Page 63 of Good Girls Don't Kiss and Tell

“Hi, who is this?”

“This is Margaret Lincoln. Are you Miss McAllister?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You had my great-granddaughter, Jocelyn, with you?”

Gracie’s heart hammered against her breast bone, and she pressed the phone harder to the side of her head, as if that would help her hear better. “Yes, yeah, I did. How is she?”

“Oh, she’s doing okay. Quiet little thing. Hardly says a word.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Her case worker mentioned you would like to see her?”

Gracie caught her breath, allowing it to whoosh out slowly. “I would, very much.”

“Well, I’d like to meet you first, if that’s all right. Have a little sit-down.”

Gracie’s stomach flipped with excitement. “I would be happy to do that. When is it convenient for you?”

“I was thinking Tuesday. I need to go into town for something, and my eldest daughter, Jocelyn’s grandmother, will be watching her.”

Gracie was disappointed she wouldn’t get to see Pip, but she understood Margaret’s instinct to protect her. And boy, did she want to learn more about the family dynamic.

“Of course, would two be all right? We could meet at the Starbucks in Twin, near the mall?”

“That would be fine.”

“Great, I’ll see you then. Thank you for calling, Margaret.”

“Of course, honey.” Margaret’s voice had warmed considerably during their conversation. “See you Tuesday.”

“Bye.” Gracie ended the call with a tap, and her chest warmed with excitement. If Pip’s great-grandma wanted to talk to her, did it mean she might get some kind of visitation?

Gracie put her phone in the cup holder and grabbed her Bluetooth ear piece. Once she was set up with hands-free, she called Eric.

“Hey you,” he said, his deep voice making her insides tighten.

“Hey, guess what?”

“What?”

“Pip’s great-grandmother, the woman she is staying with, wants to meet me! I think she might let me see her if this goes well!”

“That’s great, babe! I’m really happy for you both.”

His warm enthusiasm made Gracie’s smile widen. “Me too. I just hope she likes me.”

“She will. I guarantee it.”

Gracie pulled out onto the main road, practically humming with happiness. “Thank you. That really means a lot.”

“You gonna come back over tonight?” he asked.

“Hmmm, I don’t know. Hard, lumpy couch or sleeping with you…decisions…”

“If you’re looking for pros, my bed is big, comfy, and I’m in it.”

---