Grayson Pierce and Eloise Caldwell novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142

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Bobby said, “Eloise, I really can’t go on with Teresa anymore. Divorce is just a matter of time, but Mom just can’t accept it. Can you call her and help her through it? She’s still fragile after her surgery, and I’m worried

about her.”

Eloise idly fiddled with the leaves of a flower, sounding casual. “What good would my call do? The quickest way to fix things is to just marry someone new.”

Bobby said, “You think getting married is that easy? This marriage has worn me out. I’m not even thinking about getting married again.”

Eloise pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

She really didn’t care if Bobby got married or not.

She was just saying whatever came to mind.

Seeing Eloise stay silent, Bobby said, “Mom isn’t just my responsibility. You should care about her too.”

Eloise found it funny.

Bobby always liked to stand on his moral high ground and tell her what to do.

It wasn’t like her heart had turned cold overnight.

She’d completely given up on Lorelei, and had stopped expecting anything from that family.

Just picturing Lorelei’s face made Eloise tense up inside.

‘Care about her?’ Eloise scoffed to herself.

She just couldn’t do it.

She knew she’d never be close to Lorelei.

Seeing Eloise still kept quiet, Bobby got pissed.

“Eloise, are you even listening to me? How can you be so cold? Last time Mom got out of the hospital, you had some random person take care of it and bring her home. You went too far!”

Eloise shot back, “Isn’t it you who’s out of line? When Mom needed you, where were you? She’d just had surgery, and you disappeared.”

“I…” Bobby stammered.

Eloise cut him off, “Don’t tell me you were busy. Aren’t you supposed to be the good son? Mom’s golden boy? No matter what was going on, you should’ve been there for her, taking care of her yourself.”

“That’s the only way you can repay all the love she’s showered on you over the years, and really live up to your

13:23 Thu, Apr 16

Chapter 142

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Later, while Eloise was fixing up the sunroom, she accidentally knocked over three flower pots, breaking one of them.

She cut her hand on a shard of broken ceramic while cleaning up the mess.

When lunchtime rolled around, Eloise drove Noah out for steak and pasta.

Noah spotted the band-aid on her finger, his eyes full of worry. “Mom, didn’t you wear gloves while you were working?”

Eloise pulled herself out of her thoughts and glanced at her finger. “I forgot.”

After hanging up on Bobby, her mind was all over the place. She hadn’t even remembered to put on gloves.

“Don’t worry, honey. It’s just a tiny scratch,” she said, trying to comfort him.

Grayson texted Eloise saying he had a work dinner tonight and wouldn’t be home.

Eloise replied: [Okay.]

Honestly, she was glad. She wasn’t in the mood to cook. She’d just throw something together for Noah, or maybe just order some takeout.

Grayson didn’t get home until midnight.

Eloise was still awake, sitting up in bed scrolling through her phone.

Grayson shrugged off his coat, then his suit jacket, and walked over to her side.

He saw that she was watching short dramas again, this time a different one.

He asked in a low voice, “Is it really that good?”

Eloise didn’t look up. “Yeah. Just killing time.”

Grayson reached out and brushed her cheek with his finger. His touch was chilly, and Eloise flinched away.

Grayson pulled his hand back. “It’s getting late. You should get some sleep. If you want, you can watch it more

tomorrow.”

Eloise put her phone away and glanced up at him..

Grayson didn’t smell like alcohol at all.

‘Has he really quit drinking?’ Eloise wondered.

She lay down, pulled the blanket up to her chin, and looked up at him with her clear, shining eyes. “Go take a

shower.”

13:23 Thu, Apr 16

Chapter 142

Grayson turned off the main light and headed into the bathroom.

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As the sound of running water drifted out from the bathroom, Eloise felt some of her restlessness finally case up.

When Grayson came out of the shower, Eloise scooted over and snuggled right into his arms.

He was still damp, and he smelled fresh. The light scent of his body wash lingered in the air.

Grayson paused for a couple seconds, then wrapped his arms around her.

“Is something bothering you today?” he asked gently.

Eloise burrowed closer, speaking in a low, muffled voice. “Bobby’s job got transferred to Ekloland, and Mom’s coming with him. He wanted Mom to stay at my place first, but I said no.”

Grayson said, “You did the right thing. Honestly, you deserve some praise.”

Eloise just froze.

After a moment, she asked, “Don’t you think I’m being too cold?”

“No way. You are the gentlest, kindest person ever. With the way your mom and Bobby treat you, if it were me, I might’ve done something way worse. You’ve been more than generous. Seriously, you have nothing to feel bad about,” Grayson said, his voice full of warmth.

Eloise nestled against his chest, listening to his strong and steady heartbeat.

Grayson’s words helped her let go of all the guilt she’d been carrying.

“Grayson, thank you,” she whispered.

Grayson dropped a soft kiss on the top of her head.

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