Without another word, I hang up. Backorder. One word I despise. I hope to God he’s done when this trip is over. At least, there weren’t any jokes this time. I still have a few minutes, so I call Gracie’s mom, Darcie, to check in.
“Hey, Carson,” she answers. “How are you?”
“I’m fine, thanks. How are you and Gracie doing?” I glance around to double check that no one is paying attention to me.
“I’m doing okay, but it’s not Gracie’s best day. She’s taking a morning nap right now.”
I hate hearing when she’s not having a good day. “When she’s feeling better, tell her she can call me if she wants. I’m pretty busy, but I could take a moment to talk to her.”
“Thanks, Carson. And thank you for the bandana you sent her. She loves it. She’s wearing it right now, actually.”
I smile. “I thought she might like that. Is there anything either of you need?”
“No, no. We’re fine.”
“You know I’ll help with whatever, so just let me know, okay?” I see Kinley approaching me, probably to yell that break’s over. “I have to go. Keep me posted on Gracie, please.”
“Of course, I will.
Chapter Fifteen
Kinley
“Cassie, I’m tired. Let’s just finish this in the morning.” I shut my laptop and push it away.
“Let’s hit the bar for a drink,” she suggests.
“You know what, I think that’s a great idea.” I stand up and look in the mirror. My top is a little low cut, but I don’t mind it. My ass looks fabulous in these jeans too.
We hit the bar, and it isn’t very crowded. Cassie order two shots and two drinks.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?”
“Ha, the Kinley Wright I know can hold her liquor.” She giggles.
“Well, I don’t like to toot my horn, but you know I can out drink you.” I throw the shot back and take a gulp of the drink.
“Now this is a Kinley I would like to know.” Carson’s voice is close to my ear.
“Shit,” I mumble. “Go away, Carson.”
“No, Carson should stay. Show him the real Kinley.” Cassie giggles again.
“Yeah, listen to your best friend. Plus, do you really want to send me away? To go find a poor girl that’ll sleep with me?” He somewhat pouts his lips.
“You sound pathetic right now, you know that, right?”
“You know what, I think I’m tired.” Cassie slips off the stool and almost runs away. I have a strange feeling I’ve been set up. She’ll hear about this later.
“Should I go make sure she makes it to her room?” Carson watches her walk away.
“No, she’s fine. I don’t want to have to drag you out of her bed in the morning.”
“I was being completely sincere. I’m not trying to sleep with her.” He stares at me, and I can tell he’s telling the truth.
“Oh, well, um, I’m sure she’s fine. She’s a big girl.” I take two more gulps of my drink in front of me, letting the alcohol soothe me.
“I didn’t take you for a drinker, especially not like how she was talking.”