Page 9 of Shattering Nash

Charley forced the past from her thoughts, focusing on her friend whining on the other line.

“What if Elle decides you’ve waited too long to cash in? That would be tragic, Charley.”

Tragic? It was a bit dramatic even for Keely. Her friend was an acquired taste. Outrageously outgoing, spirited, and always up for an adventure. The polar opposite of Charley. It was a strange friendship, but one that worked. It wasn’t without its conflicts though. This had been a major thorn for Charley. Keely was relentless.

Her shoulders sagged, and she released a heavy breath. As much as she enjoyed her friendship with Keely, the girl had the patience of a two year old.

“Elle wouldn’t do that, Keely. The passes were a birthday gift, remember?”

This thoughtful gift had become the bane of her existence. It was generous, and for most single twenty-nine-year-old women, the ultimate present. Who wouldn’t want an all-expenses-paid night out in the most exclusive club in the city?Me!She’d always been a homebody, choosing a night on the couch watching TV over a dance floor at a club. It wasn’t her scene.But it is Keely’s.

“Doyouremember? Because I’ve been on your ass for weeks to set up a night when we could go, and you’ve come up with an excuse every time.”

True.

“What if she forgot?” Keely gasped. “She’s had a lot going on this month.”

There was no way Elodie would forget but Keely wasn’t wrong. It had been a huge month for Elodie. Aside from the renovations at the store, she’d gotten married in a small private ceremony. It was so intimate, it was exclusive to only family.

“She wouldn’t forget, Keely.”

Unless she got more creative, Charley was running out of excuses. Thankfully, she had the perfect one right now to table this conversation. She glanced up at the clock and muttered a curse. She should’ve left ten minutes ago.

“I have to go.” Charley grabbed the stack of invoices on her kitchen table, shoving them into her bag. It was a struggle while balancing the phone to her ear.

“Okay, but just remember my future boyfriend could be at the club, and if I never get to go, how am I supposed to meet him, fall in love, have the wedding of the century with you by my side as Maid-of Honor?”

Oh, Jesus!She rolled her eyes, fighting against a smile. Keely’s ridiculousness was off the charts tonight, but at least she was amusing.

Charley snickered, “I’ll keep that in mind. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Fine.” Keely’s heavy sigh echoed over the line. “Bye.”

Charley hung up, burying a tinge of guilt. If Keely only knew where she was going, she’d probably ambush her at the entrance. Charley’s next stop was, in fact, the X-Lounge. It was strictly for business purposes. Elodie had asked to meet her there instead of the store to go over the upcoming inventory order. With the renovations at the shop, there wasn’t much room for a meeting.

Charley grabbed her bag and was halfway to the door when she caught her reflection in the mirror. The handprint on her neck had started to turn into a purplish bruise a few days ago. It was fading but not as quickly as she’d hoped. She rushed backto her room, grabbing the scarf from her nightstand and headed back to the front door. She’d been using the same one whenever she had to leave the house.

It was a short ride to the club downtown. The sign was lit up, but not a single car was parked out front. It was a Monday. Charley didn’t know much about clubs, but she’d heard the whispers of the X-Lounge being closed the first two nights of the week. It made sense. Who partied on a Monday or Tuesday?Certainly not me.She pulled into the driveway, eyeing the club.

It was intimidating. Or maybe it was just Charley. She’d never been to a nightclub or bar. There’d never been a friend gathering for Happy Hour. She’d been invited a few times by the girls at the store, but it always seemed so far out of her comfort zone. They were younger and on a different path than hers.The one I was supposed to have.It was bittersweet and maybe hit too close to home for her.

She rolled into the open spot in front of the back door. She’d noticed a line of black SUVs parked in the second half of the lot. It looked like an elite fleet fitted for royalty. Unlike her shoddy and beat up Mazda she’d gotten for a steal two years ago. Sure, it took three tries to get the engine to turn over on cold days. The gas gauge was always a game ofwill I or won’t I make it to my destination,and the carburetor was on its last leg, but it ran. Small successes. Charley embraced and celebrated them all.

Do I have any other choice?

Charley’s life was a culmination of successes and the inevitable setbacks. One step forward, three steps back. But there were some huge milestones, and becoming manager at the boutique was definitely one of them. It wasn’t exactly her dream job since she was a child. If she’d fulfilled that one, she’d be a pediatric nurse.

Elodie hadn’t given her any further instructions except to enter through the back. She grabbed her bag and got out, lookingover the lot once again. There were two cars parked in the Reserved section closest to the building. She knew nothing of cars, but they looked sporty and very expensive.

Her steps slowed as she approached the back door. She straightened her shoulders and pressed the doorbell. When she didn’t hear it, she pressed it again, leaning closer. Still nothing. She reached forward to try it one more time, but the door flew open, sending her stumbling back two steps.

Oh boy!

This was not the greeting she’d hoped for. His shaved head, dark eyes, and towering frame of at least six and half feet tall had her awkwardly shifting.He does not look happy.His dark brows dipped into a point with his scathing glare aimed directly at her. A large knot formed in her throat as she forced a smile. Scathing may have been an understatement. Menacing would’ve been the most accurate description. His sharp suit did nothing to soften his demeanor.

“You need to learn patience.” His tone was feral as if there was an underlying threat.

She widened her eyes. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t hear the bell, so I didn’t know if it was working.”

---