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Charley had spent the entire morning unpacking her suitcase and boxes.

She hadn’t bothered taking any furniture with her.

It was mostly hand me downs and used. It didn’t make much sense since Nash’s house was fully furnished.

His couch probably cost more than all my worldly possessions.

She kept most of her things in boxes for the first week until she was confronted by Nash.

“It’s our place. You bring whatever you want.”

Charley glanced around the living room. Everything fit so perfectly. A seamless manicured vision of tastefully elegant and sophisticated.

“I don’t think my stuff will fit with your décor.”

Nash scoffed, taking her in for a kiss and muttered against her lips. “Then change the décor. It’s our house, Charley.”

She was struggling to embrace his house as theirs. But Nash changed that quickly. When she opened the box with her framed pictures, he insisted she put them around the house.

“It’s just some pictures of my family.”

“Did you have them out in your apartment?”

She nodded.

“Then put them out here.” He gripped her waist, brushing his lips against her cheek and whispering in her ear. “This is your home now, Charley.”

She was just unpacking her last box when the bell rang.

Nash had a high-tech security system in place, but she still hadn’t mastered how it worked.

She settled for an old school method and walked to the front door, peeking through the side window curtain.

The second she saw the familiar face, she unlocked the door and opened it.

“Hi!”

He smiled. Not waiting for an invitation, he walked into the foyer.

“Hi, honey. I hope you like surprises.” Sal wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a sweet hug.

She wasn’t usually a fan of unexpected guests or even hugs. It went beyond her comfort zone. But there was something about him. It wasn’t forced or obligatory. It was all genuine. For the first time in a long time, she felt herself leaning in and embracing what he had to offer.

Charley laughed, accepting the tight squeeze before stepping back. “Nash isn’t here. He said something about a meeting in Killcreek.”

Sal waved his hand. “Not here to see him. I came to visit you.”

You did?

Charley tried to tamper down her emotions and epically failed. She grabbed Sal’s hand and walked him up the flight of stairs to the main living area.

“I’ve known Nash for two decades and never got an invite to his place.” Sal whistled, taking in the room. “The boy’s got good taste.”

That was an understatement. Nash’s house wasn’t flashy or overdone, but it was obvious most of his furniture cost more than she made in three months.

“It even has an elevator.” Charley’s enthusiasm couldn’t be contained. Could anyone blame her? I mean, who has an elevator in their friggin’ house?

Sal widened his eyes and tapped her nose. “I’m taking it down when I leave.”

There was a quality so reminiscent of her own father that she saw in Sal. It was comforting, making her want more of his time.

“Do you want something to drink? If you’re hungry, I could make you a sandwich.”

“Now, most people would be polite and only take you up on a glass of water. It’s the right thing to do. But it’s chicken pot pie day at the center, and well” —Sal’s lips twisted— “That’s not my favorite.”

“I can make us Italian sandwiches.”

He slapped his hand over his heart and sighed dramatically. “A girl after my own heart. I’d love that, honey.”

She waved him toward the kitchen and walked around the counter to the fridge. She’d done some grocery shopping yesterday, picking up all of her favorites. She grabbed the meats and cheese, dropping them on the counter and leaning down to the bottom drawer to grab two rolls.

Sal wandered around the living room. It may have been his first time at Nash’s, but he moved with complete ease. He stopped at the entertainment center and grabbed one of the frames. His lips spread in a smile, and he glanced over his shoulder.

“This you?”

It was. It was a picture of her and her brother from when they were toddlers. It had always been a favorite of hers.

“Yes, with my brother.”

“You were a cutie.” Sal winked. “Still are.”

She dropped her chin to her chest, concealing her smile and hopefully her blush. She never did take compliments well. Charley continued making the sandwiches while Sal seemingly inspected the living room. Occasionally, he’d pick up other pictures.

“It’s ready.”

She grabbed the plates, walking them over to the small kitchen table in the corner. They ate in silence except for when Sal continually praised the meal. It wasn’t anything special, but he seemed to appreciate it.

Fifteen minutes later, Sal tossed the napkin on his plate and sighed. “That was delicious. Don’t be surprised if I show up again for lunch.”

“I’d like that.”

His gaze softened, and he cocked his head. He just stared, which after a minute seemed awkward. She nervously shifted in her seat.

“Is everything okay?” she asked.

“Everything is perfect.”

She smiled and reached for his plate, but halted when he rested his hand on her arm. He motioned for her to sit. And she did.

“You know, I’ve known Nash since he was a teenager.

He tell you that?” Sal didn’t wait for a response.

“Since the day I met that kid, he had this drive and unwavering loyalty. A commitment you don’t see often, especially in my line of work.

So many people working their way up the ranks wanting to take over.

When you get to the top, you’re always looking over your shoulder waiting on someone to try and take you down for your position.

” Sal smiled, arching his brow. “Not Nash, though. Oz couldn’t have picked a better second.

And you couldn’t have chosen a better man. ”

A blush washed over her cheeks. “I know. I’m lucky.”

Sal straightened in his seat and raised his brows.

“So is he, honey. And that boy knows it. I don’t think I said it, but I think it was brave of you to tell me and Oz about your brother.

I know that was a lot considering the circumstances, but I respect you standing with him. Loyalty goes a long way in this world.”

Charley appreciated the compliment but…

“Probably didn’t make the smartest decisions.”

“Most of us don’t when our heart comes into play.”

So true, Sal.

“Anyway, speaking of your brother,” Sal sighed and reached in his pocket. “I got a friend who runs a facility in the next state over. Coincidentally, the one your brother is in.”

She gasped and widened her eyes. “What?”

“Yeah, I was surprised to find that out too. What are the chances?”

Uh, one in a million? How did Sal know which rehab Cody was in? I don’t even know.

It was on the tip of her tongue to ask how he knew but Sal abruptly cut her off.

“They usually keep patient information private, but I spoke to my friend.”

“You did?”

Sal snorted. “Of course. If he’s important to you, then he’s important to me. We’re family, right?”

“We are?”

Sal slid his hand across the table, gripping her hand. “Yes, we are, honey.”

She threaded her fingers through Sal’s. It had been a long time since she’d had anyone besides her brother. Even then, it was Charley taking care of him most of the time. This was new territory for her.

“My buddy’s got strict rules at his place.

Never makes exceptions.” Sal released her hand and pulled out his phone.

He tapped the screen, bringing it up to his ear.

A few seconds passed. “It’s been a long time.

” He smiled then let out a short laugh. “Well, I’m like fine wine. I get better with age.”

Charley smiled and sat back in her chair, watching Sal. He slid his hand over the table, nodding.

“So you know why I’m calling?” He paused, and his smile faltered. “I know, but I need you to make an exception this time.”

It was hard to follow the conversation without knowing who Sal was talking to.

“Make an exception.” Sal’s tone while still friendly had a commanding edge to it. “Appreciate it.”

Sal glanced over and winked. A minute went by in complete silence. Sal straightened in his chair and pulled the phone from his ear and offered it to Charley.

She wasn’t sure what to do but instinctively, she took it and held it up to her ear.

“Hello?”

There was a small stretch of silence, but she could hear breathing on the other line. She was about to give another greeting when he spoke.

“Hey, Charley.”

She gasped, clutched her chest, and her eyes immediately began to well. It had been so long since she’d heard his voice.

“H-hi.” Her voice cracked as the tears streamed down her face. “H-how—” She cleared her throat. “How are you, Cody?”

“I’m alright.” He cleared his throat. “Program is really good. Everyone here is great, real supportive. Withdrawals suck, but I’m working through it.”

“I’m sorry.”

He scoffed. “That’s my line to you.”

Charley shook her head. She didn’t need apologies. Maybe someday but for now she just needed him to focus on his recovery.

“I feel good about it this time.” Cody said.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He sighed. “But we’re breaking rules here. I gotta go, but uh” —He paused— “Thanks, Charley. For everything.”

The line went dead, and she handed the phone back to Sal.

It took her a while to find the words and gather herself.

Just when she thought she’d contained her emotions, tears rushed down her cheeks.

She covered her face with her hands. Seconds later, Sal wrapped his arms around her.

It was the comfort she needed. Charley wasn’t sure how long she cried in his arms, but she was the first to pull away.

Sal walked around the counter, grabbing some napkins and handing them to her before taking his seat again.

She wiped her eyes and cheeks. “He sounds good.”

Sal nodded. “That’s because he is good. And he’s only gonna get better.” He glanced down at his phone. “My ride is here. I can make him wait if you need me, honey.”