Page 97 of Hold Me Instead
Brooke blinked away tears. “That’s not how you want to spend Thanksgiving.”
“Eat pie on top of pie on top of pie? That's what today is for!” Charlie said lightly. She stood and wrapped her arms around Brooke’s shoulders, and Amber enveloped them both.
A shriek from the kitchen made them jump.
“Carl! What are you doing!” Penelope cried out.
Mina’s laughter got them up and over to the kitchen threshold.
She squealed on the floor, loving the live entertainment. Carl stood at the sink with the nozzle in spray form, aimed at Penelope’s shirt and hair. Penelope scooped bubbles from the sink and swiped them over Carl’s nose, and Mina’s laughter tipped her over, which sent Carl and Penelope cracking up.
“I’m not going to tell them today, okay?” Brooke said, watching the scene.
“You got it, babe,” Amber said, looping her arm over Brooke’s shoulders.
Charlie swung her arm around Brooke’s waist.
There were no guarantees in life. Sometimes, college sweethearts grew apart—or one of them really took a leap onto the asshole train. Sometimes, a man like her uncle lost his wife after over twenty years together and never recovered. Sometimes, a man only existed as a biological father and child support check, a preference that worked best for people like Charlie and her mom. And sometimes, a man became a father-figure to an employee, and reminded her that good can come from anywhere.
With her own struggles, Charlie knew there were limits on romantic relationships for herself. Even though he was only in town for a little while, she was grateful she had Zachary. Loved being with him. Felt cared for, even in the simplest terms.
She trusted him.
For however long they had before he left Elmwood Falls, she wanted tobewith him. It was time to let him know.
Chapter 28
Zachary
Wheredoyoulivethese days?
Zachary couldn’t text back fast enough as he typed out Jordan’s address.
Charlie:Perfect.
Charlie:Wait, are you there now?
Zachary:Yes... Should I be expecting you?
Charlie::)
He laughed.
Zachary:Helpful, Harris.
“Hey, wanna grab a drink with me before my shift?” Jordan asked.
Zachary looked at the time. “Uh, I’m kinda waiting on someone…”
“Waiting on someone?” Jordan peered over, trying to read his phone. “Whatcha got?”
“Charlie’s coming by,” Zachary said.
“I see, waiting until I’d be working to bring her here, huh?”
“She asked me where I’m staying. I have no idea what it’s about.”
“You two couldn’t go two whole days without seeing each other?”
