For several heartbeats, he breathed hard. The copy of Kaylee’s test crinkled in his hands. “I guess you’re right.”
The lobby was nearly empty. A few students from the adult class lingered, chatting about their plans for the week. There was no public session scheduled for the day.
He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking everything through.”
“It’s fine.” She focused on folding up the vinyl tablecloth. “All of your students did wonderfully overall. Congrats to you.”
His shoulders hunched. “It doesn’t feel right to celebrate unless everyone passed.”
“When is Kaylee’s next lesson with you?”
“Monday morning,” he murmured.
“Why don’t you guys use the time to film and submit a virtual test?”
He leaned against the table, and it scooted a few inches to the side. His cheeks flushed pink as he recovered his balance. “That’s an option?”
“Yeah. I was looking at the ASU website. The only downside is it might take a couple extra days to hear back. What time is her lesson?”
“Six-thirty.”
Frankie nodded. “I’ll make sure I’m here, and I’ll even be the proctor.”
He cocked his head to the side. “You would do that for her?”
“Not just for her, for the both of you. I can see how important this is to you.”
Charlie wrapped his arms around Frankie. He smelled of fresh pine. The scruff of his jaw rubbed against the tender skin of her neck. “Thank you.”
He released her and set off in a quick walk down the hall. “I have to call her parents and let her know.”
Frankie moved a stray piece of hair behind her ear. She wished that hug had lasted a moment longer.
“Did my bro just hug you?” Leslie said in a tone of disbelief.
Frankie turned to see her friend standing there with wide eyes. She nodded.
“Who would’ve thought you’d be the one to crack through the gruff exterior of my baby bro. I haven’t seen him this animated in a long time.” Leslie shook her head. “When he gets back, tell him I volunteered to stay and close up.”
Frankie found her voice. “You could tell him yourself,” she said in a scratchy tone.
“And ruin the good mood he’s in? No. For once, he deserves some happiness.” Leslie’s eyes glazed over for a moment. She cleared her throat. “Actually, I have a favor to ask you. “
“Um . . . sure, what’s on your mind?”
“Would you mind taking Charlie out to dinner? He needs to get out and away from the rink. Millie’s Steakhouse in downtown Sequoia Valley is his favorite place.”
Frankie pivoted slowly. “You want me to go on a date with your brother?”
“Not a date. Think of it more like babysitting or taking care of a puppy. He needs to be socialized.” Leslie sighed. “In all seriousness, I’d like to see him have a night out where he forgets himself. I don’t know how you managed it so quickly, but you’re the first person in a long time he’s opened up to, even if it’s just a little bit.”
Without a second thought, she found herself agreeing.
CHAPTER 9
“What did Leslie bribe you with to get you to have dinner with me?” Charlie pulled into the parking lot of Millie’s Steakhouse. He turned the ignition off and glanced to his right.
Frankie raised an eyebrow. “You really think your sister would sink so low as to resort to bribery?”
