Page 71 of One Kind Hand

“The most fun ever.”

“Then ride the ride, sister.” Isabel gave Charlie a little shake. “Now put on your shoes and let me see the complete ensemble.” She whipped her index finger up then down in front of Charlie.

Charlie grabbed the knee-high black boots she’d bought and slid her feet into them, zipping up the sides. They had a slight heel and sliver buckles that were her favorite part. The buckle itself was a skull, but you didn’t notice unless you got close. Sure, she was expanding her wardrobe and improving her image, but she wasn’t about to abandon her love of skull-themed shit.

“Love it,” Isabel said, her smile wide and approving. “Charlie 2.0.”

“You really look great,” Jackson said.

“Thanks, guys.” Charlie drew in a deep breath and sifted it out slowly. She may not know exactly what she was doing, but at least she had amazing, supportive friends.

The doorbell sounded again and Jackson opened it because he was closest. Marco and Shaina came in.

“Is he here yet?” Shaina’s gaze darted around the living room.

“Not yet,” Charlie said, laughing when Shaina’s lips turned down in the corners.

Marco shook hands with Jackson. “Why do I get the feeling you and I are going to be invisible tonight?”

“Because we don’t kick bad guys’ asses with all the fanfare of Hollywood special effects,” Jackson said.

“Actually,” Charlie said, “Austin does his own stunts.”

Jackson rolled his eyes. “So do I.”

“Me too,” Marco said.

“Boys,” Isabel said, “you’re not in competition with Austin.”

Jackson and Marco looked at Charlie.

“What?” she asked.

“Aren’t you going to agree with Isabel, but then add on some barb to cut us down?” Jackson asked.

“Yeah,” Marco said. “You know something along the lines of ‘You’re a couple of Maplehaven country boys with no business comparing your stupid asses to Austin Rayhill.’”

Charlie shook her head. “Sorry. Not tonight.” She invited them all to sit. “Besides neither of you are Maplehaven country boys. Jackson, you’re famous among archaeological circles and have traveled the world, and Marco, correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t you a bestselling author?”

“Well . . . yeah,” Marco said.

Jackson nodded. “When we’re not being a couple of Maplehaven country boys.” He fist bumped Marco. “But seriously, where has the biting sarcasm gone, Charlie? You’re freaking me out a little.”

“Leave her be.” Isabel elbowed her fiancée. “She’s evolving.”

“And she’s rocking those boots,” Shaina added.

“And Austin actually said he wanted to meet you, Marco. He read your book,” Charlie said, sitting next to Isabel.

“He did?” Marco beamed a smile. “Awesome.”

“Now you might feel bad because you’re not nearly as attractive as Austin, but at least people like your cute little stories.” Charlie winked at Marco.

“And there she is,” Jackson said, making them all laugh.

“I don’t want to be unrecognizable to you guys,” she said. “I’ll be sure to throw in a few insults tonight for good measure.”

“It would make us more comfortable,” Marco said.