“Are you kidding? I love this for you.”
“Thanks. I got a disapproving vibe from my mom this morning, so I’m feeling a little sensitive.”
“You told your mom about it? Wow, you two must have a very open relationship.”
Charlie laughed. “Hardly. She saw Knox’s truck parked in the drive and justhadto comment on it. I should have had him park a block away.”
That earned her a snort from Laurel. “Back when I was sixteen, I was dating this guy my parents hated, and we always had to sneak around. I used to wait until after dark and climb out my bedroom window to meet him.”
“The thing is—I don’t want to hide my relationship with Knox. I’m glad we’re together.”
“It’s about time. We’ve all been rooting for you.” Laurel set down the fliers. “Before I forget, I met with my friend from VOS Musical Theatre on Sunday, and we came up with an idea for your big event at the Grand Duke. We wanted to stick with a couples theme, but it was tricky finding a costume that would hide Knox’s face but not impede his vision.” She pulled out her phone and passed it to Charlie. “What do you think?”
Charlie let out a squeal. “Phantom of the Opera? I love that musical. These costumes look fabulous, especially since the Phantom’s ensemble comes with a mask.” Even if it didn’t cover his face completely, it was a decent disguise. Not to mention, his appearance had changed since his days onThe Hidden Forest; back then, he’d been clean-shaven.
Laurel beamed. “They’re from a production the company did two years ago. There were a few different outfits for the show’s heroine, but I thought this dress was the most fun. It’s from the masquerade scene, and it comes with a Venetian carnival mask, in case you need a disguise.”
“Thanks so much.” While Charlie wasn’t sure if Knox had ever seen the musical, she could suggest they watch the movie version together. She’d always thought the Phantom was kind of sexy, despite his questionable behavior.
“That’s not all. The company didPeter Panlast summer, so I arranged for you to borrow Tinker Bell and Captain Hook costumes for our party at the Gilded Lily.”
“Awesome! Just let me know how much your friend wants for the rentals. This is way easier than hunting down the costumes on my own.”
“No charge. I’m working with the theater to promote their production ofLittle Shop of Horrorsby offering discount tickets to the hotel’s guests.”
“You’re crushing it. I’ll bet Preston’s thrilled.”
“Yeah, he was in an unusually good mood, which was a much-needed boost.” Laurel’s sunny expression clouded over. “I’m not at my best this morning.”
“Are you stressed because we’re getting so busy? I don’t think it’s going to ease up between now and New Year’s. You remember what last December was like.”
Preston had demanded so many activities that the Damsels had pushed themselves to the breaking point. He’d told them it wouldn’t be as bad this year, but Charlie had her doubts.
“It’s not that.” Laurel picked up a pen and twisted it between her fingers. “It’s my roommate, Celia. She told me she’s moving out at the end of November.”
“Sorry. I thought you two were close.” Though Charlie had only met Celia twice, she’d liked her a lot.
“No, we’re great. Celia’s a bit of a slob, but other than that, she’s been an ideal roommate.” Laurel took a sip from her to-go cup and wrinkled her nose. “Ugh. Too weak. That’s what I get for buying the cheap stuff from 7-Eleven. I need a hit from Alma’s Beanery.”
“Then let’s go. I brought coffee from home, but I don’t think it’s going to cut it. Preston’s in such an upbeat mood that he won’t care if we slip out for a few minutes.”
“Okay, you convinced me.” Laurel stood and grabbed her coat from the back of her chair.
Once they got outside, Charlie wished she hadn’t left her fleece jacket in her office. Despite the bright sunshine, the brisk wind off the ocean made for a chilly morning. Rubbing her hands along her arms, she hustled to keep up with Laurel as they headed to Alma’s.
“What’s up with Celia?” she asked. “Why is she abandoning you?”
“You met Glen, right? The guy she’s dating?”
“Yeah, he seemed nice.” During their meet-up at the Seagull, Charlie had noticed the affectionate way he’d treated Celia, with little touches and shared smiles. At the time, she’d felt a twinge of envy, wishing she and Knox had that kind of relationship.
“Right now, Glen’s renting a studio apartment in Vic West, but his lease is up at the end of November. So, he and Celia decided they’d get a one-bedroom place together, starting in December. On the one hand, I’m happy for her, but on the other…”
“You’ll have to find a new roommate. That’s tough.” Charlie shivered as a gust of wind hit her in the face. “Can you afford your own place?”
“Not really. Plus, I like having someone around. It’s more fun that way.”
As they entered Alma’s, Charlie inhaled the delectable smell of French roast mixed with freshly baked cinnamon rolls. “Maybe you can see if anyone from work needs a roommate.”
