CHAPTERONE
Charity
I wipethe sweat from my brow and collapse to the sofa that I just moved for the second time. Whoever said moving was awesome lied. They lied badly. I’m excited to start my new life in a new city with a new job at one of the top high schools in the country, but moving is for the birds.
I look around at the boxes stacked everywhere the eye can see. I rub my forehead and groan. God, this sucks. I’m about to move the couch for a third time—I just can’t figure out where I want it—when my phone rings in the other room. I run through my new house to grab it before it rings off to voicemail.
“Hello,” I answer breathlessly.
“Bestie!” Darlene squeals. “Are you all moved in? Do I get to come over now?”
I laugh at her exuberance. “If by ‘all moved in’ you mean are all of my belongings inside the house, yes. I’m moved in.”
She giggles. “Did the movers leave?”
I look around at the boxes again. “Yep, they are gone.”
“So that means I get to come over, right? It’s hardly fair that you didn’t let us help. That’s what friends are for!” she whines.
I rub my temple, trying to ease the ache in my head. “You know why I didn’t let you help.”
“Pssh. I could’ve pointed and bossed people around.”
I shake my head even though she can’t see. My best friend is a bossy little thing, and being with Colt has just made her more confident. She would’ve bossed the hell out of the movers. One of the many reasons I didn’t want to have her here. I love her like a sister, but she can be a tad bit high-strung.
“There’s no need to come over tonight. I’m just going to crash. I’m exhausted from driving all day and dealing with the movers. Maybe you can come help tomorrow?” I look around once again and cringe. “Lord knows I’m going to need it.”
“Okay. It’s a plan.”
“Not at the butt crack of dawn.”
I can practically hear Darlene rolling her eyes. “I know. I know. You’re not a morning person. How about I bring coffee and donuts around eleven?”
“Sounds good. I should be conscious at the very least.”
She laughs but knows I’m serious. I’m not too bad on a normal basis, but I’ve not slept well in days, add in moving, and I’m likely to sleep until noon if I don’t set an alarm.
“See you tomorrow,” she says.
“Later.”
I grab my overnight bag and head back to the bedroom and my new master bathroom. A very fancy bathroom. I need to remember to thank Cooper and Mel for letting me rent this place. I can’t believe my luck.
After a quick shower, I dress in my nightie and climb into bed. The only thing in the entire house that I fully unpacked. Who can sleep without extra pillows and blankets? Not to mention Simon, my stuffed lion. He’s been with me since I was just a girl. My favorite nanny gave it to me when I was just seven years old, and he’s been with me ever since.
I lay back on the bed, snuggling into my pillows and hugging Simon tight to my chest. I let out a sigh and let my mind drift.
Morning comes bright and shiny. Something I’m definitely not feeling. My alarm went off about thirty minutes ago and I’ve snoozed the thing three times, burying my head under the covers, not wanting to deal with a full day of unpacking.
I get up and stumble into the bathroom. I do my business and brush my teeth. One look in the mirror has me cringing. My long brown hair is a curly mess from sleeping on it wet. Ugh. The only thing that will save it is another good wash and blow drying it back to its normal silky straight. Totally not doing that today. I pull it up into a couple of space buns and call it good.
I pull on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and pretend I’m ready for the day. I’m in the kitchen unpacking my coffee pot when there’s a knock on the door.
“Morning!” Darlene chirps. “I brought sustenance and reinforcements.”
Mel pops her head around Darlene and waves. “Hope you don’t mind. This one was insistent that you need help.”
“Honestly, I could use an army,” I say.