They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence. The sound of their footsteps crunching on the gravel path was the only noise. When they reached her car, Pierce turned toward her.
“So,” he began, rubbing the back of his neck. “I was wondering if you’d be interested in grabbing coffee with me sometime. You know, if you’re not too busy with getting the foundation up and running.”
Charley’s heart skipped a beat, a smile spreading across her face. “I’d love that,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady despite the excitement bubbling up inside her. “Coffee sounds great. How about we exchange numbers?”
Pierce’s face lit up with a warm smile as they exchanged phone numbers.
“Well,” Pierce said, “I guess I should let you get going. It’s been a long day, and you probably need some rest considering you’ve got a big week ahead of you.”
Charley nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. “Yeah, it has been a long day. But a good one. I’m really glad I came.”
“Me too,” Pierce said, his eyes meeting hers with a sincerity that made her heart race. “I’m looking forward to that coffee.”
“Same here,” Charley said, her smile widening. “Thanks for walking me to my car.”
“Anytime,” Pierce said, stepping back and giving her a friendly wave. “Drive safe, Charley. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Charley watched him walk towards an older-style Jeep Wrangler.
As she got into her car and started the engine, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what was to come. She was definitely looking forward to that coffee date.
CHAPTER NINE
“Thank you for taking the time today to speak to me, Dr. Lockland. I’m looking forward to your visit.”
“Likewise, Charley, thanks for taking my call,” Dr. Lockland said before saying goodbye.
Charley ended the call, setting the receiver down gently. She leaned back in her chair, a smile spreading across her face.
For a moment, she sat there, staring at the phone like it might ring again to have someone tell her that it was all just a joke.
Dr. Lockland, whose work with PTSD patients was respected nationwide, was interested in joining the volunteer rotation at the foundation.
Excitement rushed through her so fast that she was left a little breathless. Of all the names she’d hoped might one day be connected to the foundation, his had never felt like one she could realistically reach for this soon. Yet here she was, grinning like a fool in the middle of her office, because not only had he called her back, he’d sounded genuinely interested.
She couldn’t wait to tell Alex.
Still smiling, Charley looked around her office, and for the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to really take it in. It didn’t feel like a construction zone anymore. It felt like an actual office. Everything was coming together nicely. The final inspections had gone better than she’d hoped. A few minor issues to address, but nothing catastrophic that would push back the grand opening. The contractors were on top of it, and John had already texted her a punch list.
A soft knock sounded at the open door, and Charley glanced up just as Alyvia stepped inside.
Tall and effortlessly put together, Alyvia Jackson was kindhearted, a self-confessed workaholic, and despite only knowing Charley for a short time, had quickly become one of her closest friends.
She had the kind of calm confidence that made people trust her almost instantly, and Charley had learned very quickly that Alyvia was one of those rare people who could walk into chaos and somehow make it manageable.
She worked full-time at the city’s main VA center as a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, helping veterans rebuild their lives and find their footing again, which made her a perfect fit for the foundation’s mission. She’d also been one of the key volunteers involved before Charley had even arrived in San Diego, assisting with the early renovation plans and helping keep things moving on the building.
Over the last couple of weeks especially, Alyvia had been an absolute lifesaver, stepping in wherever Charley needed her without ever making it seem like a burden. A few times, she had also helped Charley avoid a meltdown.
“There’s that smile,” Alyvia said, leaning one shoulder against the doorframe, holding a mug of coffee in one hand and some papers in the other. “I’m guessing the call with Dr. Lockland went well?”
Charley nodded. “Better than well.”
Alyvia walked in and took the seat in front of Charley’s desk.
“When you say better than well, does that mean he accepted?”
Charley grinned. “He is definitely interested.”
