Page 21 of Paradise West
Charli bobbed her head, unable to speak around the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat. For some reason, Steve’s offer of condolences were about to breach the emotional dam that she had so carefully built.
She jerked when Jack’s hand came to her back and rubbed lightly. She glanced at him and nearly melted at his soft expression. He had commented earlier about comforting most of the island for the last month. She could believe it—he was that good at it. She, who never took a second date and hated to cuddle, literally just wanted to sink into this guy.
Maybe my hormones are out of whack...
She cleared her throat awkwardly and smiled at Steve. “So tell me more about the ghost tours.”
Just as he opened his mouth, there was a shrill whistle that made Charli cringe and nearly fall off her stool. Then a loud voice shouted, “Found them. They’re in here.”
Steve looked past Charli’s shoulder and groaned. “Oh, for the love of... Ladies, I seriously can’t deal with your crap today.”
“Oh, don’t get your panties in a wad, Steve. Drama queen doesn’t look good on you,” the voice snipped. “Besides, we’re not here for you. We’ve been searching for these two.”
Charli’s eyes widened at the sharp retort and gave Jack a side-eye glance when he chuckled into his tequila. She glanced warily over her shoulder and nearly jumped at the sight of several women crowded just inside the open door from Whitehead Street, all staring at her intently. She recognized Flora and Hazel from the will reading, but the others were a mystery.
Charli turned on the stool to face them and stared in awe, noting their colorful sundresses, varied hair styles, and expressions that went from stern to cheerful to serene. “Um...can I help you?”
“Oh, honey,” said the woman who had just sparred with Steve. She reached out a hand. “We’re here to help you.”
“Me?” Charli replied, suddenly wary even as her hand reached out automatically. “What’s going on?”
One lady huffed and planted her hands on her ample hips. “Jack Sullivan, where are your manners? Aren’t you going to turn around and introduce us? I know your momma taught you better. Do I need to have a conversation with Faye?”
Grinning, Jack swiveled on his seat and placed his right hand on the bar behind Charli, as if protectively embracing her. “No, you don’t. Ladies,” he drawled with a nod. “Charli, I’d like to introduce you to your fellow members of the RoyalConch Society.” He pointed to the two women on the far right. “You met Flora and Hazel at the reading yesterday.” They waved at Charli in unison, eager grins on their faces.
He gestured to the apparent leader of the group. “This is Miriam.” She nodded solemnly at Charli, her hands folded in front of her.
“And that’s Iris and Cornelia,” he added, pointing out each member. His lips pursed, and he looked at Miriam. “Where’s Sadie?”
Miriam waved a hand dismissively. “She had a doctor’s appointment.” Miriam looked back at Charli, her gaze intent. “But she would have been here if she could. She’ll join us later.”
Charli felt her brows rise. This was an intense group, but she liked them instantly. She smiled and waved awkwardly. “It’s nice to meet all of you.”
Miriam stepped forward and grabbed Charli’s hand. “And it’s lovely to finally meet you, dear. Dottie spoke about you so often.” She glanced dismissively around the dim bar. “I hope this is a good time.”
Steve snorted. “It’s never a good time for you to be in here,” he grumbled as he cleaned another glass.
Miriam’s eyes narrowed, and she glared at the bartender. “Zip it, Steve, before I make a scene and scare away all your customers.”
He snorted again and braced his arms on the bar. “Woman, you already have with all your caterwauling.” He made a shooing motion. “Can’t you take this somewhere else?”
Miriam gave him an evil grin and shrugged. “I can’t help it if this is where we found them.”
Jack laughed out loud and stood up, giving the hapless bartender a slap on the shoulder. “You can’t argue with that, Steve. If you give me the tab, I’ll pay it and then escort the group out of here.”
Steve never took his eyes off his nemesis as he answered Jack. “You get them out of here, and your drinks are on the house.”
Jack turned to Miriam. “Why don’t we walk down to Charli’s house and talk there? I’m fairly certain Art stocked it with some of that sangria I know you all like.”
The ladies nodded in unison.
“That sounds lovely,” Iris cooed, taking Charli’s other hand and giving it a caring squeeze. “We’d love to get to know you better. We have so much to talk about.”
As Jack stood from the barstool, the group surrounded him and fussed over him affectionately. Charli watched him smile tenderly as they bustled around him. They all seemed so tiny as he towered over each woman.
Steve cleared his throat obnoxiously. “Jack?”
That earned the bartender another glare from the group leader, but Jack diffused any further retaliation as he waved his hand at the old bartender. “Don’t worry—we’re leaving. Thanks for the drinks, Steve.”
