Page 87 of The Charmer

Because, well, Julian and I had a complicated thing going on. Everyone who'd been at the party believed we were dating. Now we'd spent a gorgeous night together, and I had no idea where that left us. The Landry party was hanging over my head a bit even though it was quite a ways away. How were we going to play that out? What if he decided that things were too complicated, and we'd better just drop the whole thing altogether?

My heart gave a strange squeeze at the thought.

"You just totally deflated," Zelda said.

"It's just complicated."

"Okay, then I’ll cheer you up with my story. I met the most amazing dude yesterday, and he asked me out."

"That's great! I already like the guy. He saw you, and he asked you out."

She grinned. "I do like a decisive man."

"When are you going out?"

"This weekend."

"Oh, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. All right, I'm going to go into the back," I said. "I want to check on some admin stuff. I'll come if the bell rings too often."

I immediately went into the small office, which was more of a storage room with a desk. It was just big enough for my laptop, and I wanted to check my emails.

I'd sent some queries last week. I didn't know where I got the inspiration, but I'd sat down at the desk and thought, Why not reach out to other businesses who might want to sponsor floats? Worst case, they’d turn me down.

I didn't have high expectations. But every day when I checked and there were no replies, my stomach did drop a bit. Today, though, I had an unread message. My eyes bulged when I read the sender. It was from the Hensley Corporation. They were among the clients who'd dropped me, and I’d written to them months ago. Why were they replying now?

I opened it with trembling fingers even though I wasn't sure what I was afraid of. They couldn't drop me a second time, after all.

Dear Georgie,

I apologize for the quick manner in which we ended our business relationship a few months ago. I received a call from Calliope Tableau and Isabeau LeBlanc, and we'd be more than happy if you could work on our float again next year. Between you and me, the costumes and decorations you make are much more exquisite. Let me know if you're still interested and can fit us in.

Signed,

Meredith

Oh my God, she replied to me personally.

I couldn't believe Calliope and Isabeau had talked to her too. Of course I was interested.

My eyes got teary as I hit Reply.

Yes, of course. Let me know if I should send the contract to you or your legal team. I'm looking forward to reconciling our business relationship.

Yeah, that sounded professional enough. I signed my name before sending it.

Oh, I could dance for joy!

"Good things come to those who bust their ass and make things happen," my nana always said. And she was right.

After closing my laptop, I glanced at my phone. Holy shit, this day was getting even better. I had a message from Julian. I could practically feel my heart expand. I realized I'd been truly holding on to hope that he would contact me. A part of me had been afraid he wouldn't.

Julian: How's your afternoon?

It was a simple question, but it meant a lot to me.

Georgie: We're having a bit of a lull, but it's been a good day so far. How about you?

Julian: I helped Mom at the gallery, put up paintings. In exchange, she put some interesting ideas in my mind.

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