Grace had known the milestone was coming and hoped she’d be the one to witness it.
“He wanted his bunny. He learns quickly. He was so pleased with himself.” Selah would have gone on, but Grace said she needed to work and ended the call. The hurt sank deep. Would Selah be the one to hear Samuel’s first word and see his first steps? If she had a choice, would she rather Selah be the one to see these things or a day care worker?
Talia peered in. “Everything all right?”
Startled, Grace glanced up. “Yes. Fine.”
“You looked so serious.”
“How was he?”
“Grim. The show isn’t the only thing on his mind. Well, I’m off and running. See you this evening.” She ducked out and then came back in again. “What do you know about the divine Jasper Hawley?”
“Not much.”
“I’d like to know that gentleman better.” She waggled her brows. Grace laughed and wished her luck.
The two men came inside and talked in the living room. Grace thought she’d go out and clear the patio table, but the tray with coffee mugs was on the kitchen counter. Jasper looked happy to see her. “Roman said you went to UCLA.”
“I didn’t graduate.”
“But you were studying clinical psychology? Do you have plans to finish your degree?”
“I’m chipping away at it. One online class at a time.”
Roman wore an odd expression. “I don’t know why you bother. I pay you more than you’ll ever make as a social worker, which is all you’ll be qualified to do with a bachelor’s in clinical psychology.” He gave Jasper a glance. “She’d need a PhD for anything better, wouldn’t she?” He raised his brows at her. “How old would you be by that time, Grace?”
She was tired of being on the receiving end of his bad mood. “About your age—and a lot happier.”
Jasper laughed.
Mortified, she waited for Roman to say something nasty. His mouth tipped slightly. Had he been baiting her? She ignored him and addressed Jasper. “Right now, the main thing I’m studying is my Bible.”
“A worthy endeavor.” Jasper smiled. “I’ve been known to read the Good Book myself.”
Roman looked preoccupied. “Grace, I need you ready at five. Talia wants us there early.”
“Brian is picking me up at four. I told Talia I’d—”
“Brian?” His eyes narrowed. “Who’s Brian?”
“A friend. He’s interested in your work.”
“What’s he do for a living?”
“He’s a youth pastor.”
“He couldn’t afford it, and you’ll be working.”
She let both the insult and the reminder go. Jasper was watching the exchange with far too much interest.
Roman stared at her. “Why don’t you take the rest of the afternoon off? You’ll need time to get ready.”
Her lips parted. Did he just imply it would take hours for her to make herself presentable? “I’ll try not to embarrass you.” She wished he’d do the same. Roman started to say something and pressed his lips together. She looked at him and waited. Maybe he wanted to ask her what she was wearing. When he didn’t say anything more, she gave Jasper an apologetic smile. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yes. You will.”
Roman would need a handler.
Grace returned to the cottage. It was going to be a long, tense evening, if this morning had been any indication. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about what to wear. Shanice had taken her shopping last week. “You’ve been out to coffee and dinners with Brian, but this is your chance to shine, girl! You need to dress up!” She knew of a classy boutique in North Hollywood that sold gently used designer clothing at great prices. They found the perfect little black dress with a ballet neckline, fitted waist, and straight skirt. “Grace, you’re a stunner in that dress!”
“No one will be looking at me, Shanice. This is Roman’s night.”
“You’re there with Brian. We want him looking at you. Leave your hair down. If I had hair like yours, I’d let it grow to my waist.”
She’d kept it short for a year or so, but it was getting longer now. Patrick liked long hair, so she let it grow while they were together. He also liked blondes, so she bleached her hair. She was glad to be past that nonsense.
With a few extra hours on her hands, Grace checked to see if she had any new responses to her post for a babysitter. Three applicants had answered Grace’s questions and left references. Grace made a few calls and eliminated two. The third had already taken a position as a full-time nanny.