Page 134 of Hold Me Instead
“What is it you want, Charlie?” Amber’s tone softened, her hand resting on Charlie’s arm.
“What do I want?” Charlie looked at each woman, concern on their faces as they waited. “I’d always envisioned taking over for Daniel. In high school, I never thought it possible. If anything, I wanted to be partner. Work alongside him, even Zachary, before he left.”
“So owning your own place is what you want,” Amber said carefully.
Charlie considered it a moment, what that really meant. “I loved the idea of it, but being a vet is my top priority. Continuing the legacy Daniel has created. The community he’s built, I want to stay a part of it.”
“Is working for Zachary an option, then?” Cleo asked.
Charlie paused. If she worked for him, she’d continue on almost like they had the last couple months. If he even decided to stay in town.
That thought worried her more than anything—him going back to Chicago.
“I want to stay. I have some requests, but being there is most important right now.”
“Even with him knowing how you feel?” Magnolia said, not hiding her surprise.
Charlie nodded. “If there’s anything we’ve built over these last couple months, it’s trust. Yes, our relationship became much more intimate, but I trust him with…everything.”
Amber squeezed her hand. “We don’t want you to get hurt, working with him after…”
“No.” She shook her head, more certain than ever. “It’s only strengthened our working relationship. I can honestly say I’d rather work with him, for him, than switch clinics or move. Besides, his friendship is too important to me. I can’t let that go.”
Amber blew out a breath. “You are much braver than I am. I don’t think I could stomach working with someone I loved, knowing he didn’t love me back.” A napkin hit her in the forehead, and she looked at Cleo. “What? I’m just being real.”
“You’re never not real,” Cleo said.
Amber narrowed her eyes.
“I think he does,” Charlie said softly. “He’s just not ready to admit it.”
“God, I am so lost in all this love stuff,” Magnolia said.
“Honey,” Amber said carefully. “You can’t pine after the man, hoping he’ll fall in love.”
“That’s not what I’m doing. I have a pretty good idea of how he feels, but I’m not going to push. Just like he didn’t with me.”
The women exchanged concerned looks around her.
Charlie straightened. “I can’t believe I considered working for Neptune!”
“You had to consider your options,” Cleo said.
“Yeah, you have to do what’s best for you,” Magnolia added.
“Right…Staying is right. Oh my God. I have to tell him.” She stood, Toothless hopping from her lap, and rushed toward her front door.
“Wait, I’m coming with, and you aren’t driving!” Amber tripped herself to reach Charlie.
“Us too!” Cleo and Magnolia bolted up.
Charlie shoved her feet into her boots, nearly toppling over from the effort. “Damn things. Always such a nuisance.”
“I don’t know how you guys do this every winter,” Magnolia grumbled, adding layer upon layer.
“You’ll get used to it,” Cleo said. “Eventually, you might even be able to forgo a layer or two.” She looked at Magnolia, then added, “Maybe one.”
“Ladies! Enough with the chitchat! We’re on a mission!” Amber cried. “Everyone buttoned up? How about you, Charlie?”
