Page 23 of When You Smile

“A mall. We’re headed to an actual mall.” Charlie smiled into her phone. “And that’s what I was hoping you would say.”

A quiet laugh. “I don’t like to disappoint.”

Why did Charlie break out in goose bumps after that statement? Why did she want Taryn to say it again? She eased herself out of it. “Get over here. Now. I’ll drop a pin and my address.”

Taryn laughed. “Yeah, yeah. On my way.”

Ten minutes later, and they were driving together in Charlie’s Nissan Rogue to the nearest department store with the meager remnants of her checking account and Taryn on music duty. Apparently, she wasn’t having much success. As the station flipped for the sixth time, Charlie turned to her. “I feel like you’re hard to please over there, or you’re just determined to torture me because I’m making you shop.”

Caught, Taryn’s brown eyes went wide. They seemed extra vibrant today, highlighted by the gold knit top she wore beneath her black leather bomber jacket. Her dark hair was down but had a few waves today, which made Charlie imagine that’s what her hair did when she chose not to blow dry, which she should definitely do more often. The untamed look worked on her. “I’m so choosy about music.”

“I’m gonna make the leap that you’re choosy about everything,” Charlie said. “I haven’t forgotten your coffee opinions.”

Taryn’s cheeks went rosy in a cute display. “I think you’re roasting me.”

“Is that a coffee riff?”

“Like I would miss this opportunity,” Taryn said, pleased with herself. They were at a red light, which meant Charlie didn’t have to tear her eyes away.

“I’m affectionately doing just that. Yeah.” She relaxed. “What kind of music do you like?”

Taryn sat taller and abandoned the station flipping, invested in the conversation now. “That’s the thing. I’m all over the map. My grandparents had me hooked on James Taylor as a kid. My parents blasted Motown in an unlikely matchup, but I was into it. I was just as die-hard for local emo bands as a teenager. Some of the Top 40 work for me. Rap, if it’s good.”

“Eclectic.” The light turned and Charlie pressed the gas.

“I’m currently living in the highlights from practically any era, hanging out with what was popular at different points in time.” Taryn shook her head. “I’m easily influenced, but when all is said and done, I love the one girl and a guitar vibe. It’s my current go-to.”

“Really? You’re an old soul, Taryn Ross.”

“I’m taking that as a compliment even if it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Except it was,” Charlie said sincerely and pulled the car into a spot near the front door of Carrington’s. “Hopefully, we can be in and out quick.”

“What do you need from me?” Taryn asked with honestly the most sincere eyes. She clearly wanted to make sure she did the best job possible, which was sweet.

“How about your honest opinion? Tell me which dress makes me looks like someone impressive, yet also personable enough over a glass of white wine.”

Taryn slowed her pace, processing the task. “That’s incredibly specific, but yeah, I think I’m up for it.”

Charlie laughed and looped her arm through Taryn’s. “I know you are.”

They moved through the racks, Taryn offered up her choices, and Charlie collected a few dresses of her own. It turned out, Taryn had quite the eye. Once Charlie was inside the dressing room on her own, it was Taryn’s contributions to the pile that truly stood out. Charlie turned to the side wearing a turquoise fit and flare and realized it was a definite contender. It was the fourth dress she’d tried on, and it made her feel pretty and smart, a combination that had always worked well for her. She opened the door and walked to the sitting area that offered a full-length mirror.

“I think I really like this one,” she said to Taryn, who was seated quietly on one of the couches. Charlie smoothed the fabric and regarded herself in the mirror. “What do you think?”

Taryn stared for a moment before opening her mouth and closing it again. “It’s a beautiful dress.” She swallowed. “Buy it. Whatever it costs.”

Charlie laughed. “That’s quite an endorsement.” She turned to the side. “Do you think it’s giving too much boob access?”

“No,” Taryn said without delay. “I don’t.”

Another laugh. She turned to Taryn, whose eyes had gone wide. “Again, you know what you like.”

“Yeah,” Taryn said. “I guess I do.”

Charlie felt warm with Taryn’s gaze on her like that. She was suddenly a little self-conscious and aware of her own skin. Weird, and honestly a little embarrassing. “Wow. It’s like they’re running the heat pretty high in here,” she said, looking up at the vents as a means of deflecting attention from what felt like a strange moment. She had no definition for what she’d just experienced, either. A passing few seconds in which Charlie felt like she’d floated right out of herself.

“Right? Not just me then,” Taryn said, standing and rolling her shoulders.

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