Chapter 82 Charming Charles
Harriet’s gaze lingered on keelyn with open anticipation.
The quarts face shimmered under the sunlight, scattering fine sparks of light.
It looks amazing. It suits you perfectly. Evelyn said.
Without warning. Harriet slipped it off and pushed the watch into Evelyn’s hand.
“If you like it, you should wear it first.”
Evelyn froze..
Which part of her reaction made Harriet think she liked it? It was only a watch, and she wasn’t dying for
one.
But Harriet didn’t wait for her reply. She fastened the band snugly around Evelyn’s wrist. “Come on, we’re best friends. We’ll rotate. You wear it today, Myrtle takes it tomorrow, and I’ll wear it after. Fair?”
“Wait, you’d actually let me wear it too? I’m nervous. It looks expensive, and I’d never be able to pay you back if something happened to it,” Myrtle said, torn between excitement and dread.
Harriet pulled her close and smiled warmly. “Don’t worry. It costs more because it’s sturdy. It won’t break easily. And we’re friends. Unless you smash it on purpose, I’d never ask you to replace it.”
I’d never do that. I’m not careless like that,” Myrtle said quickly.
Their voices overlapped with laughter, the tension falling away.
Once the strap was secured, Harriet wouldn’t let Evelyn remove it.
at heart. Just wear it if you like it. Don’t mind the “I know you feel uncomfortable, but don’t. We’re siste fact that I just bought it. If I own it, then you own it too.”
Evelyn gave in and let the watch stay on her wrist.
Later that day, after a quick meal at an eatery in Southville, Evelyn said she needed to meet Jeremy.
Before heading off, she sent Harriet and Myrtle to a bookstore to keep busy.
And then she made her way to Jeremy’s place.
Jeremy had been staying home as she advised, so she found him easily.
His face lit up when he saw her, and he urged her to stay for dinner.
“I can’t. I only have half a day off. I just came to check your leg before heading back to the hospital. Dinner next time, I promise. I’ll finally try your famous fried chicken,” Evelyn said, smiling.
Jeremy always bragged that his fried chicken was the best in Southville.
Hearing she had to rush back made him sigh,in disappointment.
“Who knows when next time will be? And I don’t even know if you’ll catch me at mealtime. Look at me- old man, and I can’t even get someone to sit down for dinner.”
-an
1/3
He raised hic habet in playful surrender, which made Evelyn laugh. She came bed dow
against his call, and he flinched in pain Relief waited over her face.
Your leg is nearly healed. The nerves and circulation are all normal again. Honestly, Jeremy, you ve
covering at an incredible rate.
All thanks to your skill. Without you, I’d still be limping.
Their praise for each other filled the air until the front gate creaked open.
Charles returned home.
He hadn’t gone to the office but had spent the day canceling Jeremy’s proof of disability. His face lit up when he saw Evelyn, and he greeted her with open warmth.
When he learned she was heading back to the hospital, he offered a ride immediately.
“Let me drive you. I’m free this afternoon, and you’ll help me repay the favor. Don’t turn me down.”
Evelyn smiled, “I still need to pick up my friends at the bookstore.”
“Even better. I’ll drop you there first, then we’ll all head out together. Saves you the trouble of grabbing a cab.”
Charles’s upbeat charm was irresistible, and Evelyn agreed without hesitation.
They drove to the bookstore for Harriet and Myrtle.
The moment Harriet spotted the car, her jaw nearly dropped.
It was a foreign import, the kind that hardly ever appeared in Kingstead.
Yet Evelyn stepped in naturally, chatting with the owner like it was nothing.
Harriet slid into the back seat, stiff with unease, while Myrtle practically bounced in excitement and immediately struck up a lively conversation with Charles.
Through their talk, Harriet pieced together the truth.
Charles wasn’t just anybody.
He was the editor–in–chief of a newspaper, celebrated for his sharp writing.
The car itself had been awarded to him for outstanding work, and word was it was the first of its kind in Southville.
He was intelligent, successful, handsome, and eloquent.
The strange weight pressing on Harriet’s chest shifted into something entirely new.
The road back to the city, which had felt endless earlier, seemed cut in half with all the laughter and conversation.
Before long, they pulled up to the hospital.
Harriet stepped out slowly, her eyes clinging to the car even as it pulled away.
2/3
Setamide when you get a day oil, you should bring your friends over for liver. Oltre
mile My dad’s reted chicken is absolutely mindblowing
Before Evelyn could say anything, Harriet cut in, brushing her hair back with her hand, Saif by stranich kit there, we don’t get to try that famous fried chicken!”
Charles froze for a moment, then laughed out loud.
Well, you’re always welcome for a piece of fried chicken. Anyone who’s a friend of Dr. Schmidt is a friend of mine. Friends are always welcome, and you can come over whenever you want.”
Harriet laughed with him. “Then it’s settled. The next time I’m off, I’ll be there for dinner
They chatted a little longer until it was almost time for work. Charles waved goodbye, climbed into his car, and drove away.
Myrtle’s face turned pink as she whispered, “Dr. Davis, you’re so bold. I could never say something like that. I’d just freeze up.”
Harriet tilted her head proudly. “It’s nothing. Mr. Charles has seen so much in life, he won’t mind at all. And everyone keeps talking about being open–minded these days. You don’t have to be so timid. We’re doing nothing wrong here.”
Even with Harriet’s confidence, Myrtle still couldn’t picture herself doing the same thing.
Harriet wrapped her arm around Evelyn’s and pulled her along. “Come on, you said you had rounds this
you out.” afternoon. Don’t be late, or Dr. Cook will chew
Evelyn nodded and let Harriet guide her. They wandered around the first floor before heading back to Rowan’s office.
As soon as they stepped inside, Rowan’s expression darkened.
He glared at Evelyn, his voice sharp and heavy. “Get over here. Now.”
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