Page 63 of The Charm of You

I’d been working alongside Bev for that listing myself, and hearing she got it through a text launches an array of mixed emotions in my chest.

But above all, she’s my friend, and she deserves praise.

That’s amazing! You worked so hard for it!

I press send and deeply inhale, but I don’t release it until she responds.

WE worked really hard. You did so much, and I wish you were here to celebrate with me, babe.

Another sting slices through me, and it doesn’t subside as quickly as the first.

You deserve it, and you will do fabulous things with the doors this will open for you. Proud is an understatement.

I add a few kissing emojis and tuck my phone away into my cardigan pocket. My phone is too heavy for this flimsy sweater to hold, and it weighs me down much like the onslaught of anxious energy her text brought on.

I knew this would happen, anyway. It’s not like I believed Melissa would see the error in her ways by letting me go and shut down the entire business. She’s moving on, business as usual, and so is Beverly.

Even though it’s only been a few days, I wouldn’t be surprised if Melissa’s already replaced my face on the billboards—like I was never part of her team at all.

I stroll over the checkered tile floor toward the back door to find Addie and Owen. They’ve been far too quiet, and it’s suspicious.

I drift outside and into the cool air, where I’m hit with the conversation I had with Austin earlier.

“It’s a shame that New York doesn’t know what it has.”

My heart pitter-patters as my phone vibrates again. I stop to pull it out of my pocket, and my heart rate doubles its speed when I see the name.

AUSTIN

Since I went fishing with you today, it’s your turn to do something for me.

How can I say no to such endearing blackmail?

I’ll make it worth your while if you say yes.

I’m intrigued.

Are you still at the Buchanan House?

I am.

I’ll pick you up in 10.

chapter

nineteen

AUSTIN

Caroline hops out of my truck, and I close the door behind her. With no buildings around, the night sky is free and unhindered from our view, creating a natural backdrop for our little adventure.

I’m not of the spontaneous variety, but for her, this feels right.

The dusting of stars across the black canvas of the sky serves as our only company for this evening. Plus, some fireflies blink in the darkness like they’re guiding us toward our final destination.

I parked the truck near an old wooden bridge. No one drives over it anymore, not since a new, more efficient one was built a few decades ago. Since it was basically abandoned, the unruly weeds have taken over the edges of the gravel path leading up to it.

This spot is mostly the same as it has been since I was a teenager.

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