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Me:I’ve actually got a bit of a headache. I’m going to head up to my room.

Charlie:Oh no. Do you need anything? Motrin?

Me:No, I’m good. Just a long day. I’ll be better tomorrow.

When I get up to my room, I quickly change into my comfy pj’s and climb into bed with a soda and some snacks from the minibar. I wish I were home right now, cuddled up with Art watching the latest episode of Love Oasis.

Chapter 13

Charlie

Ican't stop watching Tess from across the hotel ballroom. She's standing by the french doors, the June sunlight in her hair, but something's off. She’s smiling but I’m not buying it. It's the same smile she's been wearing all day—polite, pretty, and completely impenetrable.

I take a sip of my champagne and try to pinpoint when exactly she started acting like I was a stranger.

The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco doesn't disappoint—crystal chandeliers, cream and gold décor, and enough flowers to fill a botanical garden. Jack and Sky spared no expense, but I barely registered any of it during the ceremony. My attention was entirely on Tess, seated beside me with her legs carefully angled away from mine. She’s wearing one of the dresses I bought her—a light blue dress that she looks absolutely amazing in.

I think back to two weeks ago at the wedding on Whidbey Island. We’d had so much fun together, dancing and talking to so many people. And then later that night…those images have been going through my head nonstop since it happened.

But today she's different.

I make my way across the room to her as she’s chatting with an older couple I don't recognize.

"Excuse me," I say, touching her elbow lightly and looking at the couple. "Just wanted to come over to introduce myself. I’m Charlie Astor.”

"Charlie, this is George and Linda Evans," Tess says, her voice carrying that formal tone she's had all day. "They are long time friends of my parents."

"A pleasure," I say, extending my hand. George is silver-haired with wire-rimmed glasses and a firm handshake.

"Charlie Astor," Linda repeats, her eyes lighting with recognition. "Of Emerald City Coffee?"

"Guilty as charged," I smile, trying to keep things light.

"Your new roast is divine," Linda says. "We’ve been drinking it every morning lately."

"I'm thrilled you're enjoying it, Mrs. Evans," I say. "We actually have a new single-origin coming out next month from a small farm in Colombia. The flavor profile is extraordinary—notes of dark chocolate and blackberry with this incredible caramel finish. I'd be happy to send you a bag as soon as it's released."

Linda's face lights up. "Oh, that would be lovely! And do call me Linda, please, dear."

“Of course, Linda. I’ll get your address from Tess. I can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”

"Very generous," George nods. "I've been following your company's growth. Impressive trajectory."

I launch into my standard coffee chat, the words flowing without much thought while my attention stays fixed on Tess. She's looking everywhere but at me, her fingers fidgeting with the stem of her champagne flute.

George eventually glances over Tess's shoulder and brightens. "Oh, there's Ray Burgess. We've been looking for him all day." He turns to us apologetically. "Would you excuse us?”

"Of course," Tess says warmly.

"Lovely meeting you both," Linda adds as they drift away.

And then we're alone. The silence between us stretches uncomfortably.

"So," I say, trying to break the ice. “Is everything okay?”

"Fine," she says, that same practiced smile still in place.

"Tess, come on. You've barely said ten words to me all day."