Page 24 of The Charmer

She turned to Celine. "We should visit the girl one day. Ask her if there's anything we can do to help."

"I'm on it," I assured her. I did this, and I needed to fix it.

"Meaning?"

I narrowed my eyes. My grandmothers never questioned me, but considering my blunder, it was fair. Thankfully, my plan had already crystallized in my mind.

"I'll ask Georgie to come with me to several events throughout the Carnival season. I get invitations to dozens of them. I bet I run into her old clients there and don’t even know it."

"That is a lovely idea," Isabeau said.

Yes, it was. Now, I only had to convince Georgie of it.

"We should visit the girl anyway,” Celine added.

"Yes, we should," Isabeau replied.

Mom was looking at them with a wry smile, shaking her head. She was mostly silent during our family get-togethers. I asked her why once, and she said that my grandmothers had enough to say for everyone and that she preferred to stay quiet.

Mom was a calming presence in this very energetic family.

"Uncle Julian," Bella said, "will you go with me to the buffet again?"

Chad gave me a warning look. I knew what that meant.

I nodded at her. "Sure, but let's go over to the fruit section. I'm dying for some strawberries."

She scrunched her nose. "I'm not. Who needs strawberries when you've got pie and chocolate?"

That was the thing about buffets. When there were sweets available, why indeed go for fruit? But I knew how to persuade Bella. It was a talent of mine.

As we headed that direction, I explained, "I'm trying to eat healthier. Want to help me pick out some fruits?"

"Sure!"

I loaded some grapes on my plate, throwing two into my mouth. “They’re delicious.”

Bella's eyes lit up. "Can I have some too?"

"Sure.”

I felt fucking victorious. Ever since she started eating solid food as a baby, I'd been the one who convinced her to try new things, like broccoli.

As we loaded our plates with several types of fruit, I told her, "I miss coming over to watch movies with you."

She looked at me from the corner of her eye. "I miss you, too, Uncle Julian. Maybe we can tell Dad."

"I will." He and Scarlett could definitely have more date nights. I was more than willing to step in.

"Do you know what movies you want to watch?" I asked her.

"I’ve had Goblet of Fire on my list for some time."

I barely bit back laughter. I liked to spoil my niece, but I didn't like to go against my brother's rules. She was his daughter, after all.

"Bella, your dad said you're too young for it."

She looked crestfallen. “But you know Dad. He's always so cautious."

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