric. My mom sent me over with some stuff for you.”

  The lock turned, and when she pulled the door open, he tried not to notice that her hair was tousled in the just-got-out-of-bed way he’d always dreamed of seeing…

  And her nipples were hard against the pink cotton of her long-sleeved top.

  I’m going to hell.

  “Can I come in? It’s cold as balls out here,” he said.

  “Yeah, sure. Just be quiet. Pip’s asleep on the couch.”

  Eric stepped inside and noticed the tiny being curled on her side, covered in a colorful throw.

  “Pip? Her name is Pip?”

  “No, it’s just what I’ve been calling her. Pip for pipsqueak.” Gracie closed the door behind him, and her gaze flicked to the little girl. “She hasn’t said a word to me.”

  Noting the worry in Gracie’s tone, he gave her a reassuring smile. “Probably just scared.” He set the box down on the coffee table and pulled out a stuffed horse. “Mom thought you could probably use some toys.”

  Gracie stepped up next to him, and the soft scent of her overwhelmed him, driving him out of his mind. “These toys are brand new.”

  “Yeah, my mom is a bit of a compulsive shopper. She probably saw them on the clearance rack at Target and thought she could use them for a birthday present or something.”

  Gracie shook her head, and put one of the toys back. “I…I don’t know what to say. I can’t accept these. I’m meeting social services tomorrow, and I’d hate to open these up and ruin them for one night.”

  “Don’t you have to be at work tomorrow?” he asked.

  “No, I took the weekend off. Tanya and a couple other volunteers are holding down the fort. I’d planned to do a little Black Friday shopping, but I’ll just have to settle for getting deals online.”

  Eric placed the stuffed horse in her arms. “Well, I’m telling you right now that my mom wanted you to have these. I would just send her a thank-you note if I were you.”

  “Hmmm. Good point. Don’t get me wrong, your mom adores me, but I’m not sure she’d forgive me if I insulted her by sending these back.”

  “Probably not.” Eric looked around her tiny house and noted the boxes of preheated turkey dinner and dishes in the sink. “You ordered one of those lazy man dinners from Hall’s?”

  Gracie laughed and went into the kitchen, picking the boxes off the counter and throwing them into the trash can. “It was just supposed to be me tonight, and I didn’t feel like spending ten hours preparing a full Thanksgiving dinner, but I wanted one. This seemed the easiest choice.”

  “Or, you could have asked any of your friends and they would have had you over. Where’s your boyfriend? Why didn’t he join you?”

  Gracie just shrugged, and he wanted to press her for more information. Had they broken up?

  She’d moved to the sink to wash the dishes, and he came up alongside her. “Don’t tell me you dumped him already?”

  She shot him a dark look. “No, I did not dump him. Did it ever occur to you that sometimes I like to be alone?”

  “You? No, not at all. You’re a social butterfly. You thrive on attention.”

  Gracie snorted. “Well, I’m going to get plenty of attention when my parents come for the holidays, so I felt like I needed one holiday to just chill.”

  As soon as she mentioned her parents, her hand on the scrubber sped up. She looked as though she was about to break the dish right in half, she was pressing so hard.

  “Hey, hey, okay, no need to take your aggravations out on the dinnerware.”

  He took the plate from her and opened the dishwasher, slipping the plate into one of the slots.

  “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine,” Gracie said.

  He took the scrub brush from her hand and bumped her out of the way with his hip. “Yeah, I can tell the thought of your parents visiting you doesn’t affect you at all. Why don’t you pour a glass of wine and relax? I can take care of the dishes.”

  “It’s not even your mess!”

  “Seriously, it’s Thanksgiving. Be thankful I’m a nice guy.”

  She grumbled to herself and went down the hallway to her bedroom. Eric almost asked her if she usually kept her alcohol in her bedroom, but was afraid of waking the kid.

  When he’d finished sliding the last dish in the washer, he looked up in time to see Gracie carrying the sleeping toddler to her room.

  He followed behind and stood in the doorway, unable to look away as she bent over the portable crib and laid the little girl down. He caught a glimpse of her face as she gently pulled a blanket up over her and he held his breath.

  Softness. The bedside lamp showed the small smile and eased features as Gracie cared for someone else’s kid. He could just imagine the love she would rain down on a child of her own.

  Gracie stood back up and turned, jumping when she saw him in the doorway.

  “Why are you always lurking about?”

  “Again, wasn’t lurking, just watching. An
d I was just thinking that when you finally settle on a guy, you’ll make a good mom.”

  For some reason, her face tightened, and he had a feeling he was in for an earful as soon as she could raise her voice.

  She pushed him down the hallway until he finally grunted, “Ow! What?”

  “Who says I need a man? Women have children on their own all the time.”

  Why in the hell was she going nuts over a compliment? “Geez, Gracie Lou, I was just saying you’d make a good mom! I didn’t mean any offense.”

  “Well, I don’t need anyone else telling me how I can’t have a full, rich life without a husband to take care of me. I have been taking care of myself just fine!”

  Eric threw up his hands, his temper good and riled now. “I never said any different, but since you’re determined to take everything I say the wrong way, I better be on my way.”

  “I guess you should!” she said in a loud whisper.

  “Fine!”

  “Good!”

  “And I’ll call your mother to thank her.”

  He stopped in the doorway with a scowl. “Seems like a good idea. I’d hate to thank her for you and piss you off by helping you out!”

  She gasped as he closed the door on her and stomped across the crunchy snow to his car. As he pressed the automatic start, he climbed in with a curse.

  Why are all the women in this town tough as nails and bat-shit crazy?

  Chapter Six

  “If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that things happen for a reason and fate doesn’t make mistakes…if you believe in that kind of thing.” - Miss Know-It-All’s Gossip Column.

  On the way to the hospital the next afternoon, Gracie turned onto Cherry Tree Lane when she saw the detour sign on Main Street. Whatever was going on was blocking traffic, and she couldn’t be late to meet Pip’s social worker.

  Pip had fallen asleep almost as soon as she’d pulled out of the driveway. She’d woken Gracie up at about one in the morning, screaming. Since it was obvious she’d been having a nightmare, Gracie had let her snuggle in with her for the night. They’d had a full morning of blueberry muffins for breakfast with a bowl of fruit salad, and Gracie had opened several toys for her to play with. She still hadn’t started her online shopping yet, but she’d been having too much fun to care.

  Gracie admired the trees that were shimmering white with frost from the frozen fog that had rolled through this morning. Amidst the winter wonderland, she noticed a red For Sale by Owner sign in front of 905 Cherry Tree Lane and slowed the car. Her heart skipped excitedly as she stared at the white house with the gray trim. All the houses on this side of town had nice yards and were at least three bedrooms.

  Perfect for someone who didn’t want to sleep on the couch for two weeks.

  Of course, buying a home was a big step, but she had been saving for the down payment. And since it was for sale by owner, maybe they’d be willing to carry the loan.

  After parking in front of the house, she typed the number on the sign into her phone. She turned her Bluetooth ear piece on before she hit the green call icon on her phone and pulled out onto the road again.

  “Hello?” a woman answered.

  “Hi, my name is Gracie McAllister, and I was calling about your home for sale on Cherry Tree Lane. Is it still available?”

  “Gracie? It’s Kirsten Winters.”

  Gracie wished she could hang up the phone without looking like a tool. She liked Kirsten, but ever since she’d left with Eric during the Halloween Ball, Gracie had developed a bitter taste in her mouth whenever she saw her.

  Maybe because I was a little jealous?

  “Hey, Kirsten! I didn’t know you owned a house.”

  “I don’t. It was my grandparents’. I’m just managing the property for them since they moved to Arizona. You’re interested?”

  Part of Gracie wanted to say no, but it would be a bald-faced lie. And besides, she had no reason to be irritated with Kirsten. She and Eric were two consenting adults, and Gracie had no claim to him, didn’t even want one. He was a Neanderthal, and she was dating Darrin.

  “Depends on the terms, yes, I am,” Gracie said coolly.

  “It’s one hundred and thirty-nine thousand and eighteen hundred square feet. It’s four bedroom, three bath, and the backyard is just shy of half an acre since it’s a corner lot. If you want them to carry the papers and have at least twenty percent down, the payment would be nine hundred and twenty-six, not including home owner’s insurance for ten years.”

  Gracie considered that. It would be faster, without the added fees of a bank. “Could I come by and look at it later today? Maybe four?”

  “Sure, I can meet you there about four thirty, if that works.”

  “Definitely. And thanks, Kirsten.”

  “See you then.”

  Gracie ended the call and turned up the radio, humming along to “This is How We Roll” by Florida Georgia Line, and considered her options. She could call Wyatt Carter at the Credit Union and talk to him about getting her a preapproval loan and pay for the house in full. Or at least have her lawyers draw something up.

  Or, I could see if I even like the place before I jump the gun. First things first.

  * * *

  At the hospital, Gracie was surprised to find that Pip’s case worker was an old friend from her drama club days in high school. Viola Merryweather still looked like she was fourteen. An inch shorter than Gracie, with freckles and her copper hair pulled back in a twist, she smiled brightly.

  “Gracie, it’s so good to see you.”

  “You too, Viola.” Gracie tried to get Pip to lift her head, but she was still pretty tired. “And this is Pip.”

  “Pip?”

  “She still hasn’t said a word, so it’s just a nickname.”

  “Ah, gotcha. Well, hopefully, some of these tests can help us identify you, love.” Viola reached her arms out, but Pip squeezed Gracie’s neck harder.

  “If you just want to lead the way, I’ll stay with her,” Gracie said.

  Viola dropped her arms and nodded.

  “I also took pictures of some bruises on her arms and legs and she is so thin.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll have you transfer them to me for her record but the doctor will also take some.”

  Over an hour later, Gracie wanted to just bundle Pip up and get her the hell out of there. As nice as the techs were, it broke Gracie’s heart to watch such a tiny child be poked, prodded, and positioned to take X-rays and blood work, and be photographed.

  Pip scooted away when the doctor came in and started screaming, reaching for Gracie.

  Pushing past Viola, she scooped Pip up and faced the doctor and Viola like a bristling mama bear ready to protect her cub.

  “Viola, she’s been through so much. Can’t we give her a little break?”

  “Actually, Ms.…” The doctor waited.

  “McAllister.”

  “Ms. McAllister, I was coming in to say we were all finished and we were so impressed with how well…”

  “Pip.”

  “Pip did that I was wondering if she’d like a sticker.” The doctor, a dark-haired woman in her mid-forties, held out a tray of different stickers. “Pick any one you want.”

  But Pip wouldn’t even look at her, and finally, Gracie picked a Little Mermaid sticker and held it in front of the little girl’s face.

  “How about this one? She’s pretty, huh?”

  Pip took the sticker without lifting her head, and Gracie could see the thumb shoved into her mouth like a safety net.

  The doctor now spoke to Viola. “We’ll try to get the results on the blood back as soon as we can. Hopefully we’ll be able to locate her mother or a next of kin. Other than the diaper rash and her weight being a little low for her estimated age, she is in good health. There were no signs of sexual abuse or trauma, and no broken bones on Jocelyn’s X-rays.” The doctor handed Viola several prescription slips. “Here is a prescription for an antibiotic ointment
for her diaper rash and a children’s multi-vitamin.”

  Once the doctor left the room and it was just the three of them. Gracie stroked Pip’s back gently, meeting Viola’s gaze.

  “Is she done now? Really?” Gracie asked.

  “Yes.” Viola seemed to be watching her intently. “You’re very good with her.”

  “I’ve taken care of kids before.”

  “And she seems to trust you.”

  Gracie stopped rubbing Pip’s back. “What are you thinking, Viola?”

  Viola lowered her voice. “I don’t have a current foster home for her in the Magic Valley, and until I get the lab results back and we figure out who she is, I either have to place her with a family in Ada County or a group home. But if you’re okay with it, I can have a motion filed this week giving you temporary care of her until we’re able to find her family.”

  Gracie’s heart leapt in her throat. “Do you think a judge would go for that? I’m not an actual foster parent.”

  “I’ve got a judge that owes me a favor, and when I explain the circumstances, I have a feeling she’ll be sympathetic. You just leave that up to me.”

  * * *

  Eric sat in front of his computer, typing up an email to his literary agent, Neal Goodman. He knew Neal was out of town for the weekend visiting family, but hopefully he’d get it first thing Monday and be able to give him an update on his submission. Considering Neal was the only one he had to talk to about his novel, he was going out of his mind.

  It wasn’t because he was ashamed or thought his family wouldn’t approve. Writing was always something he enjoyed, but since he’d never gone to college or taken any classes, he’d always kept his musings to himself.

  The last two years, though, he’d been a bit restless. He’d been running his family’s bar since he was twenty-one years old, and although he loved it, it wasn’t his passion.

  Still, he wasn’t ready to share anything with anyone until there was something to share. When he’d finished his manuscript six months ago, and sent a query letter to eight different agents, six of them had come back with a hard no.

  Not Neal, though. He’d sent him a contract to review five days after reading Eric’s sample chapters, and the two of them had been tweaking and working together ever since. Neal had finally told him in September that the manuscript was ready to shop.