Charmed by Charlie

by Amanda Uhl

“Why? He’s holed up with Charlie. You’re safe.”

  “Oh…no, this isn’t about those two. I need your help with George.”

  “What’s wrong? You want me to tell his mother where to go?”

  “Ha-ha. Very funny. I’m supposed to help George with his marketing budget for the grand opening. But Kitty-Kat ordered me in her office. I have a bad feeling I’ll be there for at least an hour, maybe longer. I don’t want to disappoint George. You think maybe you could fill in for me?”

  “I don’t know. Are you sure? George would probably wait for you if you wanted him to.”

  “Yeah, I know. But it’s not fair to George. Plus, you’re so good at planning events. I think you can offer better ideas than me.”

  “Well…okay. Where shall I meet him?”

  “That’s the catch. You’ll need to meet him at his home. George’s car is in the shop, and he’s making the family stuffed grape leaves.”

  Bernie groaned. “You’ve got to be kidding. His mother hates me.”

  “I’ll tell George to keep her in line. You only have to eat dinner there. He can take you to the shop to work on the plan.”

  “Oh, all right. But if I kill her, it’s your fault.” And, on that ominous note, she hung up.

  Bernie wouldn’t really hurt Yasmine. Would she? The trouble with Bernie was you never knew what she was going to do when provoked. And Yasmine could be provoking when she wanted to be. I shrugged and gathered up my stuff. The alternative was to tell George I couldn’t make it again this week. As if on cue, my conscience spoke. He’d wanted you to come on Wednesday, but you blew him off in favor of a clean apartment. I sighed and gathered up my notes along with the latest sales numbers. These days I couldn’t make anyone happy.

  Julie was on the phone when I got to her office, but she paused long enough to gesture me inside with a motion to shut the door. “No, I’m not happy. Hell, yes, I’m going to tell her. She’s here now. Yeah, yeah, I know all that. Gotta go.”

  Who had she been talking to? It didn’t take Julie long to get to the point. “Are you happy here, Valerie?”

  Uh-oh. I was getting the speech. What had I done? “Of course,” I said.

  “Oh? Because that’s not what I’ve been hearing.”

  My mind was a blank. What had Julie heard? My face must have registered a blank, too, because she explained. “My father tells me you are now to report to Charlie. He says you haven’t been completely challenged in your position, and he wants to give you the chance to stretch your wings. Like I haven’t given you plenty of opportunities.”

  “Oh…that…”

  “Yes, that!” Julie shot from behind her desk like a cat on steroids and stood over me, hands on hips. “What? Did you think I wouldn’t know? Like I’m too stupid not to realize that you have your eye on the prize?”

  “Julie, I…I had no idea Larry was going to ask me to work with Charlie.”

  “You expect me to believe that?” She flung her hands in the air, her cheeks red. “You’ve had your eyes on that man from the moment he arrived. Now, I put up with your shenanigans because I thought they were harmless AND I expected you to stay focused on your job.”

  “Julie, you’re wrong. I—”

  Julie interrupted as if I hadn’t spoken. “You would have thought with all that business with my stepbrother you would have learned your lesson by now. Apparently not.” She waved her pointer finger in my face. “I’m going to tell you something now for your own good. And if you’re wise, you’ll listen. A man like Charlie will never fall for the likes of you.”

  “Julie, that’s…that’s fine. I’m not after Charlie. I had nothing to do with your father’s decision to have me report to him.”

  Julie eyed me up and down, her face suspicious. “You know he’s not likely to stick around, right? After he saves the company with his brilliant schemes, he’ll move on to the next turnaround situation.”

  “Yes, I was aware.”

  “Good, because the Solanger family will never let their golden child have more than a fling with someone so obviously beneath his social status. Keep that in your head, and you’ll be fine.”

  Oh my God! Why hadn’t I put it together before now? Good thing I was sitting down. Charlie was part of that family?! No wonder he wasn’t worried about money. I was pretty certain the Solangers owned most of Cleveland and likely a good portion of New York.

  “You didn’t know, did you?” Julie was looking at me, her eyes wide. She shook her head. “How could you not know? His family has a palace on the lake for Christ’s sake. Charlie doesn’t have to be here. He’s filthy rich. He’s helping my dad out as a favor to his father. His dad golfs with mine every Wednesday.”

  She smiled suddenly, like the cat who caught a mouse by the tail. Now she was figuring out what to do with it. She reached out a soft white hand and patted my shoulder. “For someone who is so good with numbers, Val, you are so naïve about people. You’re in way over your head with Charlie. Leave him to me and do what you do best. Play with numbers.”

  She sat on the edge of her desk and swung one heeled foot back and forth. The effect was hypnotizing. “Did you know that he and I used to date?”

  “Huh?”

  “No, I don’t suppose you did. It was a long time ago. Still, can that man kiss. Whooee. I broke it off with him at the time because I wanted to date someone else, but I’ve never forgotten what we had together. He calls me Jules, have you noticed? The chemistry is still there. It’s only a matter of time before we pick up where we left off.”

  Julie slid off the desk and went to sit behind it. “Enough. Since you had no idea who he was, I suppose it’s possible that you didn’t ask to report to him. Remember that rich boys like Charlie might be infatuated with girls like you for a short time, but they get bored sooner or later. You learned that one the hard way. Don’t make the same mistake twice.”

  I suppose in Julie’s non-thoughtful way, she was doing me a favor. But I didn’t need her warning to stay away from the goods. Charlie Solanger was trouble with a capital T. I had known it the first time I laid eyes on him, and now it was abundantly clear. He was just another rich and handsome boy looking for a good time. Julie was welcome to him. Besides, I had George, I reminded myself. George. A good, solid, responsible family man. Someone who had to work for everything he achieved. Not some guy who’s never worked a day in his life. George was who I wanted, wasn’t he? So what did it say about me I couldn’t stop thinking about Charlie?

  “You don’t need to worry,” I said. “I’m not the least bit attracted to Charlie.” I could also, I discovered, lie with the best of them. Maybe I was like my mother after all.

  Chapter Twelve

  It was after seven before Julie calmed down long enough to let me out of her office. By the time I left, we were on civil terms again. She even reminded me to take my umbrella because a bad storm was on its way.

  As I walked toward the exit, I had one thought: stairs or elevator? I wasn’t sure if Seth, Deirdre, and Charlie were still in the building, and I didn’t want to run into any of them. Plus, I was trying to get in ten thousand steps. I opted for the stairs. I breathed a sigh of relief when I entered the stairwell, and no one was in sight. I made it to step eighty-two without any awkward encounters when my cell phone rang. Bernie.

  “OH…MY…GOD! How do you put up with that woman!”

  “Oh no. What happened?”

  “Don’t worry. I managed to restrain myself…barely. Do you know George only parts his hair on the right side because his mother likes it that way? And what’s the deal with Elias? George says his parents insist Elias take part in the family business, but Elias has his heart set on an art history degree. He wants to work in a museum one day.”

  “Oh…um…Elias does like art.” I hadn’t known about the art degree, let alone the museum. And George never discussed his hairstyle with me. Why hadn’t I noticed how he parted his hair? How strange to be learning about my boyfriend and his family through Ber
nie.

  “I have a newfound respect for George.”

  “You what?”

  “Yeah, I know. We don’t always see eye to eye but that’s because we’re both passionate about what we do for a living.”

  “Were you able to offer any advice for the grand opening?”

  “Sure, I did. But Yasmine made us discuss it over dinner, and she didn’t like any of my ideas. But what was amazing…George did. He agreed to invite a series of local musicians and to give away prizes like Spice Boys T-shirts and coffee mugs. I was so proud of him for standing up to his mom.”

  “You’ve got to be kidding. George never argues with Yasmine. Are you sure we’re talking about the same George?”

  “Sure I’m sure.”

  “What did Yasmine have to say?”

  “Oh plenty. She doesn’t like me. She made that plain. She asked me if I were a Jew in name only or practicing.”

  “She did not.”

  “When I told her I didn’t go to synagogue, she told me I ought to try her church some time.”

  “Oh my God, seriously? What did you say?”

  “Nothing, really. I told her I was happy with my own, which I do visit occasionally. Then George told her I was doing him a big favor, and it didn’t matter if I went to synagogue or not. That shut her up for a few minutes anyway.”

  I paused on step ninety-five. I was finding it hard to reconcile Bernie’s account of her evening with my George. My George rarely went against his mother’s wishes. And he never opposed her around the dinner table.

  “Val? You still there?”

  “Yeah.”

  “George made an incredible meal. I mean I know he’s always cooking for you but man…that man can cook. I ate my share of stuffed grape leaves and some. Then he brought out a fantastic dessert. Oh my God. The dessert was melt-in-your-mouth fabulous.”

  I frowned. “What was it called?”

  “He called it some L name…like libanya or something. It was a pudding but the flavoring was incredible. It tasted like oranges and vanilla.”

  “Oh wow. He made you layali lubnan?”

  “Yes. That’s it. So good with all those crunchy pistachios and whipped cream. Oh man.”

  I had reached the last step and paused to catch my breath. Someone was at the bottom. A man with sandy hair. Good God, had he been waiting for me? I took a deep breath, recalling Charlie’s words earlier in the day. Tell Seth what he wants to hear. “Uh…listen, Bernie, I have to run.”

  Seth held the exit doors open for me with a grin. I shook my head to let him know I couldn’t talk and walked through. He stayed by my side. The man had some nerve.

  “Val, wait. You can’t go yet. I didn’t tell you the best part. George offered to cater my sister’s graduation party.”

  I came to an abrupt halt, stumbling in the process. Seth held out a strong arm and caught me before I fell flat on my face. For a tiny moment, I experienced gratitude. I stood there, breathing in his familiar scent and catching my breath. Then I came to my senses. Bastard. I let go of his arm and walked toward my car.

  “Still there? What’s with the heavy breathing?”

  “Yeah, I’m here. I…I almost fell. I thought your sister’s party was the week before the grand opening? George is likely to be a wreck.”

  “We made a bargain. He’s going to cater Sarah’s party, and I’m going to help him with the launch of the store. I mean…that is…if you don’t mind…” Bernie trailed off a bit awkwardly, which wasn’t like her.

  I was quick to offer reassurance. “No. Of course, I don’t mind.”

  “Okay, good. We made plans to meet at the store on Saturday to go over all the items he’ll need to purchase and expected costs. Will you join us? Three minds are better than two.”

  Saturday I had promised my mother we would have lunch together and do some shopping. “I can’t. But don’t let that stop you. I appreciate your helping us out with the launch. You’re a good friend.”

  There was silence on the other end. “Bernie?”

  “Yeah?”

  I unlocked my car and went to open the driver’s door, but Seth leaned against it casually, blocking my entrance.

  “Bernie, listen, I have to run. Thanks for helping George out. Call me later and let me know what you guys come up with as a plan for the grand opening.”

  I hung up and glared at Seth. “All alone? Where’s your fiancée?”

  Seth smiled, displaying his pearly whites. “Jealous much?”

  I gritted my teeth. “Nope. But you’re so full of yourself you’ll never believe me. I have a boyfriend, remember?”

  “Oh, I heard all about your boyfriend. That’s who you were talking about just now, wasn’t it?” He crossed his arms on his chest like he had all the time in the world and settled against the door.

  “That’s none of your business. Now move away from my car.”

  He laughed, and the sound made my skin itch. Why did I ever think he sounded hot?

  “You know, for someone with a boyfriend, you sure are willing to pass him off to other women. Didn’t you learn anything from our brief time together? Men need attention.”

  I stared at him, dumbfounded. “That’s your excuse for cheating on me? I didn’t give you the attention you deserved so it was okay for you to get naked with my best friend? Get real.”

  Heat spread to my cheeks, but Seth appeared calm. He looked like he was enjoying himself.

  “I’m not making excuses. It happened. We’re both adults. I’m a red-blooded male. I’m sure you can understand how it happened.”

  “No, I can’t understand.” I flung my hands in the air in protest and ended up dropping my keys in the process. Seth casually leaned down and pocketed them.

  “What the hell are you doing with my keys? Give them to me.”

  “Not until you promise to talk to me.”

  “I told you I would. Tomorrow. Now give me my keys.” I stamped my right foot for emphasis. Seth didn’t seem to notice.

  “What did you learn about Larry?”

  “You asked me that at least three times today. I haven’t had a second to study the numbers in depth.”

  “But you’ve studied them. I thought so.”

  “Don’t get excited. I only glanced at them. But…you’re right. There has been some oddball expenditures. Our latest sales numbers have actually been up, but our expenses have been so high, you wouldn’t know it.”

  Seth reached a hand out suddenly and pulled me to him, catching me off-guard. He smelled of exotic spices. Before I could think or even have time to react, he placed his lips on mine.

  “Well, well,” a familiar, deep voice said smoothly from behind me. “That’s one way to get information.”

  Seth stilled, and I took the opportunity to pull away from his embrace. For the second time in the space of ten minutes, I couldn’t control the blood that rushed to my face. “What do you want?” Seth asked, turning to glare at Charlie.

  “I was hoping to head home,” Charlie said, gesturing to the black BMW parked directly behind mine. Nick, I recalled the silly name. “But since you’re both here, I might as well share the news.”

  “What’s that?” Seth asked with a sneer. He and Charlie clearly were not bosom buddies.

  “Deirdre was at the elevators when I hit the stairs.” He checked his watch and shrugged. “I’d say she’s probably exiting the building right about now.”

  “Oh.” Seth walked back toward the building. He must have remembered he still had my keys because he turned and threw them at me, saying, “I need to get going. Val, we’ll talk Monday.”

  Seth didn’t give me time to reply. He turned and cut a rapid pace toward the office. I glanced at Charlie, but he was watching Seth catch up with Deirdre, who had exited the building.

  Now would be a good time to scram. My alter ego’s logic was sensible. I picked my keys up from where they had landed and started to open the car door but was prevented by a strong hand pushing it closed. �
��When I told you to give Seth what he wanted, I didn’t mean play fast and loose with him.”

  The criticism stung. “I didn’t play fast and loose with Seth! It was the other way around.”

  Charlie acted like he didn’t hear me. “He slept with your best friend! Why in God’s name would you be kissing the man?”

  It was the tone in his voice that warned me Charlie was angry. This was a new, not-so-charming version of the man I hadn’t seen before. “I wasn’t kissing him. He was kissing me. There’s a difference, you know. Besides, when would I have had a free second to feed him information? You and Julie haven’t left me alone today.”

  I expected Charlie to have a rejoinder, but he did not. I eyed him. He was frowning. “I know what Seth wanted from you…but what did Julie want? She thinks her dad has dementia, too?”

  “Oh…no, of course not. Julie adores her father. She was upset.”

  “What about?”

  I looked down at my nonexistent shoelaces and up again at Charlie. His eyes glinted like hardened steel. The familiar scent of Dark Water drifted toward me. I struggled to think. “She had some…information she wanted to impart.”

  “About Seth?”

  “No, not about Seth.”

  “Then who…?”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake. You, okay? She doesn’t like me reporting to you. She warned me about who your family is and their…importance. She thinks I might take it into my little peasant head to try to engage your interest. She said she used to date you. Satisfied?”

  Charlie stared at me like I had a screw loose or at least a little rusty.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “Because I’m trying to understand why an intelligent woman like you wouldn’t be a bit suspicious about anything Julie tells you.”

  “Well, I don’t know…maybe because you’re a Solanger? Your great-great-great-grandfather has a statue in the public square. Your family donated an obscene amount of money to build a new wing at the science center. There are at least three streets and a dozen buildings named after you, and I think I saw your dad’s face on one of them. If I were intelligent or paid attention to the news, I would have made the connection long ago. Julie was doing me a favor by warning me to stay away. Not that I needed any warning. I was doing fine on my own. Now, will you please remove yourself from my car so I can go home?”