She was always trying to help. If he didn’t love her so much he’d tell her to stick her pretty little nose in someone else’s business. “I don’t have a plan, Gianna. Nobody likes me in Meryton. I can’t show up there without Charlie, and he’s not going back.”
“Elsie likes you.”
“That’s debatable.”
Gianna laughed. “She does. However, I don’t think she’s a fan of Caroline.”
“Obviously.”
“You should call her.”
“I plan to.”
“When?”
Will looked over at the clock on the wall. “Not at seven in the morning.”
“So send her a text. Start small. Quit worrying about Charlie or planning a trip to Meryton, and woo her properly.”
“Did you just say ‘woo’?”
She turned her wheelchair towards the door, and he followed.
“Woo. As in, woohoo, she’ll know you care.” She grinned up at him.
Will shook his head, sure Gianna was out of her mind. “What about your love life, Gianna? Dropping off loaves of bread to anyone lately?”
She blushed. “You’ll never let me live that one down. But actually, I do have a date for the charity ball coming up.”
They entered the kitchen and he sat on a stool. “Who with?”
“Hector Lopez.”
Will reached for the fruit bowl in the middle of the island counter and grabbed an apple. “Is this a guy on your basketball team?”
Gianna shook her head. “No, he’s actually our UPS guy.”
“You asked out the delivery guy? Are you crazy? What do you even know about him?”
She narrowed her eyes. “More than you think. We’ve been chatting at least once a week at the front door for two years. Two years, Will. I know he loves to go fishing and mountain biking. He sends money to his grandparents in Mexico every month. And he’s had a steady girlfriend up until about three months ago. Besides, he asked me out first. I suggested the charity ball because otherwise, I’d have to drag you, and you’d complain the whole time.”
Will still didn’t like her going out with someone he’d never met. But at least it would be a public place. “Is this why you order so much junk online?”
She smiled and turned to look in the fridge. “I never order junk. But yes, I do order things just to see him. I’m pretty sure he knows that.”
“Two years, huh. At least we know he has a steady job.”
“Text Elsie already.”
He walked out with his apple. “I’ll think about it.” But he pulled out his phone as soon as he was out of sight and sent a quick text, wishing Elsie a safe drive.
***
Catherine’s beady eyes missed nothing as she surveyed the dress. She tugged a little on the bodice. “This will need to be taken in or your bosom will get lost in there. Call the seamstress immediately and make sure she can fit you in this week.”
“Yes, Catherine.” Charlotte’s hands fidgeted, but she froze and stood taller when Catherine started messing with the back of the dress.
“You’ll need an up-do to show off the detailing back here. Is someone at your salon doing your hair?”
