1
Charlene Kittredge needed this time away, just not for the same reason her best friend Sofia Lawson did. Sofia loved being a wife and new mother, but a long walk on the beach, uninterrupted, was hard to come by. It seemed like Sofia spent the first hour just talking about her little girl Liliana. Charlene was so happy, and slightly jealous, for her friend. She’s living a real life fairy tale. I’m happy for her. Really I am.
She continued to remind herself the entire way. But Charlene was torn up inside. For years she’d been chasing after Salvatore Marciano, but he never even noticed her, at least not in the way she wanted. He was perfect in just about every way. And what was Charlene stuck doing? Not sitting back and watching Sal fall in love, but actually helping Rori snag her Prince Charming too. And Rori was just the sweetest person. Who wouldn’t want to see her happy too? Obviously I did.
At this rate, maybe I should consider becoming a matchmaker, because I’m two for two. It wasn’t the first time she’d thought about it. Heck, Charlene even knew what she’d call it too. Prince Charms in Your Arms. It sounded corny, but it was catchy. The only issue she could foresee was her own lack of personal experience in finding her own prince.
Prince Charming. Ha!Most of the guys she’d dated over the years were all toads, and some even worse. She hadn’t even fully recovered from the last guy she’d dated more than a year ago. That slimy, lying piece of crap had tried to take advantage of her. Thankfully, she was a quick thinker and got away. And thank God I have Sofia as my best friend. One who would drive anywhere to save me.
But that was the problem, she didn’t want people thinking she needed saving. Charlene had a good head on her shoulders, at least she thought so. Yes she’d made some poor choices in life, mostly when it came to men. Who hadn’t? They were sweet talkers and she fell for their bullshit. It was like Charlene wore the wrong pheromone, one that only attracted losers. Maybe I need to read the labels for the one that says, attracts decent guys. Ones that don’t still live with their mamas at thirty-five.
Charlene giggled and Sofia asked, “Are you even listening to me?”
“Yes I am. You were talking about Liliana,” she stated.
Sofia snorted. “I bet you can’t tell me what I said.” Charlene had no idea. “Exactly! I thought you were a million miles away. So maybe it’s time for me to listen for a while. Want to tell me what’s on your mind?”
What better time than now to bounce ideas off her BFF? She tried to determine where to start. Was it her long list of dumb ideas, or the fact she was lonely and missed spending time with her friend? As they walked Sunset Beach Charlene decided to combine them both. “Sofia, I know I’ve done some stupid shit over the years, but I’ve changed.”
“We all have,” Sofia answered.
Yeah? I can’t recall any of yours.Charlene didn’t want to compete with Sofia. She seemed to be perfect in every way, at least right now. “Well my mistakes seem to be following me.” Sofia stopped and turned around. Charlene rolled her eyes. “Not literally.” At least not that I know of.
“Good, because I was about to pull out my pepper spray.”
“You still carrying that thing?” Charlene had gotten her one that looked like a lipstick years ago. Of course Sofia never seemed to be in a situation which she’d need it. “I’d have thought Dylan would’ve had bodyguards following you everywhere.”
“If he ever suggested it, he’d be the one who’d need protection. That is not the life I want to lead,” Sofia said firmly. “But then again, with Sal heading up security at Lawson Steel now, it might give me time with my brother. It seems like I don’t see him much anymore. Well not since I had…hey, we were supposed to be talking about you.”
I’m trying.“Guess I’m not the only chatterbox anymore.”
“I know. I’m always whispering so I don’t wake the baby, but being out on the beach, even when we’re freezing our butts off, is refreshing. But I promise, I’m all ears now. What were we talking about?”
Me being a fuck up.“My life.”
“Ah yes. That’s right. You were telling me that you made a mistake. A new one or are we talking about something in the past?”
That wasn’t helping at all. “Is it really that long of a list?” Charlene asked, half filled with panic.
“Well there was the time you left the milk out overnight and we had to toss it. And then you used the last of the coffee creamer and didn’t tell me. Oh there was also…”
Charlene jumped in to stop her friend from going over the long list of her screw ups. “I get it. I’m…”
“Over thinking stuff like usual. Charlene, what has you worried?”
“That I’m stagnant. It seems like everyone we went to school with either has a family or a career. I have…neither,” she sadly admitted.
“You’re twenty-seven, not one-hundred.”
“In case you don’t recall, I’m a few months older than you,” Charlene stated. And look at you.
“Don’t worry. I know. Your birthday is next week. Thank you for the subtle reminder,” she teased.
“Good. Then I know exactly what I want for my birthday,” Charlene said.
“A husband?” Sofia chuckled.
“A job,” she replied flatly.