Page 92 of Must Love Bees
Even Lindsay was looking at her. Her thorough head-to-toe inspection wasn’t exactly polite. And, unlike Charlie, Lindsay didn’t have a poker face. The woman’s smile had an edge to it—Astrid didn’t like it.
“I think this calls for a family dinner.” Camellia was too sweet for her own good. “We’d love to have you join us this evening. Astrid can get Charlie and the girls to join us.”
“You can?” Lindsay’s tone was sharp but her smile was dazzling once more. “Would you? That would be lovely.”
Charlie had made it perfectly clear he didn’t want to see his sister. Astrid knew it. Lindsay knew it. If he didn’t want to see her, he’d have a good reason. All eyes remained on her, waiting, so she said the first thing that came to mind. “I think he was taking the girls to... Alpine Springs. Tonight.” Her cheeks went hot—no doubt she was red-faced. She’d always been a terrible liar.
“Alpine Springs?” Aunt Camellia frowned. “But—”
Aunt Magnolia took one look at Astrid and nodded. “Yes, that’s right. Alpine Springs.”
Thank you, Aunt Mags. She took a deep breath.
“Perhaps tomorrow night?” Lindsay’s smile was still in place but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Tomorrow is perfect.” Camellia was delighted. “The girls are going bowling with friends but Charlie should be free.”
Halley had texted her to tell her the good news. Nicole was chaperoning the group and bringing Ginger—which meant Nova would have a friend, too. She’d been so happy that Charlie was letting the girls go. Now Astrid regretted sharing Halley’s text with them.
“We can’t answer for him, Camellia.” Thankfully, Aunt Magnolia seemed to have picked up on Astrid’s distress. “He might have made plans.”
“You’re right, of course.” Lindsay sighed. “That was presumptuous of me.”
Astrid was relieved when the door to the boutique opened—eager to end this increasingly awkward conversation. But her relief vanished when Charlie walked inside.
“Look who’s here.” Camellia, bless her, wore such a hopeful smile.
“Charlie.” It was Theo that moved first. He stepped forward, clasped Charlie’s hand and gave it several solid shakes. “Good to see you.”
“Why do you look so surprised? I told you we were coming into town today.” Lindsay made no move to hug him. If anything, she stiffened—her head angled in an almost defiant manner. “And here we are.”
“So I see.” Charlie’s voice was flat and his face was blank.
This was the Charlie she’d met weeks ago. Stiff and withdrawn.To protect himself.This was one of the people that had hurt him. His sister? A vise grip tightened around her heart. There was no reason for her to go to him. None.
Charlie beat her to it. He took several large steps and stopped beside her. It was odd but he offered no explanation and made no apologies.
“I wanted to invite your family for dinner tomorrow night.” Aunt Camellia gushed a little less. “We’d love to have you and get to know your family.”
Astrid could feel the tension rolling off him in waves.
“I said we’d love to.” Lindsay was watching the two of them, eyes narrowed—but still smiling. “We have so much to catch up on.”
Did his sister know how upset he was? If so, why was she pushing this? Why not go and leave Charlie in peace?
“But it will just be us. Sadly, Mom and Dad couldn’t get away after all.” Lindsay was watching him like a hawk.
That’s what Lindsay looked like. A hawk, circling her prey. Charlie was the prey?
He cleared his throat. “That’s asking too much, Camellia.” His tone was much gentler now. “We couldn’t impose—”
“You know I love a full house. We’ve missed you and the girls these last few nights.” Aunt Camellia broke off, her smile faltering. “But, of course, I understand if you’ve got other plans.”
“It will be fun, Charlie. Tell him, Theo.” Lindsay slid her arm through her husband’s. Theo didn’t say a word. “When was the last time we were all together?”
“Two years ago.” Charlie ran his fingers through his hair—then looked at Astrid. He was searching for something. “Family is family.” Beads of sweat were forming along his upper lip but his gaze held hers. “Tomorrow works.”
“Lovely.” Lindsay sighed. “What time is best?”
