Page 37

Bailey

As much as I hate to admit it, Andi and Tom’s wedding was beautiful. I even shed a couple tears, not because I think she’s found the love of her life, but because it’s crazy, seeing her growing up. She’s always been my college best friend, first roommate, shoulder to cry on, and non-blood sister. Seeing her legally attached to someone else is like Mila getting married.

Charlie doesn’t like it either, though he doesn’t voice his opinion on the matter. I wish I could peek into his brain and read his mind. He’s been so . . . strange the last two days. Melancholy. Not like him at all. My ego wants to believe it’s because of me. I know it’s not. Maybe he’s a little sad that I’m leaving, but I’m sure he’s also ready to get back to his normal life.

I can confidently say I don’t share those same sentiments.

What will life be at home? I don’t have my book to write anymore. I finished it yesterday morning. No real friends — most of my old one’s belonged to Drew. My sisters are busy. My brother living his own life, closed off to the world.

I could volunteer to help the homeless. I could get a job. There’s a nice book store down the road from my old apartment with Andi. It’s not in a great part of town, but I could work there during the day and save up enough money until I could move out, get my own place.

“Bailey,” Charles says as I’m listening to Charlie and Mawmaw talk about the wedding. “Would you like to dance?”

I look back to Charles who stands behind me, his hand outstretched. I lock eyes with Charlie for a moment, but after a quick nod, I slip my hand in Charles’ and follow him to the dance floor. It’s a slower song, one I don’t recognize.

“Lively bunch, aren’t they?” Charles asks, nodding to the Bennets who are sat at their tables, grim expressions on their face.

I grimace when my eyes catch on Sarah. “At least they’re being cordial, for once.”

Charles chuckles, looking to where Charlie pulls Mawmaw onto the dance floor.

“That boy loves his grandmother.”

I smile back at them, my heart swelling. “Yeah, he does.”

“You, too, you know.”

I pause, studying Charles expression.

“Yeah, I guess I do love Mawmaw,” I say cautiously.

“I wanted to ask you what your plans are when you get back to California.”

If only I knew.

“I’m not sure. Maybe get a job. Move out. I would love to get away from home.”

“Andi tells me your mother is very protective.”

I scoff. “You have no idea.”

“Well, if you need a reference, just let me know. I would be happy to.”

“Thank you. If you ever need someone to vacation in your really cool Airbnb, don’t hesitate to call me.”

He laughs, a genuine laugh.

“You know, Charlie told me you wrote a book.”

“Yeah, I did.”

“What about that? Going to do anything with that?”

I frown. “No. It was just a fun little project.” I look away because I can’t see the pity in his eyes that always comes when you tell people you’re a failed writer. “Just something to do to pass the time.”

“You should make something of it. If you really enjoyed it, that is.”

I shake my head. “No one will read it.”

He gives me a sarcastic expression. “If people can read half these books out here, I’m sure they’ll love yours.”

“Well, thank you. Maybe some day I’ll get over my fear of people reading my stuff,” I admit.

He pauses for a second, as if thinking. “Bailey, there’s a reason I asked you to dance with me.”

“Okay.”

“I know your father passed when you were young, so I want to tell you something that I think maybe you need to hear.”

Uh oh.

I swallow down hard, forcing it past the lump in my throat as anxiety plummets through me.

“Now, I know you’ve gone through a lot. Losing your dad. The things that happened back in California. But I’m proud of the person you are. You’re strong. Don’t ever let anyone tell you who you need to be.”

Tears well in my eyes and I can’t stop myself from pulling him to me and hugging him fiercely. I don’t tell him this, but he reminds me of my dad. Kind, but strong. Generous. I want to thank him for allowing me to work for him, but before I can say anything, someone stops beside us.

“Can I cut in?”

Charlie looks at the single tear running down my cheek like it personally assaulted him. I pull back from Charles, who places a gentle kiss to my cheek.

“Go ahead,” Charles nods to his son. “I think it’s time I had a turn with Mawmaw.”

We both watch him walk toward her as she sucks down a glass of champagne and asks her to dance.

“What was that about?” Charlie asks, catching the tear and wiping it away between his fingers. I let him wrap me into his arms and start to move me to the slow song playing.

“Your dad was just giving me the dad talk.”

Charlie grimaces. “And?”

I smile. “And it was nice to hear it, even if he’s not my dad. He’s a great man, Charlie.”

Charlie smiles, his hands sliding down my back to pull me closer. “He is.” He pauses for a second. “Did I tell you how pretty you look tonight?”

“You did,” I chuckle. “Did I tell you how sexy you are in a suit?”

His eyes flare with heat. “You did not. Though, I wouldn’t press the matter between us.”

He’s right. I can feel him growing harder against my stomach. The knowledge makes my sex tighten with need.

“You’re a fiend,” I joke, quietly, so none of the other dancers can hear us. “What are you going to do without me?”

Charlie stops us on the dance floor before I realize what I said. The topic has been something we haven’t really breached, save for a few words.

“Bailey,” he starts, but Andi appears beside me.

“It’s time for me to leave,” she says, her face flushed from the champagne she’s been drinking. “Help me get undressed?”

I smile back at Charlie, place a quick kiss to his cheek and whisper in his ear.

“I would go sit down. Don’t want to give Mawmaw a heart attack.”