I tilted my head toward Laura and forced a smile. “It was good. I like my classes. Made a few friends.”
Laura drank her coffee. “What about any boys?”
I groaned internally. Her question was innocent enough. I was sure she was just trying to be friendly. We were never very close, but she seemed to try. I’d meet her halfway for my dad’s sake.
“Nope. None worth mentioning.”
She considered me. “It’s probably better to focus on your studies.”
I sipped my orange juice and nodded. Focus on my studies? I wasn’t the least interested in my major: business administration. It was a stupid decision—something to put on the application. I figured I could change it during my second year when I had to officially declare my major. I had no idea what I would pick.
Billy’s face lit up. “Uncle Fox! Right here.” He pointed at the spot beside him. “I saved it for you.”
I didn’t turn around and poked a fork at my half-eaten breakfast.
“Hey, bud. How are you this morning?” Grayson sat next to Billy. “Laura. Gillian. You ladies having a good time?”
“It’s a perfect day for the fundraiser. I’ve been waiting for you,” Laura said with a weird smile.
Grayson eyed me, raising his brow. “Why’s that, Laura?”
“Well, I have someone I want you to meet.” She held her hand up. “Before you say no, she’s really terrific. Beautiful. Intelligent. She’s perfect for you, Grayson. Even Travis thinks so. He said it was time you hung up your Sly Fox title and settle down with a good woman. Pam is just that person.”
“Not interested. But thanks anyway.” Grayson’s eyes met mine. It was like he was trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t break the code.
Laura lifted her coffee to her lips. “Honestly, you’ll love her.”
I sighed, pushing my plate away. Laura’s friend did sound pretty perfect. Grayson’s brow furrowed as he looked behind me. It would be weird if I peered over my shoulder to see what had his attention. Whatever it was, he didn’t appear happy about it.
“Gillian,” my dad called from behind me. Strange. Why would Grayson be bothered by my dad? As I turned, Dad dropped onto the bench next to me. He nudged me with a huge smile. “I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
Oh God. I had a bad feeling about this.
A cute guy appeared at the end of the table wearing a new recruit’s uniform. “This is the new guy, Ty. Ty, my girl, Gillian.”
I issued him a small wave and smiled. My dad couldn’t possibly be trying to set me up. No. He’d never do that.
“Good to meet you, Gillian.” Ty jerked his chin toward Grayson. “Hey, Sly Fox.”
“It’s Lieutenant to you, new guy.” Grayson’s jaw twitched.
Dad chuckled at Grayson, shaking his head. “Leave the new kid alone.” He turned toward me. “I want you to help Ty with face painting. I have you both scheduled from ten to noon.”
There was no way I could decline. I already knew I was on the schedule as I had been the last five years. I loved to paint cute designs on little kids’ faces.
“Sure, Dad.”
“That’s my girl. Show him the ropes and keep him in line.” Dad winked at me and then Ty.
Laura jumped out of her seat suddenly. “Pam!” She waved like a lunatic. “Pam!”
“Prepare yourself for this beauty, man.” Dad clucked his tongue at Grayson. “Laura insisted blondes were your type, which was why you avoided them. I’d never considered that before. It makes perfect sense.”
Grayson scowled. “I’m not interested. I already told her so.”
Dad shook his head. “No. Wait until you see her. She’s a nurse. I bet she has excellent bedside manners.”
Ty snorted. “Nice.”