Page 75 of When You Smile

“I would kiss your face off,” Taryn said. “This is the most amazing news, and now I can sit down because I’ve been walking in circles waiting to hear. Congratulations, Charlie. We’re going to have to celebrate the second you’re home. Hurry.”

“Taryn?”

“Yes?”

Charlie placed a hand on her head and grinned, feeling brave, vulnerable, and—above all else—truthful. “I love you. I just wanted to say that.”

The line was quiet for a moment and then, “I love you, too, Charlie. With all I have. Get home already.”

* * *

It was a big night. The photography department was holding its annual reception celebrating the work of their most promising students, a Hillspoint tradition every spring semester. While Taryn hadn’t expected to be included, she was over the moon to learn she’d have two of her photographs featured alongside those of her classmates. While she wished more than anything that Charlie could be there with her to experience the exciting evening, which was turning out to be a much bigger deal than she’d realized, unfortunately, she wasn’t yet back from New York. Instead, Taryn planned to memorize every detail, just as Charlie had instructed her to, and share it with her later, maybe over coffee at the Bump and Grind. In the meantime, she stood near her photographs, as instructed, answering questions and smiling brightly at donors who came by.

“I love the protest photo,” Ashley said as she passed. “You’re doing great things.”

“Thank you,” Taryn said, appreciative of the guidance Ashley had provided. She’d miss her around the department once she graduated.

During a small lull, Taryn snuck away to secure a cup of the fruit punch in the corner of the reception space. When she turned, she found herself face-to-face with a woman who seemed familiar for a reason Taryn couldn’t pinpoint. She smiled at her as she turned to go, figuring she was likely an instructor she’d seen around.

Before she could get very far, the woman held up a hand. “Taryn. Good to see you. Enjoying your evening?”

“I am. Thank you.” She was surprised the woman knew her name and now wondered more than ever where she recognized her from.

“Do you remember me? I’m Monica McHenry.”

“Oh.” Danny’s mother. Fuck. The one from Charlie’s apartment. “Hello.” This was unexpected.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Monica said. Taryn wasn’t sure what to say, so she didn’t. “Your work is striking. You show great potential.”

Butterflies swarmed, and Taryn blinked, trying to orient herself to the moment, to officially meeting Monica, an important person in Charlie’s life. While out of the blue, she welcomed the opportunity to make a good impression. Maybe Monica was one of the department’s VIP donors. Roger had mentioned that there would be a few in attendance.

“Thank you so much. It’s really wonderful to meet you. Charlie speaks so highly of you and your family.”

Monica touched her chest. “That girl is a love, isn’t she?”

“She’s amazing.”

“I’m glad you agree. I want us to have a conversation that I’m hopeful will prove beneficial to all of us.”

“All right. Sure. We can do that.” Taryn, fruit punch in hand, looked around for a quiet spot, but Monica was already leading the way to a lounge off the reception hall. She clearly knew her way around.

Once they settled at a table and chairs, Monica regarded her with soft eyes. “Charlie has a bright future ahead of her. I’m sure you do, too.”

Taryn wasn’t sure where this was going, but she hoped it was Monica’s way of bridging the gap that had sprung up between her and Charlie. She knew they were still in contact, but according to Charlie, it hadn’t been the same, which was unfortunate. “I think we’re still waiting to find out about me, but she definitely does. She had a great meeting with your contact in New York and will be back tomorrow.”

“You said we’re waiting to find out? Does that mean you and Charlotte? We?”

“I think I just meant the collective.”

Monica flashed a smile that appeared way too fast to be sincere. “But you two are a we, correct? That’s what I’ve heard anyway.”

She had no reason to lead with anything except the truth. “Yes. We’re together.”

Monica winced. “It’s a bad idea for her, don’t you think?”

“I think when two people are happy together, it’s never a bad idea.” Taryn felt like she’d waded into shark-infested waters but wasn’t quite sure why.

“Unless it destroys someone’s entire life.” Monica leaned forward. “Charlie was on a very favorable path, headed toward an engagement, a future family, and a promising career as a novelist. Then you appeared.”

---