Page 91 of The Charmed Friends of Trove Isle
Rose lifted her chin a notch, looking down at Melody through her lashes. “Why don’t I believe you?”
* * *
There were two long hours before the prom was over. Melody stayed near the refreshments table, trying to fulfill her commitment to chaperone the students. When the clock struck midnight and all the students had left, she climbed into the passenger seat of Christopher’s truck so that he could drive her home.
“I seemed to have ruined this night for everyone,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
Christopher glanced over. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Talk to Liz tomorrow. She’ll come around. She’s pretty understanding in that way.”
“Is it really so wrong of me to sell Jo’s store?”
“I guess it’s your prerogative. You can do whatever you want with it.”
Melody could tell he didn’t approve, though. “This woman is ready to pay a lot of money. I mean, a lot. I can’t just reject it.”
Christopher was quiet for a long time.
“It’s easy to say it’s not about the money when it doesn’t affect you,” she went on, feeling a bit defensive.
“I didn’t say that, did I?”
“No, but you were thinking it.” She watched the darkened landscape go by through her window, wishing she were already home. Coming out tonight had seemed like a good idea, but in hindsight, it was a mistake. Maybe she never should have come to town at all. She could have had the paperwork for the will faxed to her and handled it from Charlotte.
Christopher finally pulled into her driveway. Melody placed her hand on the door’s handle, ready to bolt as soon as the vehicle came to a stop.
“I’m not judging you, okay? I’m not trying to, at least. Only you know what’s right for you, and ultimately, it’s you who has to live with it.” He shrugged. “All I know is I’m glad you chaperoned the prom with me tonight.”
The compliment nearly broke her. She needed someone to affirm that she wasn’t an awful person right now. “Really?”
“Oh, yeah. Maybe it went a little sideways—”
“More like upside down,” she cut in.
“Yeah. Well, before it did, it felt good being with you. Makes me wish things had been different.”
“I wish that all the time. About everything.” Melody sighed. “Thanks, Christopher. You’re a good guy. Some nice girl in Trove Isle will be lucky to find you.” One that intended to stay and not break his heart like his ex-fiancée had. Melody wasn’t that woman though. For one, she wasn’t staying, and secondly, she wasn’t all that sure she was nice. “Goodnight.”
“Wait.” Christopher pushed his door open. “The least I can do is walk you to your front door. Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to kiss you.”
Melody smiled half-heartedly. That was less assuring than he might think. “Okay.”
* * *
The next morning, Melody woke to the smell of bacon wafting down the hall. There was also the aroma of coffee, which had her getting up and moving a lot faster than she probably would have otherwise.
When she entered the kitchen, she found her father standing in front of the stove.
“Morning,” he said, turning to offer up a small smile. “How was last night?”
Melody groaned. Then she headed toward the cabinet where the mugs were kept, grabbed one, and poured herself a deep cup of dark brew.
“Hungry?” he asked.
“Starving.” Melody sat down at the kitchen table, opting to drink her coffee black just so she could have it faster. “The prom was a disaster,” she said after a couple minutes and several sips of coffee. “Liz is upset with me.”
Her father slid a plate of food in front of her. He placed his own plate on the table beside hers and sat down. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Me too.” She grabbed a slice of bacon and bit into it, receiving a satisfying crunch.
