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“I love it!” She launched into a quote. “Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday.”
“My name is Inigo Montoya! You killed my father! Prepare to die!” Derek started the mantra, but Charlie joined in with him at the end. And they laughed together.
She snuggled amongst the pillows on the couch, a respectful few inches away from him, and relaxed, enjoying the movie. A few times she felt his gaze and glanced over to find him looking at her.
“What?” she said.
“I like to see you smile.”
“HEY... CHARLIE? IT’S over...” She blinked her eyes in confusion and sat up swiftly when she found she’d slumped against his shoulder.
“Calm down. No rules were broken. It still wasn’t a date.” His words were soft and soothing. “I didn’t take advantage of your unconscious state, except to enjoy the way your hair smells. Surely, you can’t begrudge me that small pleasure.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pass out on you, but I’m so exhausted.”
“I’ll leave and let you get some sleep.” He stood up and held out his hand to pull her up from the couch. “I don’t suppose you’ve changed your mind about that kissing thing?”
“Nope.”
“Can I see you again before you go skiing?”
“I don’t know. We leave Saturday. There’s not much time...” Charlie jumped at the sound of a knock on the door. She ran to peer through the peephole. “Oh, it’s my dad.”
She jerked the door open. “Hey. Is something wrong? Did something happen to one of the boys?”
He stepped inside and hugged her. “No, sweetie. Your mom couldn’t reach you on your cell, so I came down. Can you come up a little early again tomorrow? Say six forty-five?”
“Sure Dad. No problem.”
Steven’s eyes fell on the man standing behind Charlie. “Are you going to introduce me?”
“This is Derek Vance. He’s a third-year at Columbia. Derek, this is my dad, Steven Gherring.”
“It’s an honor to meet you, sir.” He offered Steven a firm handshake.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Steven gave Derek the once-over. “Third-year? What are your plans after graduation?”
“I’m not sure. I interned with a firm in Chicago and one here in New York. I was kind of leaning toward the Chicago firm, but I could change my mind.” His eyes shifted toward Charlie.
Had he just implied he might change his life plans based on her? Oh, no. This was unacceptable. “I think Chicago is a neat city. I’ve visited a friend there once. You should definitely pick Chicago.”
He shrugged and smiled, apparently unfazed. “There’s no guarantee either firm will offer. But I’d have to take the bar exam in Illinois if I go to Chicago. It would be easier to stay in New York.”
“Are you headed out?” asked Steven. “I’ll walk with you to the elevator.”
“Yes, sir. Charlie kicked me out for the night.” He turned to Charlie, almost leaning in for a kiss, but instead, turning his head to give her a hug. “Goodnight, Charlie. I hope I get to see you before you’re gone for a week of skiing. But if not, have a great time and do a few mogul runs for me.”
Charlie let out a breath as she shut the door behind them. Keeping him at bay was a bit exhausting. A week apart should help him cool off. He’d actually been a perfect gentleman, but she couldn’t let her guard down around him. On the other hand, she’d had an entire evening without moping about Josh being in love with Olivia. Maybe Derek was good to have around after all.
“I’M SO EXCITED CHARLIE’S dating someone,” said Anne. “She really has seemed down about Josh, despite swearing she doesn’t have feelings for him anymore.” Anne hated knowing her child was suffering when she was helpless to do anything about it. Wasn’t it a mother’s job to kiss away her child’s hurts?
“Well, Josh seems pretty determined to marry Olivia. I’ve got my attorneys looking into matters, but it appears the judge usually goes with the ad litem’s recommendation. And this ad litem prefers the child have a mother and a father in the home.”
“I’m afraid this ski trip is going to be pretty awful for Charlie, having to see Josh and Olivia together all the time. And Grace has Brad. And Emily has Spencer. She’ll feel like the odd one out.”
“But Hannah and Claire won’t have boyfriends with them,” Steven reasoned.
