Chapter 33
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.”
I blinked. I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I had no time to ask.
We rushed up the stairs. “Okay. Sounds good. I just need to mentally process whatever I expect will happen before it happens. If I need to convince Kir you’re good to stay in business with.
I’ll try to figure it out, but I actually hate surprises. ”
He pressed his hand on his heart like I’d wounded him. “Even from me?”
I cupped his face for a moment and headed into the jet. “Charlie, we were fun and different.”
My friends had taken seats, and Fuller was setting up snacks for everyone in small sections.
Charlie kissed my cheek. “I’m going to help fly. Have fun with your friends.”
My skin was warm from his touch, and I took a deep breath. I slumped into an empty seat in the dining area. I tugged on the seat belt for takeoff, and Britney asked, “So what’s going on?”
Avril asked, “What did Brad say the other day that you needed to run home to talk to Charlie about?”
I gazed around the round table and was happy my friends were here. I needed these women. “He… bugged my phone and apparently listened to my conversations with Charlie. I’m ruining his life every second I stay.”
Miley glared at me. “Show some backbone. You know blackmail is illegal, and I’m your lawyer.”
My hand went to my heart. She was sweet. I nodded. “Thank you, Miley. There is nothing we can do.”
She crossed her arms. “Wrong. It’s illegal to compromise your property and to record without one person consenting. If he makes money off blackmailing you, we’ll sue him for every dime, and I’ll win, so you’ll be the one that profits in the end.”
I laughed. I would still embarrass Charlie and potentially ruin his relationship with his brother. No amount of money was worth that. I smiled as the plane took off. “That’s an option I hadn’t thought of.”
The sound of takeoff was loud for a minute.
No one said anything, and I took a moment for myself.
Charlie was sweet for insisting we all get this vacation, but then that was Charlie.
While he wasn’t always believing in himself, he was wonderful.
As the plane leveled off, Britney asked, “So, what did you and Charlie say that was so bad?”
The light in her gaze made me assume she thought we'd had some naughty conversation. Heat rose in me, and I noticed my hand shook. I put it to my side so no one saw I was nervous. “I… It’s about… how he and I don’t make sense.”
I couldn’t admit I'd lied to all of them. Shame washed through me. I lowered my head, wishing I were actually living this fairy tale.
Britney said, “Yes, you do.”
The door unlocked behind us, and I turned to see Charlie strolling toward me. Kelly moved over one seat so he could sit next to me as he asked, “What?”
Britney sat back. “I’ve never seen you so at ease with a guy. It’s nice.”
Charlie said, “Right.” Then he took his seat, not glancing away from me as he asked, “So what’s going on?” His bright smile was contagious, and I was calmer near him.
“You’re not flying?”
He sat back. “I decided to let the crew work for a while and join everyone. Did Fuller serve the champagne yet?”
The butler came out from the kitchen area. “I will now, sir.”
My nerves were back, and he knew alcohol loosened my tongue and made me more agreeable. “We don’t need champagne.”
Britney said, “Speak for yourself. We’re here to celebrate you both.”
I smiled. I supposed they were right, and it was better to drink today, since I had no power over the future. Fuller passed it around on his tray.
“Charlie?” I asked.
The twinkle in his eyes reflected back in my soul as he asked, “Yeah?”
I squeezed his palm. “I like holding your hand.”
“Good.”
For a second, I was sure he hadn’t even realized he’d taken it. He was wonderful. In another life, things would have been so much different.