Page 64 of One More Chance
“Well,” Charlotte tried to get a hint of intrigue in her voice. “Remember how much Tabitha liked going to the hockey game?”
“Yes, I was surprised at how much she liked it,” Lauren replied.
“Liked it? I loved it,” Tabitha said emphasizing ‘love’. “Especially when Logan skated me around the ice at super speed.”
“That’s why I got you VIP box seat tickets to the final playoff game!” She clapped her hands together, trying her best to look enthusiastic about heading to the gardens.
“Can I talk to you in the kitchen?” Lauren turned on the TV and handed the remote to Tabitha. “You wait here,” she ordered as she escorted Charlotte into the kitchen by her elbow.
“Ow,” Charlotte hissed and yanked her arm away from her sister’s grasp as soon as they were out of earshot of the ten-year-old.
“What are you thinking?” Lauren whispered.
Charlotte rubbed her arm, “I have to go. Remember how I sponsored the league? They’re recognizing all the sponsors at the game tonight.”
“Ohh,” Lauren said, her eyes wide. “Can’t you get out of it?”
“I tried,” Charlotte replied. “I was going to get my assistant to go in my place, but decided against it,” Charlotte thought back to the baby shower invitation. “And, I mean, just because Logan is there doesn’t mean I have to talk to him.”
“Right,” Lauren said and twisted her lips as if she wasn’t quite convinced.
“Furthermore,” Charlotte raised her pointer finger in an over the top triumphant gesture, “I’m not running away or hiding from any man – especially Logan Brush.”
“Furthermore?” Lauren smirked.
“I thought you’d like that,” Lauren smiled. “It sounds lawyerly, doesn’t it?”
“I would’ve gone with moreover, but I like it.”
“Speaking of lawyerly, how goes the battle in Chance Rapids?”
“Ugh,” Lauren groaned and sat down at the marble kitchen island. “This was supposed to be a quick consultation, but it looks like it’s going to get dragged on for months.”
Charlotte felt a pang of guilt since she hadn’t even taken Lauren and Tabitha into account when she decided to sell her cabin. She filled up the kettle and set it on the stove. As she clicked on the gas, she wondered if her decision to sell was rash. Should she wait until Lauren was done with her contract?
“Do you have any idea how long it will take?”
“Nope, but they’ve offered me a salaried position. Char, living with you was supposed to be a short-term arrangement, and I know how much you value your alone time.”
“I love having you guys there. You can stay as long as you need.” Charlotte would just have to delay the sale of the house.
“This could take years and they’re giving me a huge retainer. I like staying with you too, but I think that Tabitha and I could use our own space. I was wondering if you’d be able to help me buy a house in town.”
Charlotte popped two teabags into the pot. She did value her alone time but now wondered if she was just trying to convince herself that she wasn’t lonely. “You know, you’re not the first person to ask me to help them buy a property in Chance Rapids. Technically, the board extends up into the mountains, so I could do it.”
“Have you ever thought about moving back?” Lauren asked. “It sure would be nice to have you around, to see you more often. I know that Tabitha would love that.”
Charlotte crossed her arms and stared at her sister. “You can’t be serious. I have built a business here in the city. People go back to small towns because they can’t hack it anywhere else.”
“Like me?” Lauren asked.
“No. Not like you, you’re different.”
“So are you. There’s one real estate agent in town and he’s ten million years old. With all that development, the town could use someone like you.”
Charlotte laughed. Franklin Bootsfield had been a realtor when they were little girls, and his mustache was white even back then.
“The pace might be different up there,” Lauren said. “You’re running yourself ragged here in the rat race.”
