Page 16 of Stuck With My Christmas Crush

“Yeah.”

I turn to leave, then Charlie says, “Jason.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Charlie.” The enormity of the situation has obviously just hit. I imagine Charlie is feeling suddenly vulnerable and helpless. It happens to people who experience trauma. The best thing to do is to offer some distraction. So, I say, “Hey, maybe check your phone. It’ll be dry enough to plug into the charger now.” She moves toward the arm of the chair and lifts her phone, then smiles at me, then looks across at the charger plugged into the wall socket.

“Yep. I’ll do that.”

Chapter 8

Charlie

“Listen, Charlie. I’ve been trying to call you,” Lou’s voice is strained and high-pitched on the line. “On your phone and that other number. The hotel guy. What’s his name?”

“Jason.”

“Yes. Jason. Anyway. So, Charlie. I can’t come for you. I’m so sorry.” She’s trying to keep anxiety in check. “Emergency services are telling everyone,do not drive anywhere.”

“I know. I heard it on the radio. It’s pretty bad.” The wind is howling outside and I’m still in shock at the idea that I could be out there, stuck at the side of the road in my broken car; or walking to the highway in my impractical outfit; or frozen solid like a popsicle. I shiver, although I’m toasty warm, with my feet tucked under me, on the couch.

“They’re telling people to stay put. Don’t go out. It’s a blizzard. Code R.E.D.” There’s a brief pause then she says, “Are you okay? Are you safe?”

“Reasonably.” I hear the shower turn on in the bathroom.

“What does that mean? Reasonably.”

“I’m just joking. I’m fine. Gosh. Actually, I’m more than fine.” I snuggle into the warm cozy couch beside the roaring wood stove.

“I don’t think this is the time for jokes, Charlie. I’m really worried.”

“Don’t be. I’ve been rescued.”

“What? Where are you?”

“You know that birthday party we did in the summertime. August, I think. Isabel was the little girl’s name. In the big house near the golf course.”

“Yes. But…”

“You know when we left, there was that drop-dead-gorgeous dad who turned up as we were leaving. Looked a bitlike Chris Hemsworth mixed with Austin Butler. Kind of moody; sexy; brooding.”

“Oh yes. Who could forget him?” Lou’s voice relaxes into her usual tone. “Although I thought he was more like a young Harrison Ford. Or, or, or, who’s that guy in the TV showLucifer?”

“Oh no. Not that guy. Too smooth.”

“But handsome.”

“Definitely handsome. But Jason is more like Chris Pratt in theJurassics. All rugged and capable.”

“Yeah. I see what you mean there. Anyway. We’re off-topic. The dad at Isabel’s party? What about him?”

“Well, he’s not a dad.”

“Charlie. What are you talking about? You’ve lost me. And why are you talking about a guy we saw at a kid’s party months ago?” Lou shows signs of exasperation.

My voice drops to a hiss. “Because I’m in his house.”

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