Chapter 4
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“Will that be all foryou today?”
“Yes, please.”
“That comes to six dollars and fifty-three cents.”
Charlotte handed the young woman a ten and waited patiently for her change.
The coffee shop was much busier than she'd expected. Located in downtown Dallas, she should’ve known better.
Once she was given her change, Charlotte waited to the side with the other customers who'd given their orders ahead of her. One by one, their names were called and the place began to open up a bit more.
By the time her name was called, several seats had become available. She chose the small, rectangular table for two near one of the shop's front windows.
Taking a sip, she was careful not to burn her tongue as she studied the building across the street. It's dark, sleek lines and large, mirrored windows made it appear every bit as important as the man inside.
Last night, after returning to their hotel room, she'd found the card Derek had snuck into her pocket. Thankfully, Caleb was in the shower at the time.
It was bad enough he'd seen them talking near the restrooms. Then, Derek had to go and give her that ridiculously long hug right in front of him. She'd thought for sure she'd pay for that later, but Caleb had been unusually understanding.
He wasn't, however, so quick to forgive her for questioning him about being able to meet Derek for lunch. She should’ve known that would upset him. Clearly, seeing the man who'd once meant everything to her had clouded her judgment.
Charlotte glanced down at her arm and quickly pulled on the cuff of her white, chiffon sleeve. The small bruises beneath it were Caleb’s harsh reminder of why she should never argue with him. Especially in public.
Opening the silver clutch by her side, Charlotte slid her fingers into the tiny slit she'd made in the bag’s interior lining and pulled out Derek's card.
She studied it again. The white cardstock was thick and felt expensive. It's lettering a simple black font...R.I.S.C., Inc.
Last night, after Caleb had fallen asleep, Charlotte had taken a chance and opened the search app on her phone. She'd quickly typed in the information on the card and learned Derek now worked for a private security company.
The website listed everything from high-end home and business security system installations to bodyguard assignments. Charlotte’s chest had tightened as she lay in the dark, thinking of her Derek guarding someone's life with his own.
No. Not my Derek.He’d never been hers.
When Mrs. Hamlin called this morning after Caleb had already left to tell her she was ill and had to cancel their brunch, Charlotte had taken it as a sign.
Impulsively, she’d come to Derek's place of business to spend a few minutes catching up, as he'd suggested.
After the cab driver dropped her off at the address on the card, she'd gotten cold feet. Standing on the sidewalk out front, she’d spent several minutes looking up at the building, staring and wondering what she’d been thinking.
Caleb’s little tiff last night would be nothing compared to what he’d do if he found out she'd come here.
Charlotte had started to leave when she spotted the coffee shop across the street. Needing a few minutes to collect herself, she’d come here, instead.
Once inside, she decided she would drink her coffee and then use the caffeine-induced courage to go to Derek’s office and say hello.
That was it. She'd only say hi, tell him how nice it was to see him again, and then go back to the hotel to pack. Caleb would never be the wiser.
The longer she sat there, however, the more Charlotte began to second-guess her plan. After all, what had she hoped to accomplish by coming here?
Seeing Derek again would only rip open old wounds. Remind her of everything she'd missed out on. What her life could’ve been like had she confessed her feelings for Derek sooner.
Setting her drink to the side, Charlotte glanced out the window at the building once more. As hard as it was to be this close and not go inside, she knew seeing him again would only cause her more pain.
