Page 57 of When You Smile

“Child. And thank you. That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

“Way hotter than her, though. By a mile. Do you ever cook in just an apron?”

“Not yet.”

“Such a good answer.”

“Oh!” Charlie sat forward and turned. “And June also wants me to submit something I’m proud of, and I was considering the short story about the little boy. What do you think? I wasn’t sure I should fully lead with my manuscript. She probably wouldn’t want something so long. Plus, it feels like we should work up to the book, ya know?” The thoughts poured out of her like a faucet, a testament to how Taryn was a safe place where she could just share without fear of judgment or comparison.

“I love that story and think that’s exactly what you should submit. June is going to eat it up.”

Charlie took a deep, nervous breath. The idea of an actual career in publishing with Broadland Rhodes while also writing with the intent to publish with them one day was the ultimate dream come true. “If I have the opportunity to work near June DeCarlo in any capacity…” She trailed off because the concept was too staggering for her brain. “The connections I’d make alone would be invaluable.” Not to mention, all the knowledge she’d acquire about an industry she’d always dreamed to be a part of. Plus, June knew she had writing aspirations, and Monica was confident she’d shepherd them along, offer advice, maybe even a critique. Who knew?

“So in a few months you’re going to be an aspiring novelist and a publishing industry rock star, living in New York City of all places.” Taryn turned. “I’m not sure you should be hanging out on benches with people who wait until the last minute to study about Europe.”

She nodded. “Guess I’ll go.” As she stood, Taryn grabbed her hand and pulled her back down, this time much closer, pressed up against Taryn. Their gazes locked. “On second thought, I’ll stay. It’s nice here.” Snowflakes dotted Taryn’s dark hair, and when one fell onto her nose, Charlie couldn’t resist. She leaned in and kissed it softly away.

“You’re amazing,” Taryn said quietly.

“Well, I like you. A lot. And you came to the library to surprise me. Want to walk to the Bump and Grind and have a boring black coffee?”

“You are temping me right now, but I only carved out a few minutes to lay eyes on you when you got off work.”

Charlie looked behind them at the darkened lawn that was partially covered in snow now. “It’s a fifteen-minute walk from Alexander over here.”

“Worth the round trip for these five minutes. Best of my day.”

She felt incredibly special. Taryn had done that. In many ways, it was difficult to let herself buy in after years of her father keeping her humble and under his thumb, and the last few trying to keep up with Danny’s many accomplishments. But Taryn looked at her like she was the smartest, most important person in the world, and a little bit of that was starting to sink in.

“Will you kiss me before you have to go?” Charlie asked quietly.

“Always.” Taryn nodded and brushed her lips over Charlie’s, lingering as if she wanted the moment to extend into forever. Charlie went liquid beneath her touch, memorizing the smell of Taryn’s shampoo and the faint press of her fingertips on Charlie’s cheek. Everything.

“I was going to see if I could catch up and ask you what time grades are due, but you seem occupied.”

Charlie turned to her right to see Emerson standing a few feet away, and her mood entirely shifted. Charlie straightened and her brain panicked. She stood and shoved her hands into her pockets feeling guilty, like she’d been seen stealing at the Walmart. Why? What was that about? She’d have to figure it out later.

“Emerson, hey. Why don’t we walk together and talk about it?”

“Are you sure?” Emerson looked from Charlie to Taryn with a puzzled look. “I don’t want to pull you away.” She gave Charlie’s arm a squeeze. “I had no idea you were seeing somebody.”

“Oh. Um, this is Taryn. We’re just getting to know each other.” It sounded like a downplay, and the way the smile slid off Taryn’s face sliced at Charlie. She hated herself for it, but she’d have to fix it later because she’d just gone into some sort of weird preservation mode. She wasn’t homophobic. She wasn’t ashamed of Taryn or herself. Yet there was something about this new area of her life that she was guarding like the keys to the kingdom.

“Yeah. We’re super casual,” Taryn said flatly. The light in her eyes that had been there just moments ago had fled. She rocked up on her toes, hands going into her pockets. “I better get back. You two have a good night.”

“I’m Emerson, by the way,” she called after Taryn.

“Really happy to meet you.” However, her gaze was square on Charlie when she said it. Finally, she turned and, with a last dejected look, headed off across the lawn.

“Charlie,” Emerson said quietly once they were alone. “I think it’s a really good thing.”

She pulled her focus from Taryn in the distance and back to Emerson. “You do?”

Emerson slid her arm through Charlie’s. “And if you’re worried what kind of gossip you might spark in the department because of your history with Danny, don’t. People talk about new and interesting things for about five minutes before they move on. You hear me? Five minutes.”

Suddenly, Charlie carried regret for all those times she’d written off Emerson as a surface-level friend who existed only in the cheerful column. How shortsighted of her. Because in this moment, she’d needed helpful words, and Emerson knew just the ones to say. Not only that, she seemed to mean them.

She turned and met Emerson’s heartfelt green eyes. “You’re a good person, Emerson. I mean that. I’m glad you’re my friend.”

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