Page 79 of Good Girls Don't Kiss and Tell

“Of course.” Gracie helped Pip finish unwrapping, worried she’d overstepped with Margaret. When they opened the box together, Pip immediately went for the toy Gracie had bought her while Gracie pulled out the dress, coat, tights, and shoes for Margaret to see. The red-green-and-white plaid dress had a poofy skirt and puffed sleeves was going to be adorable on Pip.

“How cute,” Margaret said.

“Just let me know when you want your pictures done. My friend Ryan is a photographer and is going to do your session free of charge.”

“Oh, I couldn’t—”

“Yes, you can. It’s already handled,” Gracie said firmly.

Pip got off her lap to play with her toy on the floor. As she pushed the animal train around, Gracie reached out her hand and took Margaret’s once more.

“I know we don’t know each other, but anything you need, just ask.”

Margaret was watching Pip with tear-filled eyes. “Just take care of my great-granddaughter when I’m gone. That’s what I really need.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

“When people talk about being “love sick,” it makes the emotional upheaval sound terrible. Who wants to be sick with anything?”- Miss Know-It-All’s Gossip Column.

On Monday, Gracie covered her face with her forearm just as a loud sneeze exploded. She sniffled and took Mrs. Andrews’s money while the older woman stared at her with narrowed eyes.

When she tried to give her the change, Mrs. Andrews shook her head. “You keep it, and while you’re at it, go home! No one wants your diseased hands touching their food and drink.”

Gracie glared at her through bleary eyes and tried to form coherent sentences past the fog in her brain. “I appreciate your concern, Mrs. Andrews. And I’m not touching food or drink, just money.”

“Which is almost worse,” the older woman snapped.

Gracie put the money in the tip jar. “Come again.”

Mrs. Andrews got out of line, and Gracie greeted Caroline, Valerie, and Ellis Willis.

“Gracie, you look terrible,” Val said.

“Thanks, I feel terrible.”

“Girl, you need to go home,” Caroline added.

“I will, as soon as Jennifer gets here. Until then, I’m here, and I’m taking your order.”

The women exchanged glances, and yes, she knew she was being a cranky bitch, but she just wanted to go home and sleep, but everyone she’d called had either let it go to voice mail or made up an excuse for why they couldn’t come in.

Once she finished with the Willis sisters, she leaned over and put her head on the counter. The cool ceramic counter felt good against her burning forehead, and she sighed in relief.

The bell dinged over the door, signaling another customer had come inside, and she groaned without lifting her head. “Can I help you?”

“What’s the matter with you?”

Gracie gritted her teeth. No, she did not want to see Eric right now, not in her current oozing state.

“Go away.”

“Wow, fantastic customer service.”

“Don’t want your money or your nosy ass in here asking questions.”

“Sweetheart, is that any way to speak to your boyfriend?”

Gracie jerked her head up from the counter, catching herself when the room spun. “Stop that!”

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