Page 25 of The Charmer

“What he says goes, baby girl.”

“I’m not a baby,” Bella mumbled.

God, she’s growing up so fast.

I’d seen Goblet of Fire, and it was definitely not for someone as young as Bella. That shit got really dark really fast for a kids' movie.

Chad had his eyes trained on Bella's plate when we returned to the table. He looked at me in surprise. The smile I gave him might have been a bit too smug, but I couldn’t help it.

As I sat down and overheard my grandmothers still talking about Books & Beads, my mind immediately returned to Georgie. I wanted to speak with her right away. I had a few events in mind where she could run into all the right people. I could pave the way for her.

The businessman in me knew there was a much easier way to accomplish this, however. I could write emails and call the right people. Her contracts would be reinstated very quickly because I was very convincing.

But I wanted to see Georgie again, and now I had the perfect excuse.

Chapter Seven

Georgie

"This has been the most incredible sales day," Zelda said as we balanced the books. She looked at the ledger as if she couldn't believe it herself.

"I told you everything would work out." We'd sold a record number of beads today, and our handmade masks were such a hit that I'd actually asked the team to make a few more.

She laughed. "No one has your energy, Georgie. I swear you keep this place alive all on your own."

"If not me, then who?"

"You think we'll have more customers this evening too?”

It was already five o'clock in the afternoon. Most tourists were pretty spent after running around all day, but at this time of year, things worked differently.

"I'm pretty sure we will," I said.

“I can go buy us a po’boy."

My stomach instantly started to rumble. "Oh, yes, please. Extra mayo for me. And pickles."

"One of these days, Ms. Judy will forsake us as clients. She always tells me, 'You're the only one who wants mayo and pickles.'"

"I can't eat it without them." It was the way my nana used to make po’boys. It was her own special recipe.

"All right, then. I'm going right now. I'm starving too."

"Ask the girls if they want something. And here, let me give you some money." I grabbed my bag, digging out my credit card and giving it to Zelda, “I’ll buy for everyone. We’ve all worked so hard today.”

She looked at me strangely. "Georgie, you don’t have to, but thank you. Oh, and most of the team has already left. You told them to, remember?"

I smacked my forehead. ”I’m so hungry that I forgot.”

“All the reason for me to hurry with that po’boy." Zelda winked and then darted out the front door.

I didn't know what I would do without her. She was truly a godsend.

Since I had a spare moment, I checked my phone. It had beeped a while ago, but I'd had my hands full with customers. I always tried to work with each person, asking them what parade it was for or if they were buying it for another occasion and if they already had an outfit so I could match it for them. I enjoyed advising every single client.

My stomach somersaulted when I noticed a message from Julian.

Julian: Hey Georgie, I've had an idea about how I could make up for you losing some business this year. Give me a ring when you have time to talk.

---