Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 86158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86158 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
She had time to fuck me when it fit into her schedule, but beyond that, she was out.
I was actually kind of stunned by it. I don’t think I’d ever been in that position before—I’d never been the person wanting more than the other was willing to give.
Which really fucking sucked because I was pretty sure I was in love with her.
Chapter 13
Charlie
“Maybe you should move the cart,” my dad said seriously, looking over the paperwork I’d brought over. “I know you talked about opening a new shop on Tommy’s property, but maybe the better move would be to move the existing cart.”
“It would make things pretty awkward at club barbecues when I have to default on rent,” I said sarcastically.
“Could be, you wouldn’t be defaulting on anything,” my dad said. “New customer base.”
“But then I’d be losing all the regulars we have now,” I replied, playing devil’s advocate. “They’re all we have left at this point.”
I got to my feet and started pacing my parents’ little camp trailer. I felt like I was going to come out of my skin, I had so much nervous energy. It had been three weeks since I’d put a pause on anything between Bishop and I—and I was feeling it. He was polite when we crossed paths. He was friendly. And I was dying. He didn’t look at me the way he used to. The affection was still there, the kindness, but the fire was gone. In the past I would have flirted, made a comment that I knew would bring it back—but I knew that was unfair. He was giving me the space I’d asked for and pulling him back in when literally nothing had been resolved would be a shitty thing to do. No matter how much I regretted the decision, I still knew it was the right thing.
My mom had always told us kids that with the right one, things would work themselves out. It might take time and it might really suck, but in the end, it would all set itself right. I’d seen the truth of that. Poet and Amy had been separated for most of their adult lives. When my aunt gave birth to Will, my uncle had been in jail. Hell, even Draco and Kara had been apart for years while he was in prison and they’d still figured it out. I was counting on the fact that for better or worse, I’d figure out the work stuff soon and I could go back to Bishop with my proverbial hat in hand and beg him to be with me.
I mean, maybe I wouldn’t beg. Maybe I’d just strip down and climb in the shower with him again and tell him that I was all in. He’d probably like that better than begging anyway. Though, if I was on my knees—
“Charlotte,” my dad snapped. “Focus.”
“What did you say?” I asked, coming to a stop by their little table.
“I said that I think it’s the best move,” my dad said, leaning back in his seat. “You’ll be closer to the club and get that traffic. Plus, the traffic is thicker on that corner than the one you’re currently on. Baby girl, I think that you need to make a big move. If you don’t—”
“I’m toast,” I said, dropping down across from him.
“You’re gonna be in real trouble,” he confirmed.
“I just can’t figure it out,” I said, throwing my hands in the air. “There was plenty of traffic before. How the fuck did things change so fast? I haven’t made any changes from when Mal owned the place beyond some new cups and one new drink on the menu!”
“I don’t know, kid,” my dad said, shaking his head. “Your mom says you’re postin’ on social media and getting’ the word out. To be honest with ya—it’s not makin’ much sense.”
“It probably didn’t help that you guys keep parking and watching me all damn day,” I muttered.
My dad shot me a look. “We stopped last week,” he replied. “You get a sudden surge in sales?”
“No,” I muttered.
“That’s what I thought,” he replied. “He been back?”
“Nope.”
“Good,” he said. “Looks like he can take a hint. Which surprises the fuck outta me.”
“He probably will,” I said honestly. “Just as he realizes you won’t be back.”
“He stops by the shop, you—”
“Call you,” I said, cutting him off. “I know.”
“You ever see me overreact?” my dad asked seriously.
“You’re one of the most logical people I know,” I replied with a sigh.
“Probably true,” he said. “So, you see me overreact?”
“No,” I replied. “Except if mom’s shaking her ass on top of a pool table.”
Dad laughed. “Even that’s not an overreaction,” he said, shuffling the papers on the table in front of him. “Only reason she climbs up there is so I’ll come get her.”
I made vomiting noises, dramatically bending at the waist and heaving.