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“Hey, Charlie, I’m glad you made it,” he said, giving her a wide smile. “I’ve already called your grandmother to let her know you’ve arrived.”
Charlotte smiled with pleasure. Here in Florida, Charlie seemed a much more suitable name than Charlotte. Far less formal, especially when spoken by John Rizzo, Gran’s long-time business partner and special friend. Charlotte hadn’t been very old when she realized Gran and John were more than two people who owned a business together. But no formal announcements were made about their relationship. It was simply a fact. And now, they lived together in Gran’s house.
Tall, in great shape for his age, and with a shock of gray hair that couldn’t be totally covered by the cap, John was a handsome, jovial man whom all the guests loved.
John gave her a peck on the cheek. “Better go see Ellie now. She’s been waiting to see you.”
Charlotte gave him a little wave and headed over to Gran’s house sitting in a corner of the property. Gran and her husband had purchased the two oversized lots that provided enough space for the main building and its wing, along with the owner’s house, all with beach access and Gulf water views. In today’s market, the land itself was worth a small fortune.
She parked in the back of Gran’s house, got out of the car, and let out a soft groan as she stretched. The trip took longer than she thought it would.
“You’re here!” cried Gran, rushing out of the house to greet her.
Charlotte flew into her grandmother’s open arms. “Thought I’d never make it.” She stepped back and studied her grandmother. “How are you?”
Gran’s blue eyes sparkled as she returned Charlotte’s smile. “I’m fine. A little older and not much wiser. And definitely not thinner.”
Charlotte laughed. At barely five-foot-three, her grandmother had gray curly hair that she kept short, forming a halo of sorts around her head, and didn’t seem to realize how adorable she was. At the moment, Gran was wearing a T-Shirt that said, “Love Happens,” a pair of khaki shorts, and pink flip-flops with sparkly pink bows.
“It’s starting to feel like home already.” Charlotte hugged her. All the constraints of living a lifestyle she didn’t like fell away from her. Gran was all about being yourself without judgment from her. The T-shirt she wore would have made Charlotte’s mother shudder.
Charlotte turned as a young man approached. He saluted Gran with a bob of his head. “John sent me over to help with the luggage.”
“I’m glad you came,” said Gran. “It looks like we’re going to need your help. Jake McDonnell, meet my granddaughter, Charlotte Bradford.”
Charlotte gazed into his chocolate brown eyes that seemed to reach inside her. Jake had straight dark hair and a buff body.
“Jake is a financial consultant and our accountant. He’s looking over the numbers for the business,” explained Gran.
Charlotte stared at his horned-rimmed glasses, wondering how such a nerdy guy could be that sexy.
“It’s an interesting operation that your grandmother runs,” Jake said.
“I told him he could take as long as he wants to complete the work,” Gran said, smiling at both of them in a way that Charlotte thought was a blatant attempt at matchmaking. But Jake didn’t seem to mind.
“Well, guess I’d better help you unload,” said Jake, winking at her as if he knew what she was thinking.
Charlotte opened the trunk of her car and began lifting boxes from the back seat, hoping he hadn’t noticed how she’d reacted to him.
“Okay, Charlie, I’ve got your old room ready,” said Gran.
Jake turned to her with a grin. “Charlie, huh? I like it.”
Charlotte followed Jake up the stairs to the second story, where four bedrooms and three bathrooms were situated. The master suite was on the first floor. Gran told her she planned it so when her granddaughters got together, they’d each have a room of her own upstairs. The last room was reserved as a formal guest room with an ensuite bathroom.
Charlotte stood at the threshold to her room and took a moment to survey it. She’d chosen sunny yellow paint for the walls, white trim, white plantation shutters at the windows, and white wicker furniture. The king-size bed was covered with a blue and yellow patchwork quilted spread that she loved.
Jake set down the suitcases. “Guess I’d better get back to work.” He smiled at Charlotte. “Hope to see you around.”
“Oh, you will,” said Gran. “Charlie’s here to help me.”
Charlotte hid her surprise. She’d come for a visit and to get a better idea of her future. And if that included a way to help Gran, it was even better.
