Charli gestured toward the general direction of the docks. “Annette’s ship is in. I was going down to the docks to pick her and her sister up.”
He straightened and his brows shot up. “That’s right! I didn’t realize that was today. Will I get to meet her?”
Charli snorted. “Are you kidding me? I won’t be able to keep her away.”
Jack chuckled. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“Would you like to join us for dinner?” she asked. “I’m making her favorite—lasagna and garlic bread.”
His eyes twinkled and he gave an enthusiastic nod. “Yeah, that sounds great.” He threw a thumb over his shoulder. “We’re almost done here and I’ll run home to take a quick shower. Can I bring anything?”
She twisted her lips to the side, thinking. “I don’t think so, unless you have a nice bottle of Italian red wine on hand. I forgot to pick some up at the grocery store.”
Jack grinned, his dimples popping out. “Don’t worry, baby. I got you covered.”
Charli smiled at his term of endearment and then pressed her lips together, willing herself not to say anything else.
She tilted her head to the side. “Well, I gotta run. I’ll see you later.” She turned with a wave and made it a few steps before she spun back around. Jack wasstill standing there watching her. “And brace yourself.”
He frowned as his head tilted to the side. “What do you mean?”
“Annette.”
He chuckled. “Ah. It sounds like a good time.”
“Oh, it will be,” she assured him with a broad grin, then turned and practically ran down the street.
* * * *
Charli could see the massive cruise ship towering over the buildings from blocks away as she hurried toward the pier and was amazed at the chaos and activity as she approached. She hovered back from the walkway as hordes of tourists made their way off the ship, headed toward either the Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, or the bars and shops on Duval Street.
A quick shout rose above the din and Charli turned her head toward the sound. She knew that voice anywhere. Spotting her friend, she raised her hand and yelled. “Annette!”
She laughed as Annette rushed up to her and pulled her in for a huge hug. “Oh my god, Charli! I hardly recognized you.”
Annette stepped back and grabbed Charli’s hands, holding her arms out to the side. “You look amazing and so relaxed. This place really suits you.”
“It doesn’t suck,” Charli remarked with a big grin. She glanced at the girl standing coyly behind Annette, a twinkle in her eye. “Hi, I’m Charli,” she said, holding out her hand. “You must be Amy.”
Amy bobbed her head enthusiastically. “It’s great to finally meet you. Annette has told me so much about you over the years.”
“Oh boy,” Charli snarked. “That could be bad.”
Amy giggled and waved her hands in the air. “Oh no. According to Annette, you practically walk on water.”
Charli snorted. “Well, I know for a fact she’s lying if she said that.” Charli gestured to her right. “Are you ladies ready? I was going to take you to my house first and then show you around a bit.”
Annette gave her a mischievous grin. “Do we get to meet Jack?”
Well, that didn’t take long... glad to see Annette’s priorities haven’t changed. How on earth am I going to explain what happened in the Dry Tortugas? I’m not even sure what it means, let alone where I go from here.
“Yeah, if we hurry. He and the landscaping crew were planting the palm trees in the courtyard garden when I left to meet you.” Charli looped her arm through Annette’s as they walked. “But don’t worry. If we do miss him, he’s coming over for dinner.”
“Well, okay then!” Annette nudged Charli with her elbow and snickered.
“What?” Charli asked.
Annette waved her hand toward Charli. “I’ve just never seen you like this...so comfortable and chill. Retirement looks fabulous on you.”
