Page 54 of The Charmer

He paused for a moment. "This thing with Robert is about his buildings in the Quarter?"

"Yeah."

"The one Deveraux wants too?"

"Exactly."

"Are you sure you're not doing this with Georgie because you're in a pissing contest with him?"

"Everyone is in a pissing contest with Kyle. Actually, he is in one with everyone. And no, this thing with Georgie..."

My voice faded because I couldn't explain it. I tried to remember what had motivated me back at the bar. She’d been so vulnerable that I'd wanted to help out no matter what.

"You're far too silent," I said.

"I have nothing else to add, and since you woke me up, I'd better start dressing anyway. Promised the grandmothers I'd drop by the house."

That gave me an idea. "Do you mind sharing the news?"

He was silent for a few seconds and then started to laugh. "You're using me to spread gossip?"

"Not exactly. But I figured they’ll find out one way or another. Quite a few of their friends were at the event yesterday."

"Now I'm getting what you mean. Sure, you can count on me."

"Thanks, brother."

After hanging up, I realized Georgie hadn't sent me the update she'd promised, so I texted her.

Julian: How's your ankle?

She didn’t reply, so I started my day. Half an hour later, I got impatient and sent her a second message.

Julian: If you don’t reply, I will come banging down your door. I'm not even joking.

She replied almost instantly.

Georgie: Sorry, I forgot. I was with customers. I'm all good.

I stared at her message. What the fuck? She's at the shop? That wasn't right. Yesterday, she was struggling to walk and leaned on me with most of her weight. Unbelievable.

I was about to FaceTime her, but now I couldn't focus for shit. All I could think about was if Georgie was in pain or not. Damn it. If I asked her, she’d just placate me.

I had to see her. So, I did something I rarely did and canceled my last-minute Zoom meeting. I came up with a shit excuse, but it would do. This was so out of character for me that I couldn't even believe I was doing it.

The Quarter was far livelier in the morning now that it was Carnival season. I arrived at Books & Beads ten minutes later. To my astonishment, there were a lot of customers milling about inside. I spotted Georgie chatting with one. I watched her intently as she moved around. She seemed to be doing fine. But still, I couldn't believe that she'd twisted her ankle yesterday and was at work today. Who did that?

Someone who has to show up at the store every day to make a living, the rational part of me said.

I often forgot how different our lives were. Growing up, my brothers and I wanted for nothing. Fortunately, we all had good work ethics. But we never suffered or wondered where our next meal was coming from.

But even though I saw Georgie was doing fine, I wasn't satisfied. I wanted to talk to her, so I went inside the store. Because of the damn bells, she immediately looked in my direction. Her eyes went wide.

"Excuse me," she told the customer she was advising. "I'll be with you in a few minutes." She walked straight to me. I took a few steps to the right so I wasn't in the way of anyone who wanted to come in. "Julian, what's wrong? What are you doing here?"

I swallowed hard. Fucking hell, it sounded ridiculous, but I owned up to it. "I wanted to make sure you're okay."

She blinked. "But I messaged you."

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