It’s strange to think they’re twins. Physically, they look alike, but from what Frankie’s told me, personality-wise, they’re the total opposite of one another.
Where Leslie was loud, outgoing, and opted to dye her hair bright colors, Charlie was reserved and often preferred to wear black or monochrome clothing.
When Frankie and Charlie had first met, her best friend had complained endlessly about him being a grump. Yet as they spent more time together, Frankie had discovered that underneath Charlie’s gruff exterior was a man with a heart of gold.
Charlie’s the type of man I hope I can get lucky enough to find someday.
“So?.?.?. Hobby Land?” Leslie rubbed her hands together. “Are you guys going now? Can I tag along?”
“Les, that’s a bad idea.” Slipping his jacket off, Charlie tossed it into the spare room Gemma was staying in that normally doubled as his man cave. “You havewaytoo much crafting junk at both the rink and at your place.”
“It’snotjunk. I useallthe stuff I buy.”
He snorted. “You still have three bags of stuff you bought during Hobby Land’s semiannual sale sitting in your office at the rink.”
Leslie’s cheeks colored. “Thatstuffis for your big surprise party next week. If you must know, the kids have been working hard on making you and Frankie good luck cards. Promise me you’ll pretend to act surprised.”
“What are you talking about? What party?” He frowned.
“It’s our send-off to the Skate United States competition,” Frankie explained. “The kids have been gossiping about it every time they think we’re out of earshot.”
Charlie’s eyes widened. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”
The women in the room collectively snorted. Charlie was oblivious to most things around him. Together, he and Frankie had recently won their first national figure skating title. In just a week’s time, they’d be leaving to compete in pairs at the prestigious Skate United States competition in Colorado Springs.
“Anyway, we talked about you not leaving your clothes on the floor, especially when we have a guest,” Frankie said, changing the subject.
He crossed his arms. “How do you know my jacket is on the floor?”
Frankie raised an eyebrow. “I watched you stand here and blindly toss it into the room.”
“Oh right, Gemma’s staying in there. I’ll, er?.?.?. be right back.”
Frankie hid a grin.
“So, Hobby Land?” Leslie asked again.
Gemma shot a curious glance at Frankie. “She’s serious about her craft shopping, isn’t she?”
“You have no idea.” She pointed to Leslie. “Les takes crafting to a whole new level.”
Leslie plopped down into the recliner opposite the couch. “I do.”
Charlie reentered the room and settled Frankie on his lap. “If there’s one thing my sister loves more than hockey, it’s buying supplies for projects. At the rink, she has an entire craft closet.”
I should’ve guessed based on the bright hair that Leslie is a creative person.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Frankie and I weren’t actually planning to visit Hobby Land. We were brainstorming.”
Leslie’s face fell. “Bummer.”
“But if we do go, you’re definitely invited,” Gemma added quickly.
“Gem is making an audition video for the reality dating showCupid’s Arrow,” Frankie said brightly.
“Dating show?” Charlie frowned. “Gem, why would you put yourself through something as awful as that?”
“For the experience? To meet a decent bloke?” Gemma shrugged. “Not that I have much of a chance of being selected for it, but both the bachelorettes from the previous two seasons ended up finding the perfect man. That’s what I want.”
