Page 33 of The Holiday Swap

“Cass, we need to talk.”

10

Charlie

Friday: 8 Days Until Christmas...

Starlight Peak

It was already 6:30 p.m. and Charlie double-checked the items on Cass’s kitchen island, making sure she had everything she needed for dinner. The potatoes were in the oven baking and would soon be soft enough for the gnocchi. Gateau purred as she wove around Charlie’s legs, waiting for a ham roll or nibble of cheese.

“Soon, Gateau,” Charlie promised, crouching to pet the cat. She had become quite fond of the animal during the past few days, and would miss her when she went back to L.A. But not as much as she would miss someone else.

She was excited to see Jake but also had a lingering sense ofguilt and a dull headache that seemed resistant to the ibuprofen she’d popped earlier. Thankfully, her taste buds were functioning well again—her morning coffee had actually tasted like coffee. She knew, after that first taste of coffee, that she could—should—switch back with Cass. But then the orders had started pouring in and, after closing the bakery she’d been focused on getting ready for her date with Jake.Jake.She wasn’t quite ready to let go of him yet, even if that was best for everyone.I’ll tell Cass first thing tomorrow and then head back to L.A., Charlie promised herself.

Thinking about her sister and L.A., she suddenly remembered she’d forgotten to return Cass’s call from earlier. Even though her concussion symptoms seemed nearly gone, her memory still felt like a sieve. As if on cue, the bakery’s phone rang—the sound somewhat muted because she was in the apartment upstairs. Hoping it was Cass, Charlie sprinted down the stairs to answer it.

But it wasn’t her twin, unfortunately. “Hey, babe,” Brett said. She rolled her eyes; she did not need this added layer of complexity right now.

“Hey, Brett.” Charlie leaned back against the countertop and crossed her arms as she tucked the handset between her chin and shoulder. “Why are you calling?”

Brett misinterpreted her question, and her tone. “I’ve been calling your cell, but it keeps going to voicemail.”

Charlie glanced at the cat’s-eyes clock. Jake would be here soon. “Yeah, it has been wonky. So, listen, now’s not a good—”

“I’d like to take you to dinner tonight. You’ve been working so hard, and—” Brett spoke over her, then stopped himself, adding, “Sorry, what did you want to say?”

He sounded so earnest that Charlie softened, just a little. He wasn’t her cup of tea, but her sister had spent many years in arelationship with the man so he couldn’t be all that bad. Charlie didn’t need to drive a further wedge between him and Cass, even if they were no longer a couple. But she didn’t have time to deal with Brett right now, because it was almost seven.

“Oh, that’s sweet, but can I take a rain check?” Charlie asked.

There was silence on the other end of the phone, then Brett sighed.

“I’m not feeling great,” she added quickly. “I’ve had this headache all day.” It was the truth, so she didn’t feel that badly using it as an excuse.

“Anything I can do?”

“I just need a good night’s sleep.” Again, the truth. So many things had been racing through her mind that she’d barely slept the night before.

“Are you sure? I could bring you some soup.”

“Just rest. That’s all I need.”

“Okay, but call me if you need anything.”

She hung up and then pressed her fingers against her eyes, willing the pounding in her head to go away. Just then there was a knock at the door. Charlie opened her eyes to a welcome sight. Jake was standing at the bakery’s door, slightly bent over, because of his height, so he could peer in the window. He smiled and gave a wave. When Charlie opened the door she was again struck by how gorgeous he was. Those green eyes, which were especially vibrant against the ruddiness of his snow-chilled cheeks, held hers. She felt mesmerized by Jake and for one long, embarrassing moment Charlie just stood there staring at him.

Jake handed her the bottle of wine in his hand, and with a smile asked, “Can I come in?”

“Yes! Yes, please,” she said, stepping aside to let him inside. Hesmelled of winter and something warm and spicy, and her senses were overwhelmed by this handsome man now only a few inches from her.

“I know I’m ten minutes early, but... Well, I’m always early. It’s a flaw, I know. But hopefully one you can put up with?” Jake joked as she closed the door behind him.

“I’m always early, too.” Charlie glanced at the bottle he had handed her—a Barolo from Italy—but she wasn’t familiar with it. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a glass of wine. Alcohol just didn’t agree with her, so she generally avoided it.

Jake hung up his coat on the hook by the door. “Gran thought that was your favorite. Did I get that wrong?”

“No, you got it right. Itwill bedelicious, and it’s perfect for pasta night. Thank you for bringing this.”

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