Page 121 of My Lucky Charm

Me.

She gets people in a way I never have.

I don’t feel uneasy sitting here, at this table. I don’t even feel uneasy answering questions about myself. And boy, there are questions.

Where did I grow up? Did I always want to play hockey? Where do I see myself in five years? That last one was Eloise’s, and I fumbled through an answer because really, I have no idea. If this trade has taught me anything, it’s that nothing is certain.

Not even my time playing this game.

The chatter around the table is familiar and laid back. Eloise and her sisters are all very different, but it’s obvious they’re family. And it’s obvious they’re close.

Eloise tells them all about the fabric softener endorsement in the most adorable, self-deprecating way. After hearing it, I realize that this is a huge deal. She could’ve taken complete credit for the idea, too—but she doesn’t.

Instead, she gets everyone laughing by recounting her mistake.

Mistakes were never something to joke about in my house growing up. They were things to work on and beat out so they never happen again.

After we eat, I get up to clear the table, and Eloise’s oldest sister—the cranky one—stands to help.

When I walk a stack of dishes into the kitchen, she follows me, and I realize this isn’t simply about her helping with dishes. She has something to say.

She sets her stack of plates in the sink, then looks at me, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m not sure if you’ve figured this out about Eloise yet, but she’s a little like a golden retriever.”

I frown. “Okay.”

“You can mistreat her over and over again, but she stays loyal and kind. Her heart is so big it gets her into trouble.”

“I haven’t mistreated her.”

She flicks a hand in the air. “I meant ‘you’ figuratively.”

“I think you’ve got the wrong—”

“I know about New Year’s Eve,” she says. “And about the other kiss in the parking lot.”

I look away.

“You should know, Eloise isn’t someone you can mess with. When it comes to relationships, she’s all in. Always.”

My eyes flick back to hers. “Okay—”

“And you don’t strike me as the kind of person who’s looking to settle down.” She raises a knowing brow.

“Eloise works for me,” I say. “That’s all.”

“Do you make out with all of your employees?”

I sigh. “It wasn’t like that.”

Her glare is intense. “Then enlighten me.”

I have to admit, while I don’t appreciate the implication, I appreciate the directness. Raya is the protective big sister, and while she’s putting me on the hot seat, all I can think is that Eloise is lucky to have someone who loves her enough to look out for her like this.

I sigh. “It was a kiss. It was stupid, and we both agreed it can't happen again.”

“Then why do you look at her like you want it to?”

At that, I have to look away, because Raya picked up on the exact thing I’ve been trying to keep to myself.

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