Page 102 of Charm

He hands the frame to me, keeping his gaze on Olive’s face as he does. “I think so, too.”

“Do you really have to go?” she asks in a whisper. “You can’t stay for just a little while longer?”

He finally glances my way, and I see something I’ve never seen in his eyes before. Sadness.

It’s not unexpected since I always catch a glimpse of that when I tell anyone about losing my best friend.

“He really needs to go,” I answer for him. “We need to finish the dishes and get you ready for bed soon.”

Olive lets out a deep sigh. “Okay, Mommy.”

“Thank you both for dinner.” Holden holds my gaze for a few seconds. “I’m really glad I came.”

“We are too!” Olive taps the bracelet on his wrist. “Don’t forget to call Mommy if this breaks. She’ll fix it right up. She can fix anything.”

“Your mom is a remarkable woman.” He looks at her before he shifts his attention back to me. “Tonight was special.”

“It was,” I agree. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

He nods, turns to open the door, and walks out of my home without another word.

CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

Holden

Jameson bangshis fist against my apartment door. “Open the door or I’ll use my key. “

I glance in that direction but remain seated on my couch. I don’t say a word because as soon as I start talking, I know I won’t stop.

I’ve spent the past two days in here. Alone.

I called in ‘sick’ the morning after I had dinner with Greer and Olive. I did that because I was hung over.

I went straight to a bar after I left Greer’s house. I thought numbing everything I was feeling in half a bottle of whiskey was a good idea. It wasn’t. I ended up having to call Rook to get me home.

He didn’t ask questions. He told me he loved me, and whatever it was he’d help me through it.

He can’t. No one can.

I’ve avoided everyone since then, including Greer and my brother. I should have known it would be Jameson who would show up at my door ready to barge in.

“When did I give you a key?” I mutter as he uses it to unlock the door.

“Holden?” he asks as he approaches where I am. “What’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong.”

I glance in his direction. He’s wearing another new suit, and he’s had a haircut in the last few days.

I, on the other hand, haven’t shaved in days, my hair is a mess, and I’m wearing nothing but a pair of sweatpants.

I hang my head. “Jameson.”

He sits next to me. His hand darts to my shoulder. “What happened? You’ve been out of touch for days. That’s not like you.”

I start to tell him, but the words get caught in my throat. All that comes out is a pained sound.

He leans closer. “Whatever it is, I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere, Holden.”

I pat his knee. “Thank you.”