Page 90 of Charm

Shaking my head, I scoop up the handles of the tote to place it over my shoulder. “I’m not sleeping over at Holden’s apartment.”

“Bruce and I are here for our girl,” she reminds me. “You can get home before she wakes up if that’s your concern.”

I sigh. “I’m not sure what my concern is.”

“Then maybe there isn’t one.” She moves to within a few inches of me, so she can tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I’ve never known anyone more worthy of happiness than you. You sacrificed everything, Greer. It’s time for you to start thinking about you again.”

I place a hand on her shoulder and squeeze. “None of it was a sacrifice. I’m so lucky.”

“Then go get lucky.” She winks. “Have fun tonight. If you happen to fall asleep, I’ll call at six-thirty to wake you up. Will that give you enough time to get back here before she wakes up?”

I nod. “Okay. If I do happen to drift off, I’d appreciate that call.”

“Or if you happen to not fall asleep at all?” she asks with amusement in her tone.

I move in for a hug. “You’re the best, Martha.”

Her hand lightly strokes the back of my head. “So are you, my darling dear.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

Greer

I placemy tote on the seat of one of the chairs next to Holden’s dining table. After Martha left my bedroom to head down to the kitchen to make her nightly cup of tea, I took her advice. I slipped a fresh pair of lace panties in my bag along with a blouse.

I’m currently wearing a light blue T-shirt and white jeans. I have no idea how the night will go, but if I do stay over, I’ll be able to walk out of here in something slightly different than what I arrived in.

It’s not that I’m worried about an early morning walk of shame. There will be absolutely no shame attached if I spend the night in Holden’s bed. It’s what I want. I can’t speak to what he’ll want, but I’m hoping it’s the same thing.

“Can I get you anything?” he asks from where he’s standing near the door.

He greeted me with a hug and a soft kiss in the lobby of the building. I was grateful to see him waiting for me when I got out of the rideshare. As we rode the elevator up, he reached for my hand, weaving his fingers in between mine.

It was contact I wasn’t aware I needed, but it gave me strength and courage.

Very few people in my life know my story.

I’ve kept it that way for many reasons, including the need to protect Olive. She knows most of what happened before and after she was born, but I’ve shielded her from the majority of the details surrounding my divorce from Aaron.

“I’d love a glass of wine,” I say without hesitation.

I won’t indulge in more than one, but I know the alcohol will calm my nerves a bit. I could use that right about now.

“I’ll pour one for each of us.”

He breezes past me. His cologne lingers as he does. I inhale deeply. There’s just something so comforting about the small details. His glasses, his cologne, and the sound of his laughter have all become a part of who he is to me.

I smile when I spot the friendship bracelet on his wrist. I’m wearing mine tonight, too.

As soon as he’s back in front of me, he hands me a glass half-filled with deep red liquid. I smell it with my eyes closed because it’s just that good. I can’t help but smile when I have my first taste because it’s a notch above anything I would ever buy for myself.

He sips, too. “It’s good, isn’t it?”

“Very.”

Nodding, he takes another drink before placing his glass on the dining room table. “You’re nervous, Greer.”

He’s right, so I don’t argue the point. “I am.”