Chapter 15
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“So, what do you think?”
Charlie waited nervously as Lexi gave the business plan one final glance. From across the small table, the other woman looked up at her and smiled.
“I think it’s great.”
“Really?” Charlie tried to control the breath of relief that escaped her.
“Of course.” The tiny blonde grinned even wider. “I’m so impressed. You’ve really thought everything through. I can’t believe how much you’ve already accomplished these last couple of weeks.”
Looking chagrined, Charlie admitted, “Well, I haven’t done it all on my own. Derek’s been a big help. I’m sure the poor guy is sick of hearing about weddings and venues and party theme ideas. I’ve been bouncing ideas off of him since I first thought of doing this. Plus, he’s gone all over town with me trying to find an office to rent.”
“Oh, I’m sure he doesn’t mind. Derek’s a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of guy. Of course, you already know that.” Lexi’s round, crystal blue eyes shone with genuine affection. “I swear, the smile on that man’s face lately is bigger and brighter than I’ve ever seen it. I think it’s pretty safe to say you’re the reason.”
Charlie felt herself blush but couldn’t hold back her own smile.
“Things are going really well. It’s crazy how much has changed for me in such a short period of time.”
In less than a month, she’d gone from being trapped in a loveless, abusive marriage to being single, living in Dallas, and having the most wonderful time with the first and only man she’d ever truly loved.
Add in the fact that she was pursuing a professional dream she’d only just discovered, and life couldn’t get any better. It also helped that there’d been no sign of Caleb since the divorce was finalized.
“Well, I for one am thrilled for you both.” Lexi shook her head and grinned. “That man is head over boots for you, Charlie.”
Her heart swelled. “I feel the same way. Is that crazy?”
Lexi’s perfectly shaped brows scrunched together. “Why would that be crazy?”
“I’ve only been divorced for a little over two weeks.”
A small hand reached over and held onto hers. With sincerity in her eyes, Lexi said, “I know a little about what you’ve been through. Derek didn’t share any details with me, and I’m not asking for any. But from what he said, your marriage was over long before you and your ex signed those papers.”
“You’re right.” Charlie nodded. “It was.”
“One day, when we have a bit more time to talk, I’ll tell you about what happened to me. For now, just try to remember that life is short. Take it from someone who came damn close to losing hers.”
“You almost died?” Charlie asked, horrified.
She’d only known the other woman a week, but she couldn’t imagine anything bad happening to someone so sweet and caring.
“I won’t go into it all now, but the short of it is a very bad man wanted to hurt Trevor. He used me to do it.”
Charlie reached across the table and covered Lexi’s hand with hers. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you, but I’m good, now.” Her eyes twinkled as she spoke. “I have an amazing husband, and the restaurant I’ve always wanted.” She squeezed Charlie’s hand back. “I have a new friend that I’m going into business with. And with your party planning skills and my food, I’m sure your business will be booming in no time.”
Charlie released Lexi’s hand and smiled. “I guess we all have things in the past we need to overcome, huh?”
“That, we do. And for those of us who happen to fall for a R.I.S.C. man, it would seem we have more than most.”
