Page 18 of Charming my Best Friend

Chapter 6: Aiden

When Chelsea got home, I was ready and waiting.

“Hey, babe,” she said when she saw me on the couch.

She was in skin tight jeans and a halter top.

“Hi,” I said, leaning back on the couch. “I hope you didn’t give any of Grandma Rose’s friends a heart attack wearing something like that to volunteer.

She laughed. “No, I wore a t-shirt over this when I was there and then took it off on my way home.” She plopped her bag down on the table. “I can’t believe how hot it’s been all day, can you?”

“I hadn’t noticed,” I said. “I had other things on my mind.”

“Oh really?” she asked, pulling a bottle of water out of the fridge. “Like what?”

“First tell me how your Grandma is doing.”

Chelsea took a big sip of water and then held the bottle on the back of her neck. “She’s good. Really good.”

“And all her friends at the nursing home?”

“Great.”

I pursed my lips and nodded.

“Why do you ask?”

“That’s a good question.” I leaned forward and put my elbows on my knees. “I guess because I thought there was a teensy chance you might tell me the truth.”

“What?”

“But since that didn’t happen, I’ll give you another try.” I fixed my eyes on hers. “Where were you today?”

“I told you. I was volunt-”

I raised a hand. “I’m going to have to stop you there.”

She lowered the bottle of water down beside her.

“See, I decided to surprise you earlier.”

“Oh?” She walked around the counter and hoisted herself up on one of the bar stools.

“Yeah, I thought it had been too long since I paid Grandma Rose a visit.”

She swallowed.

“So I went to the nursing home, and you’ll never believe who I saw there.”

“Who?” she asked.

“Not you.”

“Look, Aiden. I can explain.”

“Great. Now would be a good time.”

She looked down at her lap.

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