One Golden Summer(52)

“I know,” I say, laughing. “They’ll keep, don’t worry.”

“No, that’s not it. It’s just…” Charlie looks at Nan and then me. He holds my gaze in a way that tells me how much I matter. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I feel Nan watching us, and when I peek at her, she gives me a pointed I told you so look.

Nan and Charlie discuss the ins and outs of pickling and preserving various fruits and vegetables, teacups between them. It’s so outrageously wholesome that I’m laughing when my phone lights with a text.

A lump forms in my throat when I read it.

    Heather: I’m so sorry, Ali. I can’t bring Bennett up north. An important case just landed…



“What’s wrong?” Charlie asks.

I give him a lackluster smile. “Heather and Bennett can’t come. My sister has to work.” I look to Nan. Her lips are pinched, the only sign of her disapproval. “She says she’ll find time next month.”

At that, Nan grumbles, “Always on her own schedule. What about yours?”

“It doesn’t matter to me,” I say, although it does. I’ve bought extra groceries. I’ve made a calendar of activities. The weather is supposed to be stunning. I was going to bring Bennett to the party Charlie is throwing for Sam and Percy.

“Well, this sucks,” Charlie says.

Nan and I look at him.

“I’ve finished the tree house,” he says. “I wanted Bennett to check it out before the big reveal on Saturday.”

I didn’t know Charlie was done, or that he was planning on showing my niece. I stare at him, an uncomfortable pressure building in my chest.

“Excuse me,” I say, rising.

I escape to the main-floor powder room and run cold water over my hands, then press my palms against my cheeks and forehead. I miss my family.

“You’re okay,” I tell my reflection. “You’re okay.”

Charlie’s waiting for me in the hallway when I finish.

“Are you okay?”

I do what I always do and pretend like I’m not hurt. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

He studies me for a moment, then wraps me in a hug. “You’re a shit liar.”

I press my cheek against his chest and breathe him in.

“What if I drive to Toronto to get Bennett?” he says, still holding me. “I can return her to the city at the end of the week.”

“You’d do that?” The back of my nose tingles. I’m not used to someone taking care of me. “It’s eight hours there and back.”

“Sure.” Charlie lets me go. His eyes move between mine. “I’m used to the drive—it’s nothing for me.”

“It’s not nothing.” His offer means the world to me. “But my sister won’t let Bennett in a car with someone she doesn’t know.”

“Fair enough. But if you can talk her into it, I’m game.”

“Thanks,” I say. But I know Heather—it’s not happening. I lean on the wall, studying him. “You finished the tree house?”

“I had to bring in a couple of ringers, but yeah. I was going to surprise you. I thought you and Bennett might want to camp out for a night. Sleep under the stars.” The seventeenth item on my list.

“That would have been nice,” I say, my voice unsteady. “I’ve never slept in a tree house.”

Charlie flashes me a mischievous green-eyed grin. “You’re welcome to sleep in mine anytime, Alice Everly.”

Alice Everly. Alice Everly. Alice Everly.

Flirting—it’s the distraction I need. “With or without your company?”

Charlie’s smile turns dangerous as he leans into me. I shiver at the feel of his lips grazing my ear. My heart beats harder, faster, louder. “I told you I sleep naked.”

I can tell from the wry arch of his brow and the way his eyes dance that it’s a dare.

“I’ll come by at dusk,” I say. “You can see what I sleep in.”

His gaze travels around my face. “I’m not sure if you’re joking.”

“I guess you’ll find out.”





28




“I might hang out with Charlie later tonight,” I say to Nan over dinner. She sets her fork down.

“Do you want to come?” I ask, trying to sound casual. “I think we’ll probably just watch a movie.”

We’ve made no such plans.

My grandmother surveys me with amusement. “I think I’ll stay put.”

A little after eight, I buckle my sandals, fingers shaking.

“Alice?” my grandmother calls before I step outside.

I pause with my hand on the doorknob.

She’s sitting in her chair with a book. Her eyes stay fixed on the page as she speaks. “It gets awfully dark at night.” A hint of a smile crosses her lips. “If you want to stay there instead of walking back, I’d understand.” She doesn’t lift her gaze to see me blush.

I wish her good night and step into the evening. The light is dim in the woods that grow around the driveway. It’s slightly brighter when I get to the road. The air is sweet and warm, the sky painted in lavenders and blues. A walk through the bush on a stunning summer night should be relaxing, but I’m not sure I breathe the entire ten minutes. I’m going because my pulse hasn’t settled since Charlie whispered in my ear earlier today. I’m going because I can’t stay away.