I stopped her as we headed to the living room to greet everyone Fuller had let in. “You don’t have to apologize at all.”
She cupped my face and stared at me like she wanted to see my soul. “Look, Charlie, somehow, I’m going to pay you back for everything you did for me, including this phone.”
What I had was hers. I swallowed and just whispered, “Don’t.”
She shrugged. “We’ll figure out a deal later, but let’s get going.”
I was fucking everything up, but the door opened, and her friends were there. So I headed in to say hello.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Hope
* * *
Charlie stayed beside me like he wanted to comfort me when we finally left the apartment with all my friends, who were laughing, and Fuller, who jumped to get back to work fast like I’d caught him.
I let it go and we climbed up to the helipad, and Britney made a funny squealing sound. I laughed because I hadn't been expecting that. When I saw her gaze had gone to Fuller, I blinked. I wasn’t wrong about him being her type.
Isabel squeezed my arm. “Helicopters on your roof is so much better than calling a car.”
This was Charlie’s life, which I was privileged to be in for this last trip. “Not really. It’s just easier.”
Kelly’s eyes widened, then she boarded the helicopter. “You’re already becoming easy with spending cash.”
We all filed in, and Avril was pale and tense.
I smiled at my friend, who was clutching her seatbelt. “That’s not it at all.”
Charlie took the seat beside me. “You seem worried.”
Maybe I should have taken the magazine job or my old job back. My heart thudded as I mouthed. “We’ll talk later.”
“Of course.” He kissed my cheek.
Soon we wouldn’t have to pretend at all. I texted my old boss to see if the offer was still on the table for when I got back. Then I emailed the magazine to ask the same question. Once I'd finished, I put my phone away.
When we'd landed in the private airport, Britney clapped. Then we all filed out.
As we walked to the private jet waiting for us, I sat beside him again. “Charlie?”
He gazed at me, and it was like I was special to him. “Yes?”
“How are you so calm about Kir and everything now? Am I going so you can tell your family in person it was all my idea? I just need to prepare for the worst.”
He took my hand and pressed his forehead to mine. “What would be the best outcome, Hope?”
I let out a small giggle and glanced up. He was staring at me, and it felt safe. I stepped back. “The best? I have no idea, but I promise I’ll take full responsibility.”
The world came back. Most of my friends were on board, and Britney was last and waving for us.
Charlie took my hand. “You don’t have to protect me.”
“It’s the least I can do.” I wished there were more, but I wasn’t foolish.
Britney called out, “Charlie. Hope.”
We walked faster to the steps, and Charlie said, “We’ll talk soon, and I’ll lay out everything I see on my end.”
