Chapter 206

Stacey ate quickly, pushing her plate away as soon as she was full. The lingering awkwardness of Hayden’s continued food-plating intensified. Kevin, finally finished, announced, “Mommy, I’m full! Hands!”

Stacey immediately whisked Lillian and Kevin off to wash up. Joey beat her to cleaning the table. Another wave of awkwardness washed over her.

Later, in the yard, Hayden smiled reassuringly. “Don’t be so jumpy. Marissa and Joey aren’t strangers.”

Stacey opened her mouth, then closed it.

“I’ve got the Fraley file in your inbox,” Hayden continued. “We’ll see him tomorrow.”

“You got information?” Stacey’s surprise quickly turned to gratitude. “Thank you!”

Hayden’s gaze made her uneasy. “Why? What’s wrong?”

He laughed. “Nothing. Just don’t worry, I won’t push you.”

Stacey’s face flushed. She understood. The information spurred her to leave; she needed to review it. She said goodbye to Marissa.

Marissa, unsurprisingly, offered to drive them back. Stacey couldn't refuse. They piled into two cars. Stacey, Hayden, Lillian, and Kevin shared a car. The closeness, despite the children’s presence, was intense.

Back at the hotel, as everyone unloaded, Hayden lingered. Stacey’s apprehension returned. “What?”

“Are you this nervous with clients?” Hayden asked, Debra quietly observing.

“I’ll try to get used to it,” Stacey stammered.

Hayden chuckled. “Hard to do alone. Want to practice?”

Debra’s eyes widened. Stacey was bewildered. “How?”

Before the kids could ask, Debra swiftly silenced them. She then steered Stacey away, “Becky, talk with Hayden alone. Gwen and I will take the kids.”

They were gone before Stacey could react. She pondered Hayden’s suggestion. “You…how do we practice?”

Hayden smiled, reaching for her hand. Stacey hesitated, but he held firm. “Becky, look in my eyes.”

Stunned, she obeyed. “Just look at me. Don’t think.”

Silence stretched between them as Stacey stared, her mind emptying. Finally, Hayden asked, “Still nervous?”

Stacey was speechless.

“Becky,” Hayden said seriously, “start with me. If you’re comfortable with me, you’ll be comfortable with others. We meet Mr. Fraley tomorrow. Can you persuade him if you’re a nervous wreck?”

Stacey hesitated.

“It’s not just Mr. Fraley. You’ll face many people. If you want to lead Carter’s, you need courage,” Hayden said.

Stacey hesitated again. “But…this isn’t right.”

Hayden interlaced their fingers. “We’re both single. And our kids get along. I think…we’re best together.”

Stacey’s cheeks burned.