Page 22

Charley was cursing her procrastination as she walked down the desolate road. Streetlights would’ve helped, but every other one wasn’t working. It drowned the sidewalk in darkness. It wasn’t the best section of town. Mostly industrial, and at this time of night, it was empty.

She’d made an early appointment for her car to get serviced the next day.

However, they wanted it dropped off the day before the appointment.

That wouldn’t have been an issue had Charley not waited until after six to drop it off.

It was already closing in on sunset, and without much activity in the area it took on an eerie vibe.

She considered calling a car service, but with her finances, she needed to save the money.

There was no telling when another crisis would hit.

I seem to be chaos’s favorite victim lately.

With only a few blocks ’til her apartment she quickened her steps. She tugged her jacket tighter around her as the breeze sent a shiver through her body. Maybe it was just the cool air, but a sense of urgency struck her out of nowhere. Foreshadowing?

She jumped slightly when her phone vibrated. She let out of soft chuckle recognizing her paranoia for what it was…silly. She reached in her pocket, pulled out the phone, and smiled when she saw the caller. Charley didn’t hesitate answering.

“Hi Elle.”

“Hey Charley, how are you?”

She darted her eyes across the street to the three men gathered on the corner taking a special interest in her sudden appearance.

It wasn’t something she’d be sharing with Elodie.

Her boss had always been a bit protective over her staff.

It was one of many things she loved and respected about Elodie.

“I’m good. How are you? Are you feeling okay?”

She groaned. “I’m at the annoying stage of not being able to fit into my jeans but not quite ready for maternity clothes. I consistently look like I just had a hefty meal.”

“You look beautiful pregnant.”

“Ah, Charley, you’re good for my ego.” Elodie chuckled.

“I’m down at the store. The girls and I made good headway, but for some reason, I cannot find the accessories shipment.

We looked everywhere, and I’m at a total loss.

I’d blame it on baby brain, but I’m the only one pregnant, and none of us could find it.

Do you remember if we’d gotten a box in?

According to the list, it should be here. ”

Charley stopped walking and stared up at the sky. She’d personally signed for it a week before they shut down for renovations. Charley was in charge of the master list of inventory and was diligent about keeping it in order. It had to be there.

“We definitely got it in. How about I swing by and look for it?”

“I don’t want to make you come down here.”

“I don’t mind.”

She really didn’t. Charley wouldn’t be working a full shift until they reopened.

She’d been more than willing to come in and help set up, but Elodie had asked her not to.

Her boss wanted to give the salesgirls the hours.

It made sense since Charley was the only one who got paid when the store was closed down during renovations.

With her car in the shop, she’d have to use a car service. It wasn’t usually how she liked to spend her money, but for Elodie, she’d do it. “I can be there in about twenty minutes. Is that okay?”

“That’s perfect. I’ll order us food. See you soon.”

She tapped the screen, shoved her phone in her bag, and picked up her pace.

Charley was rounding the corner looking over at the line at the Bowery.

It amazed her that people would spend so much time waiting with no guarantee of admittance.

She tightened the hem of her jacket and walked straight into a wall of flesh.

He gripped her arm so hard, she winced before locking eyes with him.

“You have to be the dumbest bitch I know. Did you really fucking think I wouldn’t find you?” Zeke shouted.

Charley struggled to get his hands off her, but he was stronger and not letting up on his restraint.

“Get off me!”

“I want my fucking stuff.”

“I don’t have it.”

“Well, somebody fucking does, and since your brother ain’t around, that leaves just you.” He squeezed her arms to the point of pain, and she whimpered. “Where the fuck is it?”

“I don’t know.”

She’d never been so thankful for the roaring engines of motorcycles.

It seemed to distract Zeke, and he loosened his grip and whipped his head toward the end of the street.

Charley didn’t even hesitate. She pulled away and started racing down the sidewalk.

She was only half a block from the apartment. Surely, she could make it.

Her feet pounded the pavement as she ran down the street, making a sharp left into the parking lot of her complex.

“Fuck!” Zeke screamed, and she looked over her shoulder, not slowing down. He was right behind her on the sidewalk, but his voice seemed to be fading now.

Zeke was stopped at the entrance to the lot.

It was strange, as if there was an invisible barrier, and he couldn’t cross the threshold.

She leveled her breathing and watched as he looked down the road.

He seemed to be contemplating his next move.

Seconds later he shoved his hands in his pockets, lowered his head, and walked off.

Her gaze followed him down to the corner until he disappeared.

She turned toward the other end of the street when the engines grew louder. But something else caught her attention. There was a silhouette of a woman standing in the parking lot across the street. It was dark, and with the distance, she couldn’t quite see her face. Had she seen the attack?

Charley didn’t have time to give it any further thought. When the bikes pulled into the lot, she shrunk away from the front door and rushed to the elevators. The last thing she needed tonight was another run-in with alpha men. I filled my quota for the day.

*

Charley was still reeling from her encounter with Zeke when she made it to the Boutique.

Even Elodie questioned her looking a bit pale.

Charley chalked it up to not eating much, which completely shifted her boss’s concern, and they ate dinner.

It was a believable cover and worked flawlessly.

It only took her ten minutes to find the missing box.

Elodie had suggested she go home, but Charley asked if she could stay and help.

The girls had already left by the time she arrived, and she didn’t want Elodie to be by herself in the store.

Her run in with Zeke was a reminder of how vulnerable one could be when they’re alone.

Especially a woman. Thankfully, Elodie didn’t argue.

They’d been working on the wall section, organizing the set up. Aside from the music playing in the background, they worked in silence. Until…

“Charley?”

She turned to find Elodie watching her as she hung up some necklaces on the display.

“I was thinking. If you wanted, you could move into the apartment above the store. I know we’ve been using it for a break room and storage. But now that the renovations are complete, it will be empty.”

Charley had not seen this coming. The apartment was beautiful and spacious.

Her belongings wouldn’t even fill a quarter of the space.

It was homey and warm with new appliances and fixtures.

Elodie was offering her a dream home. And I can’t take it.

Tonight’s events had proven that Charley’s life came with too much baggage.

Not to mention threats. Bringing that into Elodie’s life wasn’t something she was willing to do.

She wouldn’t involve her in Charley’s complicated mess of a life.

“Oh, um…” Charley was stalling. How did she respectfully turn this down? I don’t want to.

Elodie cocked her brow. “The rent would be extremely reasonable.”

“I appreciate the offer, Elle. Really, I do.”

Elodie sighed and put her hands on her hips. “But?”

“I just moved and…”

“Well, I can hire movers for you, and I’ll even have it painted and let you choose the colors. How many landlords offer that?”

None.

“And I can assure you, just because you’re living here, I won’t take advantage. This in no way will affect your schedule.”

“I know you wouldn’t, Elle.”

“So what do you say?”

Charley was about to tell one of the biggest lies ever told.

“I really like my new place.” It didn’t even sound convincing to her own ears.

Because I’m lying. She didn’t hate her current apartment.

Charley was happy to have somewhere to live.

But compared to what Elodie was offering, it would seem like a no-brainer.

It made Elodie’s skepticism all the more understandable.

“You do?” Elodie’s brows hiked.

“I do,” she lied.

“Alright, well, if you change your mind, it’s yours. Okay?”

“Okay,” she whispered.

The offer was beyond generous, but Charley wouldn’t take it. Elodie had finally gotten her happily ever after, and Charley wouldn’t do anything that might jeopardize that.

Thankfully, Elodie didn’t push the subject and they went back to working side by side.

Charley eyed Elodie as she bent down, picking up the small box. She managed to intervene quite a few times when Elodie picked up some things Charley deemed too heavy. And I got scolded once or twice.

“Let me get that for you.” Charley reached for the box.

“Charley.” Elodie narrowed her gaze. “You’re starting to remind me of Oz, and that’s not a compliment.”

She dropped her arms to her sides. “Sorry.”

Elodie’s harsh scowled eased, and her laugh echoed off the barren walls. “I appreciate it, but I won’t do more than I know I’m capable of.” She rounded her hand over her belly. “Handling precious cargo here.”

They worked to stock all the accessories then moved on to the dresses on the wall. Again, Elodie suggested she go home, but Charley stayed. When they started to run low on hangers, she went in search of more.