He laughs with me."I can get by, but I'm most fluent in swear words. I was a brat as a kid and I didn't want to learn. Matt's a natural. He canholdconversations with my parents and often does, just to tick me off."
"What do your mom and dad do?"
"Mom was a seamstress,"he says, pride evident in his voice."Had her own shop doing custom tailoring until the arthritis. My dad was a carpenter. He retired after forty years with the same company and now takes on the odd custom woodworking gig so he and my mom can travel."
"So that's where your creativity comes from. I'm impressed."
He snorted."Hardly. I've never been very good at handiwork like my parents and my brother. He's a professional carpenter like our dad."
"Don't sell yourself short."I squeeze his arm. My hand lingers on the hard muscle underneath, and when he flexes, I remove my hand and try to hide my blush.
Charlie'sdimples deepen, but he doesn't mention it. He exits the highway, but I've missed the sign announcing where we're going."What about your parents?"heasks. "Do they go to many games? I could make sure we get some footage at the next one, if they'd be okay with it."
I twist the fabric of my skirt as I answer."They haven't seen me play since college. I think I told you before, they don't consider this a real job. I'm supposed to go to work for my dad until I find a suitable husband, pop out a few grandchildren, and join my mother on her charity boards. It's embarrassing to them that I play a sport, while their friends' kids are all CEOs or lawyers or doctors, or married to CEOs, lawyers, or doctors. The only time I've ever done something they actually approved of was moving in withBrennan."
Charliedoes a doubletake, which would have been comical if it weren't in response to my pathetic reality."You're kidding, right?"
"No. They lovedBrennan. He was clean-cut, worked for a prestigious finance firm, wore Brooks Brothers and Ferragamo. Golfed with my dad, helped connect mom with donors. At least with him marrying my cousin, they'll keep him in the family."
Charlieis silent for a long moment, so long I regret letting all that spill out. He's taking me out because I asked him to teach me how to have casualsex, essentially. He already knows I'm pathetic. I don't need to hammer the point home.
"You're amazing. I'm sorry your parents can't see that."
He puts his hand on my knee and squeezes. I give him a surprised smile, covering his hand with my own. I'm saved from having to respond when he turns down a dirt road leading to an oversized barn. Hepullsinto a marked spot and turns off the engine.
"We're here."
Ten
Charlie
I helpPalmerout of the car and lead her around the side of the barn. An older woman with a long silver braid greets us."Hi, Charlie."
"MissAnnabelle."I kiss her cheek. I step back and put my hand on Palmer's back."This isPalmer.Palmer, this isMissAnnabelle."
PalmershakesMissAnnabelle's hand."Lovely tomeetyou."
"I've heard so much about you,"MissAnnabelle says."It's nice to meetyou finally."
"You have?"Palmerturns quizzical eyes my way.
I glance away and rub the back of my neck."I might have mentioned you once or twice. Along with other people from work."
Palmersuppresses agrinasMissAnnabelle leads us into the barn. Though barn isn't an accurate description. Annabelle and her husband have converted the building into an elegant country restaurant. A dozen tables covered in pristine white cloths dot the space. Overhead, white string lights crisscross through the beams, while bronze sconces bathe the area in a warm glow. Along one side stretches a polished oakbar, stocked withtop-tier alcohol lined up along mirrored shelves. In the back, a cutout in the wallgivesa glimpse of the stainless steel kitchen behind it.
"This is beautiful,"Palmersays, looking around."Thebaris gorgeous."
"Thankyou."MissAnnabelle gestures toward me."Well,thankCharlie'sbrother,Matt. He custom-built thebar."
"So when's the big opening?"I ask, admiring the scrollwork on the molding.Mattreally is good. Not that I'd tell him–his ego is big enough.
"Next week."MissAnnabelle leads us to the only table set with crystal, china, and silverware and motions for us to sit down. Ipullout the chair forPalmer, then take the one next to her.
"Wait,"Palmersays, turning in her seat."Is thisTheBarn? I heard a story about your opening. Chef Nate Faulkner helped design your menu."
"That's right,"MissAnnabelle says, pride shining from her eyes."We were lucky to get his help."
"MissAnnabelle is gracious enough to let us be a test case before they open,"I explain.
