24
Nora
“Damn it!”
There’s a loud thud followed by another curse. I peek my head out of the loft window to see Grayson fuming as he stomps around the yard.
The kids are running and playing, oblivious to their father’s upset. I slip my feet into my sandals and walk downstairs.
Grayson and I have spent the last week falling into an easy routine. I spend the days with his kids, running around the yard, cooking, and doing crafts, and we come together in the evenings to watch movies or go fishing. Emma and I have been baking, and I’ve been working with Henry on his ABCs while Jack and Grayson play catch in the yard.
Tonight is the first night I left them, and it was only for a few hours to go spend time with Nick and Jessa. I got home about an hour ago, had a chat with my new manager about meeting up with her next weekend while I’m in LA for the premiere, and then I had plans of taking a nice, hot shower and crawling into bed early before Jack’s birthday party tomorrow. But it doesn’t look like that’ll be happening.
“What’s wrong?”
Grayson nudges a box with his foot. “There’s a hole in the slip-n-slide. Jack is going to be devastated.”
“Can’t you run into town and grab another one?”
“I looked at the store while we were picking up the rest of the party supplies, and they were sold out. I even asked one of the clerks, and he said they aren’t getting any in until next week.”
“Oh. Well, I’m sure there’s something else you can come up with.”
He tosses his hands up in defeat. “I’m fresh out of ideas, and I still have to put together the party favor bags for the kids and get the meat marinating for the BBQ. I’m officially the worst father ever.”
“Oh, you are not.” I kiss Grayson, simply because he looks like he needs some love. “Let me take care of it.”
He cocks a brow. “What are you going to do?”
Being a celebrity has its perks.
“Just let me take care of it. You worry about the party favors and the food, and I’ll worry about the entertainment.”
“Nora, the party is tomorrow. It’s getting late, and the stores are all ready to close.”
“Have a little faith, Calhoun,” I say, stepping away from him with a grin. “I’ve got your back on this.”
I turn away from Grayson and jog upstairs. I find my phone and pull up the last number I called.
Marnie answers on the first ring. “What did we forget?”
“Nothing. But I have a giant favor to ask.”
“My first big task. Hit me with it.”
I give her a rundown of what’s going on and what I would like to pull off, and Marnie jumps into action.
“Piece of cake. Consider it done.”
“Really?” That was easy, for me at least. Her job might be a little harder.
“Yes, really. You’re Nora Hayes. I’ll have no problem pulling this off.”
“I’ve never used my name to get special treatment before.”
“Where have you been hiding, girl?”
“On a tour bus.”