AllFreeNovel
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“Then hire a contractor.”
“I don’t mean that kind of work. I mean—go through some things—throw shit out, box up whatever looks important and, I don’t know…just—”
“Okay,” I say without a second thought.
“Okay?
“Yes... I’ll take care of his things,” I say softly. When I had to do the same years ago at my parent’s house, I’d have given anything for someone else to do it.
But there was no one else.
Not for me.
His jaw clenches and he turns, looking out the window. He looks like he’s about to argue, claim that’s not what he meant, but more of a cleaning job. But instead, he says, “Thanks.”
“But I’m still not taking your money. I will borrow it. As soon as I have access to my funds, I am paying you back.” I cross my arms. “It’s the only way I’ll accept it.”
He narrows his gaze at me. Like he can’t figure me out. But he drops it. “Trust me, when you meet Charlie, you’ll naturally want to open up to her about your whole life. She’s easy like that. Not very bright—but easy-going.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? She didn’t sound like a ditz.”
In fact, she didn’t seem very fond of Chase, so I like her already.
“She’s not.” He shakes his head like it doesn’t matter. Or something he doesn’t need to share with me.
Twenty minutes later, Chase glances over my shoulder, spotting someone outside the storefront, then waves to the waiter. “Vanilla latte, please.”
Behind me, the door swings open and a delicate female voice echoes the small café.
“Hey,” she sings on the short walk over.
I set my soda down and turn my head. The voice isn’t familiar at all. But the face is.
The familiar blonde freezes in her tracks when she sees me. “Pepper?” She looks at Chase in confusion. “Your old friend is Pepper Woods?”
She’s petite with naturally golden blonde hair that reminds of summer. She’s wearing skinny jeans and a light blue cashmere sweater. The kind of outfit I would kill for right now.
Her eyes are a pretty blue and even behind her shock and skepticism, I see warmth, acceptance and understanding.
“Charlotte?”
“Y—yeah. You remember me?”
I stand. “Of course I remember you. You were a sophomore when I graduated, right? You were in debate, drama club…” I tap my chin. “And I think…you tried out for cheerleading?”
“Oh right. That’s how you remember me.” She shyly pushes her hair behind her ears. “You were right—I had no chance, I was never very flexible.”
My chest burns and my eyes flash. “I…said that?”
Chase chuckles and stands. “I’ll leave you to it.” He hands Charlotte a credit card, which she takes shamelessly.
“I’ll be sure to buy myself something pretty for the trouble.”
“Please do,” he mumbles. “Have a good time. Oh, and she’s staying at Elliot’s cottage,” he tells her, like I’m not even here. Like I’m some puppy he’s handing off to the dog walker.
Charlotte nods, sweeping her gaze over me as Chase leaves.
I pick up my backpack. “Should we go?”
