Page 20 of Imperfect Arrangement

I’m not just doing this because I think Daisy will relax more while getting a facial but also because I genuinely like Quill. In our short time together, I’ve kind of realized this kid is possibly the most awesome one I’ve ever met. But…her dad and I are sworn business rivals. And last I checked, “mortal enemies” wasn’t exactly the best foundation for casual playdates. So, even if I like Quill, I’m not going to get too many chances to hang out with her.

“I think it’s a great idea.” Grandpa Will smiles gratefully before turning to Quill. “What do you think, Bug? Would you like to join Miss Pershing?”

“Maybe we can get matching nails,” I suggest, wiggling my fingers in the air.

Quill’s face lights up like I promised her a pony, and she’s nodding so enthusiastically I think her head might fly off.

“Perfect!” Laine claps her hands. “You ladies enjoy your massages, and we’ll handle some serious nail business.”

A few moments later, Quill and I find ourselves at the manicure tables, my chipped, sad excuse for nail polish on full display. And because the universe has a sense of humor, the young woman across from Quill has nails so perfect they practically sparkle in the fluorescent lights.

“Do you have a preference on color or design?” the manicurist, Laurie—as stated by her name tag—asks, looking sweet and eager.

But when Quill shakes her head and taps her index and middle finger together with her thumb, signing, “No,” Laurie freezes like a deer caught in headlights. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

For the first time all day, I’m left stunned. Everything had been running smoothly, with Laine sticking close to us, I never stopped to think about how everyday tasks might be different for Quill. But now, reality hits me—Raymond has been ten steps ahead, making sure his daughter didn’t face unnecessary obstacles. This moment, though, is an unplanned hiccup. Laine is gone, Grandpa Will is nowhere in sight, and I can already see Quill about to clam up.

“She said no,” I say with a smile, trying to smooth things over.

Laurie lets out a nervous breath, her eyes flitting between us. “Okay, um, would you like to see some nail art designs? We’ve got special ones for kids.”

But Quill has lost all interest. Her head hangs low, and she looks like the saddest kid I’ve ever seen.

Laurie’s eyes dart back to me. “I’m really sorry.” Her voice drops to a whisper. “It’s my first day here. Actually, my first day on any job. I just finished my course.”

Bless her heart. This sweet girl is about to have a breakdown, and she doesn’t even know Quill is her boss’s daughter.

“Can you give us a minute, Laurie?” I ask gently.

Her eyes widen as if I’ve told her she’s failed her first test. “Oh no, I’m really good?—”

“Laurie, you’re doing great.” I throw her a reassuring smile. “Quill just needs a little time to think. We’re good, I promise.”

She finally takes the hint, giving Quill a tentative smile, who of course is busy learning all the minute details about the floor design right now.

As soon as Laurie’s out of earshot, I turn to Quill. “Hey, you okay there?”

She glances around the empty room, then looks at me with those curious big eyes. And then—holy hell—she speaks. Out loud. “Yeah.”

My brain short-circuits. Did that just happen?

Out of all the people in the world—including her doting dad—she decidedI, a practical stranger, am worth breaking her silence for!

Before I can fully process it, she reaches out and touches my sunflower bracelet. “I like your jewelry.”

I need another minute to shake off the shock. “Um…thanks, kiddo. I’ll get you one next time I go shopping. Would you like that?”

Her face lights up like I’ve promised her the moon. “Really?”

Quill’s smile is the kind that makes you want to wrap her in bubble wrap and guard her from the world. But my gaze snags on something behind her—a glimpse of Grandpa Will through the open window, his usually stoic face full of surprise and awe right now. I don’t think the gentleman was intentionally eavesdropping on Quill and me.

Did he just hear her speak for the first time?

Our eyes meet, and he gives me a small, almost reverent smile before stepping back.

I quickly focus on Quill again, hoping she didn’t catch that.

“So, what’s your favorite color?” I ask, trying to bring the moment back to her.