Page 14 of Finding My Charming

“You said that to your sister?” My mother shot April a hard look.

April crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. “Well, it’s true! Everyone at school asks me why she’s so antisocial and looks like a hippie.”

I looked down at my clothes and frowned. A hippie? I wear jeans and sweaters just like every other girl at our school. Wait–

“Antisocial? I was class president last year! And in five other clubs. I was friends with everyone.”

April jutted out her hip and shrugged. “That’s just what people said.”

Mom looked between us as if she didn’t know who to address first.

“April, that was mean, and your sister can use whatever she wants of yours. I buy it.” She gave April another stern look. “Elise, you look lovely. Your eyes really pop like that, and don’t let your sister get to you. You and I both know you were well-loved in school.”

I stood up a little taller and smiled at her. “Thanks, Mom.”

She smiled back at me and turned around. The second her attention was elsewhere, April and I both stuck our tongues out at the same time.

“Brat.” She mouthed it, careful not to let Mom see us fight.

I narrowed my eyes in my best attempt at an evil eye and mouthed back, “Baby.”

i was starting to get into the rhythm of working and had a greater appreciation for how many hours my dad logged. He seemed to me more of a phantom in the office than the boss. I’d catch glimpses of him going in or out of his door, but it wasn’t nearly what I’d expected. It was like having a normal job. The people in the firm had rarely mentioned anything about me being his daughter since the first day, which made me feel like a real part of the team.

The day went by in a blur of phone calls and files. Sherrie had to tap me on the shoulder and announce it was closing time. “You’ve been quiet all day, girlie. Are you okay?”

She looked concerned, and I felt guilty for a moment. I hadn’t meant to ignore her, but I actually enjoyed being busy.

“Yeah.” I smiled at her so she knew I was telling the truth. “I was just in the zone today.”

“At least one of us was.” She picked up her purse and waved before walking out the front door.

I took my time shutting down my computer and gathering my things. Even though the day had started off a little rough, it really had been a good one. It was the least karma could do for cursing me with a job.

I stepped out of the office and turned toward the side of the building where I’d parked. I dug around in my black hole of a purse for my phone, which had mysteriously disappeared into its depths.

I bumped into something and stumbled back. Dallin was standing in front of me with a dumb smirk on his face.

“Are you following me or something?” I realized the accusation sounded crazy the second it came out of my mouth, but this guy seemed to always catch me in my off moments.

He looked down and started laughing. “No, Elise. I’m not following you.”

I dropped my hand from inside of my purse, giving up my hunt. “Well, it can’t be a coincidence that we ran into each other.”

Still laughing, he pointed across the street from where we were standing to a small restaurant with a purple awning. The sign above featured a cartoon man sitting in a meditation pose looking slightly, well, mad. Huh.

“That’s where Mad Guru is?” I was still looking at the restaurant, but I could feel him watching me.

“Yeah. Didn’t Sherrie tell you it was across the street?”

“Nope. Don’t think so.” I finally looked back at him and caught him staring at me.

He cleared his throat and stepped back. “Well, that’s where I was coming from, and I was headed over there.” He pointed to a car a few spots past the office. “So, generally, I have to cross in this area to get to my car, but if it really drives you crazy, I can find somewhere else to park.”

I shook my head and looked down, letting my hair cover my blushing face.

“If you’re sure…”

I nodded and waited for him to leave. When I didn’t hear any footsteps, I looked up to see him watching me with a look on his face I couldn’t identify.