Page 24 of Conquering Oz

“Oh, wow that’s, uh…” Charley seemed flustered by the invitation and awkwardly held out the bag. “This is just a little something.”

Elodie smiled, taking the gift. “You didn’t have to buy me anything.”

Charley’s face immediately turned a bright shade of red. “I didn’t. It’s banana bread. I made it.”

“Thank you so much. Banana bread is one of my all-time favorites.”

Relief washed over her features, and her blush faded slightly. “You always get it from the bakery, so I figured you’d enjoy it. It’s my mom’s recipe. She used to make it all the time. It even won a contest at the farmer’s market one year. Mine’s not as good, but it’s pretty close.” Charley waved her hand and started walking toward the rolling rack. “Anyway, um, happy birthday.”

Elodie glanced down at the bag. It had been forever since anyone had made her anything. It was such an old school gesture. Nowadays it was so easy and convenient to just go to a store and buy something. On average she spent about fifteen minutes picking out a gift. But this? It took time and thought to remember it was her favorite.

“Hey!” Saylor rounded the doorway, stopping a few feet away. Her smile was too big not to throw up red flags and suspicion. “So” —Saylor inched closer with a small Post-it in her hand— “I have a friend who’s got a connection at the X-Lounge.”

Where is she going with this?Elodie glanced down at her hand at the same time Saylor offered the slip of paper.Oh, hell no.Elodie grasped the edge of her desk and rolled her chair back a foot.

“Saylor—” Elodie narrowed her gaze, giving her a stern warning.

“It’s not the owner’s direct number. According to Penny, that’d be impossible to get, but it’s the next best thing.” Saylor placed the phone number on her desk. “Elle, he comped our whole night at the club. That’s a man who’s interested. Call him.”

“If he’s so interested, shouldn’t he call me?” Elodie folded her arms.

She had tried giving him her card, which he’d blatantly refused to take.

“Yes, if he’s the traditional type, but nowadays women call men all the time. I do it.” Saylor shrugged. “And you have the perfect excuse. Wouldn’t it be rude to not formally thank him for giving us a free night at his club?”

Ah, shit!

Elodie watched Saylor disappear around the doorway, and she scooted her chair closer to her desk, eyeing the paper. It was as if it was taunting her. A dare. Elodie spun around in her chair, glancing over the stockroom. Charley was still in the corner a few feet away, folding sweaters. She’d obviously heard the whole exchange between her and Saylor. Maybe Elodie needed a different perspective. Charley could be her voice of reason.

“What do you think, Charley?”

“Um…” Her throat bobbed. “I don’t have a lot of experience with men, so…”

Elodie smiled and turned to her desk. She heard soft footsteps and glanced over her shoulder to find Charley a few feet away.

“But um…” She twisted her fingers, and her shoulders lifted to her ears as she offered a sweet smile. “You’re a catch, Elle.”

A catch. It was such a dated term for a girl in her twenties. Charley was an old soul. For all her awkwardness, she had a kindness that surpassed most of the people she’d encountered.

“You’re beautiful, probably the prettiest woman I know. And you have your own business, which makes you smart and independent. You’re obviously resilient. After everything you’ve gone through, you’re still standing, right?”

Elle snorted, shaking her head. “Barely.”

Charley inched closer. “You’re still standing when a lot of people would’ve given up. That makes you strong.”

Elodie knew what Charley was referring to. The death of her mom almost broke her.

“And you’re really funny. Everyone loves being around you. You have this like” —Charley glanced up at the ceiling and waved her hands— “aura that is very comforting and safe. You’re the kind of person people are drawn to and want to be around.”

It was interesting to see herself through someone else’s eyes. “Well, you are fantastic for my ego.”

Charley chuckled and shrugged. “If you’re asking my advice?”

Elodie grabbed the paper. “I am.”

“I think you should call him,” Charley said and backed up with a small smile playing on her lips.

What do I have to lose?

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