Page 130 of Conquering Oz

She checked the time when she heard the apartment bell ring.

5:50pm.

This was a time orchestrated party. She’d gotten Dahlia and Quinn on board. They were picking her up, and then they’d swing by Madalyn’s. That had been a full out argument with her best friend leading the brigade. Chris was against it, but Madalyn insisted. They’d come to an understanding and a strict set of rules doled out by Chris. It was a work in progress, much like all families, traditional or not. Madalyn was only a few weeks away from her due date, but Elodie had taken all the precautionary measures.

She rushed downstairs, whipping the door open for Dahlia and Quinn. In the past few weeks, she’d forged a friendship with them. They may not have been close in age, but they shared a common bond. They were family. Elodie waved them inside then rushed through the storage room and out to the sales floor. She wanted to give Charley a heads up she was leaving, but stopped short when she stumbled upon what sounded like a heated exchange.

Elodie slowed her steps, stopping at the doorway. Charley was talking with a long-haired redhead she’d never seen before. The girl huffed and rolled her eyes, grasping her hips.

“I don’t mind, Charley. Like I just said, he was fine.”

“Well, that’s good, right?” Charley said, her voice spiking slightly.

The redhead’s face softened as she inched closer. “Yeah, but he’s not getting better. If anything, he’s getting worse.”

“But you just said…”

The redhead grasped her hands, and Elodie straightened. She’d obviously walked in on a private conversation. Still, she stayed.

“I’m worried aboutyou. You’re his main source, Char. That’s a lot. A few hours here and there is nothing compared to you handling him twenty-four seven.”

“I don’t mind,” Charley blurted,

“It’s not about you minding. You have to think of yourself and what’s right for you!” The redhead sighed, shaking her head. “You can’t keep doing this without…”

“He’s my brother!”

The redhead clamped her lips, nodded, and whispered. “I know.”

It felt dirty listening to a conversation obviously not meant for her ears. It may have been in her store, but she felt as though she was eavesdropping on an intimate moment between friends. She glanced over her shoulder. Dahlia and Quinn were both watching the exchange. Unlike her, they both shared a similar expression. Their brows knitted with their main focus on the redhead.

It was time to make themselves known. Elodie purposely cleared her throat and when both girls turned around, she smiled and walked over.

“Hey!”

Charley smiled, though it seemed forced. Elodie offered her hand to the redhead. “Hi there. I’m Elle.”

“Oh hey, yeah,the boss, right?” She eyed Charley then shook her hand. “I’m Keely. Friend of Charley’s.”

Before Elodie could say anything, Dahlia and Quinn rushed forward, hovering at her back.

“Keely!” Dahlia said.

Elodie watched Keely exchange greetings and hugs with both Dahlia and Quinn. There was some small talk and Elodiehung behind merely observing. She noticed Charley did the same. They shared a brief look, but Charley cast her eyes down to the floor. From what she could gather, Keely worked as a barback at Trey and Rogue’s club, the Bowery. There was definitely a rapport and familiarity with Dahlia.

“What are you doing here?” Dahlia asked, and Keely pointed to Charley.

“Visting my friend.”

Introductions were made with Dahlia and Quinn being more than welcoming. Elodie inched closer to the group, observing Charley. While she’d been welcoming and sweet, she stood a foot away from the group as if on edge. That visual forced Elodie closer, hoping to relax Charley. She eyed the box on the counter. She’d meant to give it to Charley earlier, but with the time crunch it had escaped her.

It may not have been the best timing, but it would give Charley the distraction she needed. Elodie grabbed the small wrapped present and moved toward the group.

“Happy birthday,” Elodie said and stretched out her arm, offering Charley the box. She blinked but made no move to take it. This was awkward. Elodie cleared her throat. “I meant to give you this a couple days ago, but I promise it doesn’t expire.” Elodie laughed. She was the only one.Shit!

Charley balled her fists, staring at Elodie’s hands. She bit her bottom lip, and her brows dipped tightly.

“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Charley’s gaze was laser focused on the gift.

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