Page 8

For the next hour, they worked on sorting out the inventory. It was a harder task basing it off lists rather than the actual physical product. Charley had made sure she’d double-checked all the stock when they were packing up for the storage unit. But no one was perfect. Especially me.

Elodie pulled up the winter line on her laptop.

There wasn’t much for Charley to do while she filled in the order.

It gave her a small reprieve and a chance to survey her surroundings.

He was still on the balcony. In fact, Nash never left.

He spent the majority of time at the bar in the corner speaking with Caine and Ridge.

Every once in a while, she’d sneak a peek.

Charley did her best to be inconspicuous.

She rested her elbow on the table, lay her chin in her palm, and casually looked across the room. She darted her gaze between the elevator hall and the bar.

Her entire interaction with Nash had been longer than she’d spoken to any man in the past few years.

A while back she’d mentioned to Elodie that she didn’t have much experience with men.

It was true but not purposely. She’d dated briefly when life was good.

However, when it had gotten chaotic with her brother, she’d broken things off.

It wasn’t fair to ask someone to take on her responsibilities.

Charley slyly glanced over to the bar. Nash had one hand in his pocket and the other wrapped around a glass.

He lifted it to his mouth, taking a sip.

She wasn’t well-versed in alcohol and didn’t know what he was drinking.

But she assumed it was something of a grain alcohol.

A gin or a vodka, and he drank it without a mixer or ice.

When he licked his lips, he didn’t even flinch.

Charley would’ve been gagging, for sure.

Nash slowly nodded at whatever Ridge was saying.

Then he lifted his brow, and before she could look away, he turned his head toward her.

She was locked in his stare for a brief moment before she dropped her gaze to the table in front of her.

As if this night hadn’t been bad enough, now she was caught creepily staring at him.

She was like a middle-schooler gawking at her crush.

What am I, thirteen?

“He’s single.”

Charley quickly lifted her head to find Elodie staring back at her with a smile.

“What?”

She gestured toward the bar. “I said, he’s single.”

“Oh, I don’t” —She cleared her throat, stalling to form her words— “I wasn’t looking at Nash.”

Elodie chuckled, covering her mouth. She quickly glanced over to the bar then back to Charley.

What?

“There are three men over there. How do you know I was talking about Nash?”

Oh damn. She’d just exposed herself. She felt the heat rise from her chest to her cheeks in record time.

“Charley.” Elodie’s amused tone did nothing to batten down Charley’s embarrassment. Elodie tapped her hand. “I’m teasing you, but I was talking about Nash. He’s single, obviously good-looking, with a great job. And most importantly, he’s a good man.”

Charley had no doubt everything Elodie claimed was the truth. Not that it mattered. They lived in two different worlds.

“Yeah, well, I don’t have much to offer, so...” Charley didn’t bother finishing her sentence.

Elodie scoffed, dropped her pen on the table, and folded her arms. She settled into her seat, inspecting Charley. “You’re serious?”

Charley didn’t answer.

“Charley, you’re gorgeous with an impeccable sense for fashion.

” Elodie pointed to the computer. “You basically just picked out the entire line we’ll carry this winter.

You’re loyal, hard-working, and you have an amazing job, not to mention boss.

” Elodie winked, and Charley smiled. “You’re smart, independent.

You take care of others and sacrifice. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know.

And” —She paused, cocking her head— “You’re a great friend.

That’s a lot more than most people have to offer. ”

As kind as those words were, Charley didn’t buy into them wholeheartedly.

Even if she was everything Elodie said, Charley came with baggage.

Or she had. It had been over a week, and she still hadn’t heard from Cody.

The officers had mentioned he needed some time to settle in, but Charley thought she would’ve heard from him by now.

They’d been so close for so long, it was foreign not hearing his voice.

He’d done other stints in rehabs, and he’d always called a few days after admission. Yes, and they didn’t work.

It was hard to come to terms with that truth.

Maybe this would be different. Charley had to keep hope and be patient.

This wasn’t about her. It was about her brother and his healing.

Still, she wanted to hear from him. Or at the very least, hear an update from officer Becker. I just want to know Cody’s okay.

“Alright, well, I think we’re done,” Elodie said.

Charley gathered all the papers, clipping the sections together. She heard Elodie’s soft chuckle.

“You’re so much more organized than I ever was.”

Charley smiled. “I just want to do my best. Thanks again for entrusting me with the store. I really appreciate it, and the fact that you have confidence in me means a lot.”

Elodie scoffed. “You have to stop thanking me. You’re doing me the favor by taking all this on.

And you’re doing it flawlessly. Plus, you’re like a walking advertisement for the store.

Never saw you wear a scarf, but I’m loving the look.

” Elodie pointed to her neck. On instinct, she tugged it upward.

There was a reason she was wearing it, and it had nothing to do with fashion.

“Thank you,” Charley mumbled.

“Since the inventory is done, do you want to have a drink and stay for a bit?”

Yes . It was on the tip of her tongue. Unfortunately, Charley would have to decline.

Again. Elodie had asked her a few times in the last few months.

But it had been a hectic time at home. Leaving her brother at night wasn’t an option.

She no longer had that specific responsibility, but she wanted privacy in case he called.

“I’m sorry, I have to head home. My brother might...” Call. She clamped her lips, tightening her jaw. She’d almost slipped.

“How’s he doing?”

Charley rarely spoke about her personal life, mainly her brother.

This was why. Lying took a certain finesse to be believable.

A commitment to look someone straight in the eye and lie with confidence.

Charley had gotten better over the years.

But she found it hard with those closest to her.

Elodie probably didn’t consider their relationship more than friendly coworkers.

For Charley who didn’t have many people, she held it sacred.

She cast her gaze to the table. “He’s doing great.”

“Good.” Elodie lowered her voice. “And his new meds are working out for him?”

Shit!

Charley had never come out and specifically told Elodie that her brother had an illness.

But she’d alluded to it. Months ago, he’d gone into a drug-induced rage when she’d refused to give him money.

Charley knew what he was going to use it for.

It was that day he’d locked himself in her room, destroying her clothes.

When she’d shown up at the store, she’d planned on quitting and giving no backstory on her brother.

Being so private, it was out of character for her to open up to Elodie.

Maybe she’d been so moved by the compassion, or Charley just needed the outlet and release.

Charley had broken down and given an altered version of the truth. It was now a lie she’d continue to tell.

“Yeah,” she muttered, shoving the folder into her bag. “He actually moved.”

“Really? Locally?”

Finally! A truth. Charley couldn’t be one hundred percent forthcoming, but at least she didn’t have to lie. Not this time.

Charley cleared her throat. “Um, no. He moved out of state.”

“Oh,” Elodie whispered, and Charley heard the suspicion in her tone.

“That must be an adjustment for you,” Elodie said, and Charley peeked up through her lashes.

“I know it’s hard taking care of someone even though we hate to admit it.

” Elodie shrugged. “It wears us down, taking responsibility for someone else. But we acclimate ourselves to it, and when it’s over, sometimes we get a little lost.”

Yes.

“And lonely?”

Charley swallowed the knot in her throat. Her circle was so small, it was basically non-existent. Being shy, quiet, and reserved didn’t make her a people magnet. Charley had always struggled with making friends. The desire was there, but she lacked the confidence to make the first move.

“I’m always around if you ever want to hang out or need someone to talk to.”

The offer meant more than Elodie would ever know. Charley wouldn’t take her up on it, but it didn’t discount the kindness. There was something to be said about that. And Charley felt it to her core.

“Thank you.” She veered her gaze across the room, swallowing the lump in her throat. This was all a little too much. She was desperate for a change in subject. “How much longer until we open again?”

Elodie released a heavy sigh, leaning back in her chair and resting her hand on her belly. “Probably another two weeks. But the good news is construction wrapped up, and it’s being painted in a few days. Given the fumes and lifting, I won’t be much help…”

“I’ve got it, Elle, you don’t have to worry about any of it.”

Elodie smiled. “I appreciate you, Charley.”

“Well, I should go unless there’s anything else you need?”