Page 12 of The Charmer

Despite my resolution, I leaned in, almost to her ear, and said, "No, Georgie, trust me. No one would achieve that. It's you and only you." When I straightened up, she was completely red in the face. "I'll see you on Tuesday," I said.

"Yes," she whispered.

I couldn't fucking wait.

Chapter Four

Georgie

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I absolutely loved Carnival season. Then again, considering my line of work, it would be a surprise if I didn't. The city came alive at this time of the year, and as I’d predicted, our handmade masks were a hit with tourists. And the beads, too, as I kept them reasonably priced.

I was manning the shop from opening until the evening, and Zelda was in charge of everything going on in the back. I'd given them the good news first thing on Monday morning. Getting our biggest client back for next season had done wonders for everyone's mood.

I couldn’t get Julian LeBlanc out of my mind, though. Who could blame me? His blue eyes were simply unreal.

He'd followed through with his promise. I’d gotten an email from his assistant early on Monday and had already set everything in place. I was using a new contract template—one put together with an actual lawyer a few years back. It was far less lenient than the one Nana had set up and wouldn't release our clients so easily. But I hadn't heard from Julian since, so I’d almost forgotten about his invitation for Sazerac.

Until the following Monday.

The first day of parades was always madness in the Quarter. So much so that I closed the store in the afternoon, as the streets would be too crowded with floats and celebrations for anyone to shop.

At one o'clock, I received a text from an unknown number.

Unknown number: Free Sazeracs will start at 2:00 PM.

Signed Julian LeBlanc.

Ha! He didn't forget. I was definitely not going to say no to a free Sazerac on the first day of parades.

My heart was beating fast for no reason at all as I texted back.

Wait a second, was heat creeping up my cheeks? This wasn't right.

But I was excited about going, so I was going to enjoy it—every moment.

Georgie: I'll be there, wearing a mask.

I felt extra sassy for that. Since I’d planned to join the celebrations today anyway, I had my outfit with me.

I’d gone with black tights and a dress in the traditional Mardi Gras colors. It was glittery and festive, and I absolutely loved it. I put on a jacket, too, because I didn't want to catch a cold. There was one time of year that I couldn't get sick, and it was now.

I got ready in the back of the store, humming to myself.

"Georgie, I'm going. Need anything?" Zelda asked a while later.

"No. Where are you going to be?" I asked her. Everyone was celebrating today.

"Bourbon, probably." She winced. "I'm sorry."

I looked directly at her. "Zelda, you don't have to apologize for going to Bourbon Street. Hell, you can even go into his club if you want."

She shook her head adamantly. "Oh, no, no. I’m never stepping foot in there again. I'm not giving that asshole one cent for drinks or anything else."

It felt good to know she was in my corner. I wondered if I was going to see my ex today, and that made me shudder. I really couldn't be so unlucky. He liked the celebrations, too, but to quote him, "It’s mostly to rub shoulders with the right people." I couldn't see him lining up for free Sazeracs.

Forget about Kyle, Georgie. He's firmly in the past. He can't hurt you anymore.

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