Page 28 of Easy Reunion
Chapter 13
Kelsey
Artfully arranged, the shoes in the window display almost appear to be a summer sky enticing customers to pop in and sit beneath them for a spell. It’s like those childish days when you’d lie down and want to reach up to pluck a dream out of the sky. Only instead of clouds, the dreams are tangible. You can put them on your feet, and magically all your woes will go away.
My first impression of Head Over Heels is inspiring, to say the least. I stand in the middle of the store, my arms slightly extended from my side, and turn around slightly.
“Sugar, you look like you just found out Santa Claus was real,” a honeyed voice says from behind me.
“He is,” I whisper. “And it’s the Tooth Fairy who bestows the secret elixir on shoe designers.” Turning to meet an amused pair of whiskey-colored eyes, I smile broadly. “And the Easter Bunny delivers the goodness to store owners.”
Dark hair cascades down her shoulders as she laughs. “Welcome to Head Over Heels. I’m Charly.”
Holding out my hand, I say sincerely, “And I’m screwed.”
Hers tightens over mine as she shakes her head. “Darlin’, what you’re doin’ is makin’ my day.”
“No, really,” I assure her earnestly. “I’m supposed to be buying a home. I’ve been so good about my shoe habit. But there are days when you just need a pick-me-up.” Spinning around again, I blink. “But how am I supposed to choose just one?”
“Why don’t you sit a spell, let me get you a glass of wine, and then you can decide?” Charly suggests. “White or red?”
“White.” The alcohol will help reduce my inhibitions just enough so I’ll be even more agreeable. Like that’s going to be a problem. I rub the bottom of the sole of a pair of white sandals I have to try on.
It’s becoming more dire by the moment.
“Give me just a second.” Charly pats my hand before walking toward the back.
Cocking my head to the side, I ask sincerely, “Are you taking applications for part-time best friends? Because if you are, I’d like to apply.” Charly’s laughter reaches me from where I’m sitting.
A few moments later, she comes back with a glass. Handing it to me, she gestures to a chair and sits opposite me. “Now, I’ve learned over the years there’s not much shoes won’t take your mind off of. So tell me what size you are and which ones you’d like to start with.”
“An eight and yes,” I tell her dreamily.
Chuckling, Charly stands. “Since we’re going to be here for a while, why don’t you tell me your name.”
Out of habit more than anything, my pen name flows from my lips. “Kee. Kee Long.”
I didn’t expect the reaction it gets me.
Charly’s eyes flare wildly. “Seriously? The writer of those wonderful books?” I nod, although Charly’s wonderful compliment is entirely subjective. “Oh my, if Gabby were here, she’d be singing your praises. I swear she and Rhys could never get Sam to read a darn thing until someone gave him one of your books. Now, it’s a fight between us to see who can get to the bookstore the fastest.”
A warmth steals through me at Charly’s kind words. “Thank you so much,” I say demurely.
“Drat, would it be terribly rude to ask you to sign one?” When I shake my head no, she beams. Pulling out her phone, she punches in a number. “Eli! You have to come and see me for sure now. No, not just because Simon and I are leaving tomorrow—or did you forget?” She pauses. “Listen, do me a favor? Swing by my place and ask Simon to give you the gift I just bought for Sam.” She sighs exasperatedly. “Yes, he’ll know what it is. All right,bebe. See you soon.” Disconnecting, she returns her focus to me. “Now, tell me about this home you want to buy? Does it have room for all your fabulous shoes?”
“Not yet, but now I’m determined it will,” I toast her.
“Atta girl. Now let’s get started.” Charly rubs her hands together gleefully. “These white ones?”
My anticipation rises as I nod. “And the royal blue ones.” I point to the heels that captured my attention from the street.
Charly’s smile widens. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
And for the next while, we do.
* * *
“I thinkyou found your designer, darlin’,” Charly drawls as she adds another box of carefully wrapped shoes to my pile.
