Page 83 of Country Charm

Jake seems to be doing much better with his mom on the up and up; Lena seems to offer him gentle support without stepping on his toes. I’m glad he has her, even if he doesn’t realize what they already have together.

Once we finish our meals, I offer to clean up, but Jake and Lena will not allow it.

“I have to run into town before heading home, do you guys need anything from the store?” I inquire. There is nothing at the store for me, but aside from meals, I’m sure there could be a few things they may need around the house.

“Nope. When you and Ms. Cassidy sent that delivery the other day, it covered everything that the meals didn’t, even some vitamins for Ma.” I stop cold and look over at the two of them, their backs turned to me at the sink, cleaning together.

“Run that by me again?” I say.

“The groceries y’all sent the other day—not much cold stuff, but cases of water, toilet paper, cleaning stuff, vitamins, paper towels, cough and cold medicine, Gatorade, and some snacks?” His voice trails as he recognizes the confusion on my face. “You don’t know what I’m talking about, do you?”

No. I most certainly do not, because Cassidy’s not fucking talking to me.

I want to probe him for more information, but it would be a dead giveaway that I have no idea what’s going on. To be fair, I don’t. I am trying to think of what to say next, but Lena interrupts my thoughts, handing me a typed note.

Just to make things a little easier, I know you guys have a ton of food from everyone in town. Here are a few items we thought might come in handy.

-Hunt & Cass

I’m floored. I’ve been sending her updates on Jake and his mom consistently and she had the address from the first time I hadn’t heard from Jake because she wantedto know where I was in case of emergency, but this goes beyond what I would have imagined from her.

This is that mix of city girl meets small-town life. In her own way, she is supporting this town, city slicker style. I love seeing her name next to mine as a signature, even if it’s digital. I love the way she shortened it.

I’m a lovesick fool.

“Right, glad you guys have everything you need.” I feel a heaviness build on my shoulders all over again.

“You have everything you need?” Sharon asks.

"Yeah, I’m good.” I give her shoulder a gentle squeeze and say my goodbyes.

Two more days until Cassidy will be back in this town, and I am itching to see her. I plan to keep my word and wait until after Mary’s big day, but the minute it’s all over, I’ll be waiting for her.

Me: You’re amazing. Jake and his mom really appreciated the supplies. It was more than enough. Thank you for being you. Miss you.

With that quick message, I finally make my way back home.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Cassidy

“That’s when I told the previous CEO he better get his head out of his ass or his whole team will suffer. Obviously, he didn’t, and that’s how I got here,” Charles finishes.

Charles, male, thirty-six, suit-and-tie CEO, tennis on the weekends, drinks and trivia with friends every other week, travels frequently for business and pleasure, likes jazz, hates rap music.

He has light blonde hair with a slight curl at the ends, a little shaggy on top, but not enough to be called unkempt. His eyes seem to be a blue shade with hints of green, and the shape is standard. His complexion is fair, his skin average, not a sign of facial hair on him even though it’s nine p.m., a thin top lip, and perfectly straight white teeth. He looks like what every Disney prince should be modeled after.

For me, it doesn’t seem like much to write home about. This date is against the girls’ better judgment, but I can’t sit in Georgie’s place another minute without at least taking a dip back into the dating pool. Once I get over this conquest,I will be able to go back to my apartment and feel like my old self again.

Charles has not stopped talking about his recent promotion all night.

“Did I tell you that I’ll be going to the Netherlands next week?” He interrupts my inner thoughts.

“Twice,” I say coolly but with a smile. I get it this guy doesn’t want me to think I’ll be hearing back from him anytime soon.

“You must be awfully excited to get to go abroad, all expenses paid. I hear it’s beautiful out there.” It’s all I can get out. Otherwise, something along the lines of “I get it bud, let’s just run to a hotel and call it,” might come rushing out.

“Yes, yes. Very.” He looks over my shoulder for a third time and I can’t hold back the curiosity to see what he’s looking at.

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