Page 22 of Finding My Charming

Painstakingly slow, my dad raised his head. “You?” It came out as a growl.

“You started it, Dad. Not my fault you didn’t listen to your own number-one rule. Never underestimate your opponent.”

With one final smile, I turned and left his office.

Sherrie was waiting for me, still watching her phone. It looked like Mike knew it wasn’t over. He probably wanted to make sure I took credit so my dad didn’t target anyone else in his ploy for revenge.

I sat down, and she held out a hand. Without a second thought, I high-fived her.

“I’m sorry I embarrassed you earlier. I know you don’t like to seem as if you’re going after a guy. Plus, you have the whole necklace situation to figure out. I should have just left it alone.”

“Thanks, but it’s fine. I overreacted because Dallin made it seem like he thought I was coming over to see him, but I know he was just teasing.” I paused. “I don’t have much experience with guys.”

“Now, Elise.” She placed her hand on my arm. “You have no reason to feel uncomfortable. I’m sure he just loves the idea of you coming to see him, as he should. Any guy would be lucky to be the receiver of your affection.”

“Too bad I’ve met the perfect one, but don’t have a single idea who he is.”

After a final squeeze, Sherrie lifted her arm. “You’ll figure it out, dear. You’re a smart, beautiful, talented young woman. I have every confidence you will find your mystery man and live happily ever after.”

I watched her while she turned back to her computer and focused on the screen.

I wish I had that much confidence in myself.

Chapter 10

i walked through the front door after work and heard chatter in the kitchen. I stopped at the entrance and took in the scene.

Grandma sat on a stool at the island, glaring at Mom and shaking her head. “You have to tell her, Jules.”

Mom gave her a leveling look before focusing on stirring a wooden spoon around in a mixing bowl with a bit too much aggression. “I know that, Mother. I’m still trying to process it myself. How am I supposed to drop something like this on her with no warning?”

My curiosity finally got the best of me, and I stepped farther into the room. “What are you guys talking about?”

Mom jumped a little and gave Grandma another stern look before directing her attention to me. “Hi, honey. I had no idea it was this late already.”

I narrowed my eyes and looked between her and Grandma, trying to figure out what was happening. “So? What are you guys talking about?”

My mom opened her mouth, but Grandma cut her off. “I was looking through some old family books, and I found out something important.” She paused as if she was letting the words sink in, then she raised a single brow. “Something that affects you.”

My mind was running through hundreds of possibilities. Anything from someone’s death to finally realizing I wasn’t actually a member of this family.

Wait, she found something in an old family book?

“Okay? What is it?”

I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. Judging by the expression on my mom’s face and Grandma’s lack of sarcastic comments, I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what I was about to hear.

“I was looking for more information about the charm. I was hoping I could find something to help you find your soul mate.”

I was touched — and shocked — that she would go out of her way to help me with this. I assumed she’d be angry I’d managed to get myself into the whole mess. The fact that she’d been trying to figure it out meant so much.

Most of the time, I thought Grandma viewed me as a disappointment. I was her only granddaughter who she seemed to have to work to bond with.

“Thanks, Grandma. What did you find?”

She stole a glance at my mom before looking back at me with a grim expression. “It seems our foremothers had some restrictions. Whether it was based on the magic or by choice, I haven’t yet determined, but the bottom line is that there are rules and parameters with that charm that none of us knew about.”

I looked to Mom. I was hoping for some encouragement, but she was staring at the bowl, excessively beating the mixture.