Page 94 of Just Like Home

When they entered the room, Cole’s ex-wife looked up and made a beeline for her.

“Charlotte,” the woman said.

She stopped and gave Gemma her attention.

“I just wanted to apologize for what happened,” she said. “I had no idea Cole was participating in this event.” Her eyes practically sparkled, and she struck Charlotte as someone who was used to getting what she wanted.

“Julianna was his sister.” Charlotte faced her now, aware that Hildy was only a few feet behind this woman, and she made no effort to hide the fact that she was eavesdropping.

The woman’s laugh sounded nervous. “I’ve tried to get him to move on, but he’s really stuck in the past,” Gemma said. “He’s not usually prone to outbursts like that, but the song—it was our first dance at our wedding.”

Charlotte frowned. “But the man you’re with said it was your song.”

“Right,” Gemma said, as if it were an acceptable explanation. “Maybe this is all too much for Cole. Maybe it’s better if he removes himself from this part. To be honest, I’m not sure Max and I feel safe if he’s in close proximity.”

Charlotte stumbled over a response—was she serious?

“Or maybe you could remove yourselves?” Hildy said, taking a step toward them.

Gemma turned. “I beg your pardon?”

Hildy smiled sweetly. “I mean, if you’re concerned Cole might actually do you harm, doesn’t that make the most sense?”

Gemma half-laughed. “Max and I aren’t the ones causing the problem.”

“Aren’t you?” Hildy still wore that same sweet smile. “You do know who this event is about, don’t you?”

Gemma looked away, found Max standing off to the side holding her purse, then shrugged. “Whatever.”

Charlotte watched the pair exit the studio before she turned to Hildy, wearing her best expression of disbelief. “So, that was Gemma.”

“Yes.” Hildy sighed. “That was Gemma. The woman who stomped all over Cole’s heart. I wish I could say I’m surprised she was doing this, but I’m not. It’s like a game to her. I’m betting she weaseled her way on the roster specifically so she could get under his skin.”

Charlotte frowned. “Why would she do that?”

Hildy shrugged. “She’s the type of person who thrives on attention. She wants to make sure Cole is still in love with her.”

“Is he?”

Hildy scoffed. “What do you think?”

“To be honest, I can’t even see the two of them together.”

“Not many people could,” Hildy said. “But in true Cole Turner fashion, he did everything for that woman. He was far too good for her—and she repaid him in heartache and misery.”

Charlotte crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. “I think he quit tonight.”

“Don’t give up on him so quickly, Charlotte,” Hildy said. “Cole is one of the best men you’ll ever know.” She squeezed Charlotte’s arm. “I’ll be calling you to set up some time for you to teach us a dance.”

Charlotte forced a smile, but mostly she felt an odd sadness for a man who didn’t deserve her pity. Or maybe, he did. Maybe Cole was a completely different person before all this happened.

And even if not, nobody deserved to have their heart trampled like he had.

* * *

The following morning, Charlotte woke up late, but still went on her run. After all, she needed to clear her head. That was the plan anyway, but that was not what happened since she spent the entire forty-five minutes replaying the events of the previous night and thinking about Cole.

She came to a stop back in front of Lucy’s cottage and groaned. Somewhere along the way, she’d concocted another one of her ideas, and though it was against her better judgment, she knew she was going to see it through.

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