Page 34 of Gossip Game

Charlotte groaned in frustration. “And that whole part where he apologizes to Noah and offers to go grab a beer with him—ugh! I won’t be able to keep food down for a week.”

Bridgett chuckled. “I doubt the two will be bonding over a beer any time soon.”

“Yeah. I don’t see Noah taking the bait.”

That didn’t mean guilt wasn’t gnawing at her stomach. If she hadn’t dragged him onto Bucky Kincaid’s radar three years ago, Noah wouldn’t have to be constantly watching his back. He wouldn’t have to worry that everything he did could turn into fodder for social media trolls. And then she’d gone and made matters worse when she “bought” Noah at the auction.

“Do you think this will be the end of it?” she asked Bridgett.

Her sister-in-law shook her head. “Bucky has a target on his back. If he’s smart, he’ll tread carefully. He has to know he won’t get a second chance with Jay. Or your Trulies.”

Charlotte had to smile at the effusive way her fans had come for Bucky after his show on Friday. And how they’d lifted the Blaze placekicker following yesterday’s game. Blaze fans brushed off the missed field goal, even going so far as to contribute to the guy’s charity which was now a hundred thousand dollars richer .

“Listen, Charlie, that’s not why I called,” Bridgett said. “Your lenders are thrilled with your CEO selection.”

At least someone is.

Charlotte silently chastised herself for the thought. The woman she’d chosen came with impeccable credentials, a proven track record leading a successful retailer in the U.S., and no hesitation about relocating to London. By all accounts, she was fair-minded and likeable. And she didn’t balk when Charlotte insisted that she remain in the loop on the day-to-day operations.

“But they still want you to seriously consider taking the company public,” Bridgett added with a rush.

As if this day could get any worse.

Charlotte’s heart sank. It was her worst fear confirmed. Taking her company public meant appointing a board of directors. Yet another layer between her and the enterprise she’d created from scratch. The one thing that belonged to her and only her.

For now, anyway.

Bridgett sighed on the other end of the phone. “Look, they’ve only mentioned that you consider it. Nothing has to happen in the short-term. In the meantime, I think we should get it out there in front of the media and other potential investors that you’ve taken the step of bringing in someone to help you strengthen your brand. It may calm the waters, so to speak.”

Ha! What about my fears? What’s going to calm them?

Why was it that every time she was searching for her inner calm, Noah’s face appeared? His brown eyes instilling confidence. His fingers feathering down her cheek. His full lips murmuring reassuring words.

You’re a smart woman. Trust your instincts.

Noah believed in her. More than she believed in herself.

Hire someone to teach you the skills, he had advised.

Hadn’t she just done that? The lenders could “suggest” she take Truly You public all they wanted. Before it came to that, however, Charlotte was going to learn everything she could about running her own business.

“You’re right,” Charlotte agreed. “A little schmoozing of the media never hurts. Let’s finalize the deal with her and set up a press conference for early next week.”

“It might be hard to get everyone over to London by then.” Bridgett sounded surprised. Probably because she didn’t expect Charlotte to agree so readily. “Your new CEO has to make some plans for her move and the Blaze are playing on Thursday night. I couldn’t get to London until the weekend.”

“Then I’ll come to you. We’ll make the big announcement next Tuesday.”

It was a great excuse to see the twins.

And possibly a football game.

TEN

The Blaze locker room was bumping following their dominating win that Thursday night.

“Hell of a game in front of a national TV audience, fellas.” The Blaze head coach commended his team while pacing up and down the center of the room, his players and assistant coaches forming an oval around him. “Give it up for our defense! They played lights out football, holding them to only three points.” He tossed a ball to the defensive captain. “You guys were beasts. Everyone on the D gets a game ball.”

A chorus of whoops and cheers echoed throughout the room. Noah clapped along with his teammates. He’d had a great game, but the defense took it to another level tonight. They were the stars of the show.

---