“That’s why I’m happy to have you two take it. To anyone else, it’s a collector’s item, but since it’s for his grandmother, it’s an item that will hopefully evoke a lot of fond memories.” He took hold of Charlie’s credit card. “I’ll be right back with this.”
Frankie slid her hands into her pockets. Suddenly, the rich sound of Elvis’s voice played aloud. She closed her eyes and let the music fill her, swaying side to side.
Charlie cleared his voice. “You know, a slow song like this is perfect to practice our ballroom dancing to.” Her pulse increased as he extended his hand to her. “Shall we?”
She hesitated. “Oh . . . um . . . sure.”
He pulled her in close to him. He placed one hand on her waist and held her other hand gently in his, their bodies moving in perfect sync, just like when they were on the ice. The world around them seemed to blur as they danced, lost in the moment.
“You’re a natural,” Charlie complimented, his eyes locked with hers. “So talented in everything you do.”
Her cheeks warmed. Feeling playful, she said, “It helps that I have an experienced partner. I wouldn’t trust just anyone.”
“Touché.” He chuckled, and she was treated to a glimpse of his high cheekbones. “Thanks for all your help today. Nan is really going to enjoy this.”
“Who knows, maybe once you give it to her, she’ll insist on having a dance party.”
“You know what, Frankie, she just might.”
Frankie’s heart swelled at seeing Charlie so happy.I’m so lucky I get to spend so much time with a man like this. Is there a chance that if I open my heart to him, it’ll lead to something more? Is there room for us to be a couple both on and off the ice?
Many questions lingered in her head.
As the man returned, and Charlie and Frankie broke apart, she knew that it wouldn’t be long before she’d have to tell him how she felt about him. She didn’t know if she’d be able to hide her feelings for him much longer.
* * *
On Monday, Leslie, Frankie, and Charlie met for dinner at Millie’s.
Leslie clapped her hands together. “A jukebox! Are you serious? That’s amazing!”
“It is, isn’t it?” Frankie smiled, her eyes fixed on Charlie. “Your brother fought off another couple to make sure he’d be the one to be able to gift it to your grandma.”
“Let me know how much I owe you and I’ll split it with you.”
Charlie blinked slowly. His gaze turned to Leslie. “You owe me five hundred.”
Her eyes fluttered. “You spent a grand?”
“I was prepared to pay more for it, but Frankie made sure I stayed within budget.”
“I guess in the grand scheme of things, five hundred isn’t too bad.” Leslie picked up her wineglass and swirled the red liquid around. “Thanks, Frankie. If you weren’t there, I can only guess how much Charlie would’ve spent. He probably would’ve gotten into some sort of bidding war over it. He’s stubborn.”
Charlie rolled his eyes. “Hey, I’mrighthere, Les.”
Frankie watched the two siblings banter. She always enjoyed watching the exchanges and wondered what it would have been like if she’d had a sibling.
Charlie’s eyes met hers, an unspoken understanding passing between them. He winked.
“Why do I even bother trying to reason with you? You’re my twin. We’re too much alike.” Leslie pinched the bridge of her nose. “So, Frankie . . . moving on. How did your dad’s most recent date go?”
Charlie frowned. “Date?”
“Until recently, my dad was kind of a hermit. I was hoping he’d join a club or that I’d be able to find him a hobby, but he insisted on signing up for a dating app.” She rubbed her temples. “It’s been interesting, to say the least. He never does anything half-heartedly.”
Charlie and Leslie’s bodies shook with laughter.
“Dad had his first date with a woman a couple weeks ago, and apparently, they hit it off. He’s taught himself how to send texts and video chat.”
