Page 47 of If My Wishes Came True
“Apology gift? What apology gift?”
Grady raises an eyebrow at me. “Did you not get a call last week? From HGTV?”
I did. Someone left a message saying they’d seen Lola Piper’s tweet, and wanted to set up a meeting with me. I’d just come back from my third therapy session with Esther, and I was feeling happier than I had in years. But as soon as I heard the message, my heart sank.
I knew what I had to do. I called them back and thanked them profusely, but said I’d just committed to a long-term art project.
It’s not even a lie, really. I have six paintings in my makeshift studio so far. At my last class with Tati Marie, I told her about my progress, and she said she’d be happy to connect me with a friend who owns an art gallery, when I’m ready to show my work. My reaction was the polar opposite of when I listened to the voicemail from HGTV. I was giddy.
“The guy I spoke to at HGTV never mentioned you. I had no idea you set it up,” I tell Grady.
He shrugs. “Yeah, they’re supposed to use production companies for casting, but I had him bend a few rules. He’s an old buddy of mine, and owed me a favor. Anyway, I was shocked when he said you declined. So, tell me, Jenna…what will it take for you to forgive me?”
He looks at me with a smoldering gaze, thinking it will soften me, I bet—but I’m so enraged I start shaking. “Can’t you see that I want nothing to do with you?” I cry out. “Just leave, okay? All I want is for you to leave me alone.”
We both turn our heads when another door creaks open. My heart jumps for joy the moment Charlie steps into the hallway.
He looks from me to Grady and back again, assessing the situation. I hope he doesn’t get the wrong idea. I hope he can tell, from the expression on my face, that Ireallydon’t want Grady anywhere near me.
He must know—because, within seconds, Charlie’s by my side.
“Hey, babe,” he says, kissing the top of my head and putting his arm around my shoulder. I watch as he eyes Grady, thenholds out his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Charlie Sutton. Jenna’s boyfriend.”
I do nothing to hide the giddy grin on my face. Charlie to the rescue again—but this time I don’t worry about him seeing me as a damsel in distress. He knows I’m more than that.
I lean into him, sighing with relief.
Grady shakes Charlie’s hand with a stern look on his face, and only says, “Hey.”
Charlie’s brows knit together. “And you are…”
Grady narrows his eyes. “You’re joking—right?”
He looks agitated, and I don’t want this turning into a fistfight. “Well, Charlie and I are running late for brunch,” I interject, “so we’d better?—”
“Yeah,” Grady says, abruptly. “I was just leaving, anyway.”
As he turns toward the elevator, I pull Charlie into my apartment and lock the door behind us. Then I hug him, my heart racing against his.
“Are you okay?” he says, his voice laced with concern.
I nod into his chest. “I’m fine—thanks to you.”
“I heard you yelling at him to leave.” Charlie steps back, so he can take a better look at me. “He didn’t…put his hands on you, did he?”
I shake my head, my heart swelling at the worry in his eyes. “No, it was nothing like that. He’s just a jerk I met years ago, and can’t seem to shake.”
Charlie breathes a sigh of relief. “Good. Because, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure I could take Grady Brooks in a fight. But I sure as hell would’ve tried.”
I laugh. “So youdidrecognize him.”
Charlie smiles. “I thought it would be fun to mess with him. He seems pretty damn full of himself.”
“Well, you had me fooled,” I say. “You’re a good actor. I think you could give Grady a run for his money.”
“You’re not so bad yourself. I liked that line about us running late for brunch.”
My cheeks heat as I take a step closer to him, reveling in his gorgeous smile. “AndIliked the part where you said you were my boyfriend. It was very believable.”
