Nicole gave Shanice a fierce look. “And before you say a word, I already know if I had any brains, I’d quit and find another job.”
Shanice’s eyes widened. “I didn’t say anything.”
“No, but you were thinking it.”
Shanice put her pot on the stove and faced Nicole. “All I’ve ever said is guard your heart. I’ve had mine broken a few times. We all have.”
Nicole wilted into a chair. She looked ready to cry. “He’s an important man doing important work, and I feel important when I’m with him.”
Shanice gripped Nicole’s shoulders, leaned down, and kissed her cheek. “You’d be important without him, honey.”
“I’m just an office worker, Shanice.”
Grace felt Nicole’s pain. “So am I.”
“You don’t understand. I’d do anything for Charles. Anything!”
Grace understood all too well, wanted to warn her friend. “I did everything for Patrick, Nicole, and none of it mattered to him. It’s hard to think clearly when you’re vulnerable and want something so much.”
Brian came in with a case of sodas and a man Grace hadn’t met. “Nice afternoon for a barbecue.” He gave Grace a quick kiss on the cheek. “This is Nigel Campbell, one of our hardworking deacons. You’ll have to do the honors. I’ve only met Miss Tyson.” Brian gave Shanice a nod. Shanice ignored him as she gave Nigel a quick greeting and went back to stirring the beans.
Grace introduced Ashley and Nicole. The minute Nigel spoke, Ashley’s face lit up. “You’re a Brit!”
Roman and Jasper came down the cobbled pathway from the main house and Grace went outside to welcome them. Jasper carried a big watermelon. Roman had a six-pack of Heineken beer and a bottle of champagne. Roman followed Grace inside, where Shanice and Brian stood on opposite sides of the table, the air vibrating with tension. Setting the beer and champagne on the table, Roman extended his hand to Brian. “Henley, right?”
Smiling, Brian shook his hand. “Looks like our prayers were answered. This is Shanice. She was at the hospital, too.”
“Grace said you came. Thanks for looking out for her.”
Jasper winked at Grace and leaned close. “He’s on his best behavior today.”
Grace put the beer and champagne in the refrigerator. Samuel was pounding on the toy piano, and Jasper went over to have a closer look. “And who is this little fella?”
“My son.” She lifted Samuel and sat him on her hip. “Samuel, this is Mr. Hawley, Mr. Velasco’s friend.”
Brian plucked Samuel away. Holding him up, he jiggled him until he laughed, then laughed with him.
Roman watched Brian with Grace’s son. The baby obviously knew him, and Henley was comfortable handling him. Brian carried Samuel back to Shanice, and the two of them talked in low voices. Roman watched the interchange, wondering if Grace noticed. She didn’t seem bothered that her boyfriend was showing considerable interest in her friend. Shanice took Samuel from Brian and joined Roman. “What are you working on? Another mural?”
“Something new. Grace’s idea. Hoping to keep my mind off the trip to hell.”
“Thankfully, that’s a trip I’ll never take, though I deserve it.” She blew a raspberry against Samuel’s neck.
“I thought he was yours. You were holding him the first time I met you.”
Shanice laughed. “You mean the day we were all checking you out to make sure you didn’t have dishonorable intentions toward Grace?” She lifted Samuel to her shoulder. “I grab this little guy every chance I get. No guarantees I’ll ever have one of my own.” Her eyes lingered wistfully on Brian. “He’s pretty special.”
“Are you talking about the baby or Brian Henley?”
Shanice looked embarrassed. “I meant Samuel, of course, but Brian’s pretty cool, too. Nicole, Ashley, and I picked him out for Grace.” She explained about the matchmaker website and how many men they’d considered before deciding Brian was the perfect guy for Grace.
It must be nice to have friends who cared enough to search for a prospective mate. Charcoal already started, Mr. Perfect put sodas into an ice chest outside while talking with Ashley and Nigel. Samuel had fallen asleep on Shanice’s shoulder. Grace took hamburger patties and bratwurst from the refrigerator. He caught her looking at him and felt a twinge of satisfaction. At least her eyes weren’t glued to the man who had built the fire.