Page 15 of Easy To Lose

“Oh, I know how much they cost. I’m calculating how much groveling I’ll have to do when Simon sees them in my suitcase.” I chuckle as Brooke unlocks the front door and looks around the room.

“We’re officially open!” she says, and to my surprise, we have a line of about ten women standing outside. And just like that, our day flies by. I spend most of the day greeting customers along with Charly, who convinces more than one woman to invest in a good pair of shoes while Becca mans the checkout line. Before I have a chance to breathe, I look at my watch and see that it’s past four in the afternoon, and it’s our first lull of the day.

“Holy shit,” I mutter just as Charly comes over and gives me the biggest hug ever, rocking us back and forth.

“That was insane and the best six hours of my life.” We both laugh, looking around at the decimated shelves that I’ve tried to restock throughout the day. I still notice some holes.

“Honey, this place looks amazing!” my mom calls from across the room, and I give her a big smile. My father follows her as he always does, and they both come toward me and give me a big hug.

“We’re so proud of you, honey,” Dad says, letting me go and moving to Charly. “Charly Boudreaux, it’s so good to see you again.” Charly has her hand out as if my father is going to shake it, but I laugh because I know what is about to happen. He pushes the hand away and brings her in for a hug. “Family always gets a hug. And since you’ve been so loyal to our girl, you are now family.” Charly looks at me, and I shrug.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Lawson.”

“Please, call me James. And you remember my wife, Diana,” he says, motioning to my mother, who I know is trying to hold back tears.

“Yes, of course. Good to see you again, Diana.” My mother also brings Charly in for a hug, and I have to laugh at how uncomfortable my friend looks.

“Okay, I think that’s enough hugging for now.” Charly gives me a grateful look as my mother lets her go and starts to look around.

“You really have done a wonderful job, honey.” I start to blush, and Charly comes to stand beside me, her arm around my waist.

“She really did. I picked the right girl,” she says, looking at me and winking.

As I make my way to the front of the store, trying to get away from all the attention, the bell chimes, and I see a huge shadow pass through the door. When I look up, my breath catches at the sight of Owen in his signature basketball shorts, white t-shirt and running shoes. His baseball hat is on backwards, allowing me full view of those eyes that make me weak in the knees, no matter how much I try to fight it.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, hoping Charly and my parents don’t spot us and come right over. My eyes scan the place and I see that she’s nowhere to be found. I breathe a sigh of relief.

“I wanted to come over and see how you’re doing. There’s been a steady stream of people all day. Congrats.” I pray the blush doesn’t make an appearance, but the minute he flashes me a smile, it starts creeping up my neck. Our eyes meet, and I swear I see a flicker of hunger there. But before I have a chance to dwell on it, it’s gone.

“Yeah, it’s been a crazy day for sure. But it seems like it was a success.” He nods and starts to look around. “Are you looking for something?” I ask, veiling the curiosity as much as possible.

“Yeah, my mom’s birthday is coming up, and I wanted to see what you have.” My eyes dart around the store, and honestly, our stock is decimated. He turns and gives me a wink that makes me stop in my tracks. “Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to come once everyone else has emptied the place, huh?” I shrug, not really finding the words. Just as I’m about to take him to the other side of the store, I feel a presence behind me. Charly.

“You must be Owen.” I silently curse the gods for what is about to happen. He nods and takes her hand. “I’m Charly, the owner.”

“Ah, so you’re the one that got Morgan to come home finally.” Charly nods her head, still holding his hand until I elbow her, and she drops it, giving me that innocent look I know isn’t innocent at all. “Well, thank you. We missed her around here.”

“We? Or just you?” Charly asks, and my intake of breath makes them both look my way.

“Charly! Seriously? You’re here two days and already meddling where you shouldn’t.” I roll my eyes as Owen smiles down at us.

“I have five siblings. It’s my job to meddle. If I don’t, I learn nothing.” I dismiss her flippant comment and turn to Owen.

“If you come back tomorrow, I should have some more stuff put out. I can help you find something for your mom then.” He gives me that panty-melting smile as he leans in and kisses my cheek. The feel of his lips on my skin is a sensation I wish I never knew. Because right now? It’s all I want to feel. As Owen makes his way to the door, Charly comes to stand beside me, her hand taking mine and squeezing so hard I swear she’s trying to break every finger I have.

“Oh, Morgan?” Owen says, turning at the door and meeting my gaze. “I’m glad you’re home.” And with that, he leaves, the door chiming as Charly and I watch him walk down the sidewalk and into his gym.

“Girl, you are in so much trouble,” Charly whispers, and I sigh because she’s right.

“Honey, was that Owen I just saw leave?” my mother calls from across the room. I shut my eyes and pray this doesn’t become a thing. Charly gives me a look and happily leaves the awkwardness for the storage room. I wish I could follow her.

“Yes, he works next door. He’s a personal trainer.” My mother is known for not being able to mask her feelings, no matter how much she tries to embody the epitome of Southern charm.

“Well, he should stay away after what he did to you.” My heart sinks at the mention of that night. Sometimes when I look at him now, all I see is the teenage boy who broke my heart, but then other times, I see the man he grew into and have this unbearable need to know who he is today.

“Mom, that was ten years ago. We were both kids,” I say, hoping she’ll let it go. But, of course, that’s asking too much.

“Ten years doesn’t make up for the fact that I had to listen to you cry yourself to sleep for weeks until you moved away.” I cringe, not knowing she knew. I thought I was being discreet. “But if you’re trying to mend fences, then by all means. I will stay out of it.” I know that’s a lie, but I appreciate the effort.

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