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“So, what did you learn in Martha’s Vineyard? Anything important?” Charlotte asked, her blue eyes full of interest.

Marc nodded. “I think I made some headway. And you’re probably not going to like it, but I think there might be some sort of validity to Holloway’s claim.”

Marc went over all of the things he’d discovered while on the island.

“Clearly, he’s well off. I ended up making my way over to his house and I snapped some photos.” He reached for his cell phone and pulled up the photos of the quaint Victorian home. He pushed it across the table toward Charlotte. “As you can see, he owns quite a bit of property. Not to mention his house is beautiful, and it looks as if he recently painted it and replaced his roof and shutters. I don’t see him as someone who’s looking to score some money or extort you ladies.”

“This is a gorgeous home. And the surrounding land sounds extensive. Martha’s Vineyard is a popular destination. Property values are sky high.”

“I agree,” Marc said with a nod. “And he’s pretty well-known as an illustrator in his own right. So I’m leaning toward him not being some crank looking to make trouble.”

Charlotte let out a groan. “Well if he has a valid claim, why doesn’t he just state it in the paperwork? It was extremely vague.”

Marc scratched his chin. “That’s the million-dollar question. If his father is the direct heir that could be the reason. If he’s claiming Miss Hattie is his grandmother or aunt or whatever relation, the direct tie is still his father.”

“Hmm. I see what you’re saying. Why isn’t his father the one making the claim? If there is one. And I suppose we’re assuming his mother isn’t the tie.”

Kelly came back to their table with two heaping plates of food. She placed them right down in front of them. “I’ll be right back with the shakes.”

“Thanks,” Charlotte said, her eyes widening as she gazed at her platter. Marc smiled at the look of wonder on her face.

Marc reached for his burger and took a bite. He closed his eyes as the savory taste hit his tongue.

“Good, huh?” Charlotte asked, smiling at him from across the table.

Marc swallowed before responding. “So good I almost let out a shout,” he teased.

Charlotte took a bite of her bacon burger. “Mmm,” she said. “This is sheer perfection. Sal’s Diner is such a treat. Thanks for suggesting it.”

“Sure thing. I was headed here anyway. I appreciate the company.” He meant it. Outside of his family, he didn’t have a lot of local friends. His best friend, Curt, had moved with his wife to San Francisco, as was the case with most of his high school buddies. Because of the gossip about him and Fancy two years ago, Marc’s named had been dragged through the mud in Savannah. The scandal had closed a lot of doors to him. Many viewed him as a shady character who couldn’t be trusted. It made Marc sad to realize so many people wouldn’t give him the time of day, but he was a big believer in the idea that those who knew his heart, truly knew him. He didn’t want to waste another second thinking about the haters.

“If I had gone straight home I know I’d be tossing and turning right now. At least this gives me something else to think about before I lay my head down to sleep.” Charlotte dipped her spicy French fry into a mound of catsup before consuming it. “And if there was one thing to make this night better it would be this food. Comfort food for sure.”

The waitress returned with the two cherry chocolate shakes. “Sorry for the wait. Our machine is on the fritz. We had to use our back up. Enjoy.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Charlotte quipped as she took a huge sip through the straw.

Marc joined in with her and took a lengthy sip of his. He could tell from the look on Charlotte’s face she was enjoying it also.

“This shake is sinful,” Charlotte said with a giggle. “It’s probably a gazillion calories too.”

“Lately I haven’t worried about calories. I have a pretty good metabolism, but I haven’t hit the gym for weeks. Being around my father has taught me a lot. He’s someone who really loves food. Always has. But since his illness he can’t really eat or drink much other than water and some very bland foods. I don’t like the idea of eating in excess, but I plan to enjoy food while I can. Because you never really know when you won’t be able to enjoy it”

“I agree with that wholeheartedly.” Charlotte raised her shake in the air. “To enjoying the occasional burger, fries and cherry chocolate shakes.”

Marc clinked glasses with Charlotte and said, “To living life to the fullest.”

“Amen to that,” Charlotte said with a fierce nod of her head.

Something told Marc that Charlotte had a little living to do of her own.

Charlotte Duvall was shaping up to be someone quite different than he’d imagined her to be. He of all people knew what it felt like to be judged harshly. He felt ashamed in how he’d always regarded her. Clearly, her path hadn’t been easy. It was amazing how people made assumptions about others. It was true how one never really knew a person until they’d walked in their shoes and traveled their path.

As they finished up at Sal’s Diner and Marc followed behind Charlotte’s car as she drove to her family’s house, Marc sat and watched as Charlotte let herself in past the huge iron gates of the Duvall estate.

He let out a whistle at the three-story brick mansion and the vast grounds. It was like something out of Architectural Digest magazine. Lifestyles of the rich and famous.

He continued to watch Charlotte until he saw her let herself in through the front door. Marc let out a sigh. Tonight hadn’t been a date, not really. But somewhere along the way he’d begun to feel as if Charlotte was a romantic possibility. Somewhere between her agreeing to go to Sal’s Diner with him and then ordering the cherry chocolate shake had let Marc know his crush on Charlotte was the real deal.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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