“Mollie should be the party planner from now on,” Jade said as she picked up any remaining cups. “That was so smoothly run.”
“She does own a farm,” Grace said from where she lounged on the couch. “Shehasto be good at planning.”
“Also, we need to talk about how you two got a gift from Hugh.” Jade’s eyes were wide. “You’re miracle workers.”
“I’m as shocked as you are,” Grace said as she tried to fight a yawn. “But it was sweet.”
“We’ll get outta your hair,” Wren said as they collected the last of the trash. “You two need rest.”
“But—”
“Thanks,” I interrupted. “You’re right.”
Grace huffed, but I knew she needed the rest, and it would be nice to have some quiet time.
“My feet are killing me,” Grace muttered when the house was finally empty. As she was nearing the end of the pregnancy, she’d been having more and more aches and pains.
“Here,” I said, moving her legs so I could sit and rub them.
“Thanks.” She let out a sigh of relief. She’d taken all of the changes like a trooper, but I could see it was also taking a toll onher. In the kitchen, Mom was doing more cleaning, which meant there was even less for Grace to do.
I was relieved Grace and Mom got along so well and that Grace had let her stay in Strawberry Springs for a while. It was nice having her close, and even nicer that we had the extra help.
There was a feeling I couldn’t shake that this phase would be ending soon. I hadn’t told Grace because I was sure it was just my nerves talking, but I was mentally preparing for birth any day now.
Our gentle peace was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. Grace gave me a shocked look, and I knew that she probably hadn’t locked the front door.
“I’ll take care of it,” I said, gently moving her legs off me. I got up. I thought maybe a party guest had forgotten something and simply didn’t knock.
That was not who I found.
“Brooke,” I said. “What are you doing here?”
Grace had made it a point to not invite her. Why should she have, after everything Brooke had done and said? We should have known she would show up anyway.
“Where’s Grace?”
“She’s resting. What can I help you with?” I asked evenly. I knew nothing good would come of me being an ass to her, no matter how much I disliked her.
“How about you let me walk into my own house without questions?”
“You moved to Nashville,” I said slowly. “This isn’t your house. It’s not even where you live.”
“Brooke?” Grace asked. I crossed my arms, knowing she didn’t need this right now. “What are you doing here?”
Brooke’s arms drew tighter around herself. “I had an agent come to my show. He didn’t sign me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Grace said as she made her way over to us. “But?—”
“He’s an idiot, I know. But my roommates all agreed with him, and when I called them out for also being stupid, they told me to get out for the night. I figured I could come here and show everyone what a real star looks like.”
My jaw tightened. Nowhere in any of Brooke’s words was a lick of self-awareness. She’d ignored Grace when she came to her show, but the second she needed something, she expected Grace to be there.
“That room isn’t available,” I said.
“What, areyoustaying in it?” Brooke glared and looked back at Grace. “I told you that wasmyroom.”
Her words made my temper flare hotter.