There were hundreds of them, and while Charlotte couldn’t imagine doing it for anyone else, she wanted to believe she’d make the right decision.
Emily drew Charlotte into her arms and patted her back. “You’re so much like your dad. He had a big heart too—oftentoobig.”
Charlotte sniffed and hugged her tighter. “I miss him so much sometimes.”
“Me too.” She drew back to look at her, and Emily had tears running down her face, some of the face mask sliding off. “You know he would’ve been incredibly proud of you, right? Just like I am.”
Charlotte’s heart sputtered and then slowed, her lips pulling into a smile. “You don’t think he’d be mad because of how hard I am on Savannah?”
Thinking of his disappointment made her break out into a cold sweat, and it left a bad taste in her mouth.
Even though he was no longer physically present, Charlotte still wanted to live up to her father’s expectations.
Her mother stood and disappeared into the guest bathroom down the hallway. When she emerged, she was patting her face dry with a hand towel. “Your dad knew that you guys were different and you were going to try and help Savannah in the best way you knew. I know your heart is in the right place, sweetheart.”
Charlotte grabbed a handful of popcorn and paused. “I just want her to do better, you know. She can dosomuch better.”
Emily patted her back again when she sat down. “Your sister is going to be just fine; don’t you worry. You both have your dad’s fighting spirit, and with my stubbornness, there’s no stopping either of you.”
Charlotte’s heart felt lighter as she chuckled. “Exactly.”
Emily’s phone rang, interrupting the moment. She jumped to her feet and frowned at the number. “It’s one of my employees. I’ll be right back.”
Charlotte nodded and waited until her mom disappeared inside to take out her phone. She scrolled through her contacts and stopped at Addison’s name. After a brief hesitation, she dialed her friend, inhaling and exhaling the whole time.
“Hey, where have you been? I was going to send out the National Guard.”
“Sorry, I’ve been dealing with some family and work stuff,” Charlotte replied, running her hand over her face. “But I’d love to tell you all about it during your lunch break tomorrow. Let’s meet up at Coffee Obsession around two?”
“Sounds great. I’ll meet you there.”
Chapter Eleven
“Artists can be so temperamental.” Addison pulled out a chair at a table next to the window, overlooking the Osborn and Rugh Gallery where she worked. As soon as Charlotte took out the seat opposite her, she sank into it.
A blond-haired waitress in a black-and-white uniform brought over a tray with their drinks and a small plate of cookies. She set them down with a smile and stepped back behind the cash register. Charlotte glanced around the café, which had a high, arched wooden ceiling, paintings on the walls, and wooden tables with glass displays that featured plants and an assortment of knickknacks. There was a small table with a chalkboard behind it but no glass display with goodies in sight.
The tables in the center were scattered around, with no clear pattern.
With a sigh, Charlotte reached for her mug and curled her fingers around it. Steam rose from the cup and warmed the bridge of her nose. She smiled, took a long sip, and looked over at Addison, who was texting furiously on her phone. A furrow appeared between Addison’s brows as she stuck her tongue out between her teeth.
Charlotte had been watching the same anxious habit for years.
Would the baby have the same habit?
With a jolt, Charlotte blushed and sat up straighter. She dragged her thoughts back to the present and took another sip of her drink. “What’s happening with that new artist?”
Addison groaned. “Don’t remind me. He’s so entitled and, honestly a little bit of a jerk to deal with, but the owners of the gallery love him. Apparently, he’s got something like a cult following.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know that was a thing with artists.”
Addison stopped typing and glanced up. “We’ve never acquired an artist like him before, but as far as I know, it’s not unusual.”
Charlotte took another sip of her drink, and it trickled down her throat. “Hmm, I see. That’s a good thing though, right?”
“Usually, yes.” Addison sat up straighter and reached for the plate of cookies. She picked one up and sank her teeth into it. “But not when I have to babysit a grown-up man. I definitely don’t get paid enough to do this. Urgh, these cookies are amazing. So soft and chewy.”
“Better than my mom’s?”
