Page 16 of Hold Me Instead
“You saw him at the hospital? The first night?”
“Yes.”
“And you didn’t tell me?!”
“I did tell you! In my text.”
“Wait, wait, wait. You mean the very detailed one you sent when I asked how you were doing? You responded ‘I’m okay. Saw him. I’m home now.’” Amber crossed her arms.
Charlie winced. “See, I said I saw him…”
Amber rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right, definitely. How was I supposed to decipher that message?” She turned off the electric kettle and closed the tea canister. “So, how is he? All manly and grown? I know you were all about that jawline, but did you get a look at his ass?”
Charlie clenched a stack of embroidered cloth napkins. “He has one now, if that’s the question.”
Amber hooted. “Youtotallychecked him out!”
“Hey, I still maintain he has a sexy jawline.”
“That’s just because it houses a smile that makes you swoon,” Amber sang.
“You know, if I wasn’t already feeling transported back to high school around him, this conversation would definitely do it.”
“Oh, come on. When’s the last time you actually talked about a guy? That wasn’t Daniel?”
Charlie grimaced, her gaze finding Amber. “That’s unsettling.”
“You’re telling me.”
“Gah, you’re a shit,” Charlie said, shoving her way toward the seasonally themed candle display along the back wall. Maybe determining which fall scent matched her personality would calm her nerves. If Amber ever stopped cackling.
“Amber, leave Charlie alone,” Cleo scolded, appearing from the back room.
Charlie’s mouth dropped as she took in their friend. Cleo’s tall, graceful frame was draped in a silvery-blue leotard with a wide neckline that exposed her dark brown skin. Short sleeves puffed around her shoulders, and elbow-length gloves glittered. A full tulle skirt floated to her calves like a dreamy waterfall.
“Oh my God, Cleo.” Charlie breathed.
“Doesn’t she look amazing?” Amber said.
Cleo gave them a modest smile, her lips painted a deep berry. “Sasha made this for the community production ofInto the Woodslast year.” She swished the skirt slightly, and a crown sparkled on top of her loose, buoyant black curls.
“Wow. It’s gorgeous,” Charlie said.
Amber sighed, hands landing on her hips. “I thought you two were taking a break?”
Cleo feigned nonchalance, tidying up a table. “With the holidays, figured we might as well spend the time together. Nice and easy.” She glanced around the shop, her deep brown eyes bright, silver glitter covering her eyelids. “Who’s ready for a drink?”
Amber narrowed her eyes, looking between Cleo and Charlie. With a huff, she jerked her thumb toward Cleo. “She’s closing up early. We’re meeting Magnolia at River Bites. Join us, we can all gripe together! Free pretzel bites to any table in costume.”
“Speaking of, you two are helping me with a costume next year,” Charlie said.
“Is that a yes?” Amber asked. She tossed Charlie’s cup, then bounded around the counter.
Charlie checked her watch. “I should go home and feed Toothless.”
“Nice try. It’s too early for her dinner,” Amber said. She nudged Charlie toward the door.
Once they stepped outside, Cleo locked up behind them.
