by Leigh Duncan
Josh shook his head. “I’m sorry. Sounds as if you’ve wasted a trip. She’s out of town and won’t be back to work till Monday.”
Charity’s a no-show?
She drew in a sharp breath. The one contract she needed to land before the week was out—the only contract, in fact, that she was supposed to work this weekend—and the owner had pulled a disappearing act? That was totally unacceptable. She swallowed past a lump in her throat and tried again. “I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding. Let me get her on the phone, and we’ll straighten this out.” She punched numbers, her heart sinking lower as the call went straight to voice mail.
“Charity, Ms. Grambling. This is Charlie Oak. I’m here in Mimosa Key for our appointment. But the very helpful man behind the counter”—she flashed Josh a high-wattage smile—“says you’re out of town. If you could call me back as soon as you get this message, I’d like to meet as soon as possible. I look forward to completing our business.”
When she looked up again, Josh had leaned against the wall behind the register and was eyeing her suspiciously. “I told you. She’s on one of those eight-day cruises to the Caribbean. All the girls in the family went. Their ship won’t dock in Port Canaveral till Sunday morning.”
Despite her best efforts to keep it closed, Charlie’s jaw dropped open. She tsked and clamped her lips shut with a firm reminder that this was not her first rodeo. No matter what Josh thought, skipping their meeting was probably just part of Charity’s negotiations, a ploy to drive the price of her business slightly higher. It was either that, or Charity Grambling was certifiable because no one in their right mind turned down an offer like Favor’s. Nothing in their talks over the past months had even hinted that the woman was a nut case.
Across the counter, Josh shot a crumpled paper towel into a waste can. “Are you all right?” he asked. “’Cause you’re looking a little pale. Can I get you a soda or something?”
She gave him a studied glance. She didn’t believe for one minute that Charity was bobbing around on the ocean. The owner of the Super Min had to be close by. Could she convince Josh to tell her where his boss actually was?
“Thanks. Something cold and caffeinated would be wonderful, if you don’t mind.”
At the beverage dispenser, ice thundered into a paper cup, followed by a rush of liquid.
“What’s so all-fired important about seeing Charity anyway?” Josh asked, handing her the cup.
“Can you keep a secret?” She watched Josh’s face. His eyes darkened, his interest piqued. Hoping to get him on her side, she glanced around as if she didn’t want to be overheard. “Favor Oil is buying up all these little mom-and-pop operations and bringing them under the corporate brand,” she said, pitching her voice low. She noted the flicker of concern that carved lines across Josh’s forehead and knew she had hooked him. “Don’t worry,” she soothed. “Your job is safe. Once the renovations are complete—new signage, a store reset, that sort of thing—you’ll get your old job back and, if you play your cards right, maybe a nice little raise along with it.”
Confusion, rather than the eagerness she’d expected, flooded Josh’s face.
“I’m sorry,” he said, folding his arms across his chest, “but I’m afraid there’s been a huge mistake.”
“I don’t think so. Ms. Grambling and I have already agreed on a price and terms. All I need is her signature, and we’ll be done.” She sidled closer. “So, you see, Josh, it’s very important that I talk with her. Can you help me out here? Tell me where she’s hiding?” For just a second, her stomach tightened when a flicker of something she couldn’t quite decipher passed over Josh’s face before his boyish smile deepened.
“Look, as far as I know, Charity’s on a cruise.” His palms out, Josh raised his hands. “If she had other plans, she didn’t tell me. I’ll ask around, though.” Dropping his hands, he leaned in. “If I find out anything, can I call you?”
She rattled off her cell phone number, certain he’d deliver. “Or, you can leave a message at the front desk at the Casa Blanca. I’ve booked a room there for tonight.” She nibbled her lower lip. “I hope it’s an okay place.” The online photos had been so amazing she’d been tempted to stay all weekend.
Josh pulled on his chin. “I’ve heard good things about it. I guess we’ll both see if it lives up to its reputation tonight. Junonia, the restaurant I mentioned, is in the main building.”
“I’ll see you later, then,” she said, the hope of gaining more information outweighing an urge to cancel their date. Josh was witty, intelligent and, Lord knew, good-looking enough to get her motor purring. But his admission that he hadn’t even visited Casa Blanca, much less applied for a better-paying position with the island’s largest employer, sent a bright crimson banner straight up the ol’ flagpole. So, yeah, she’d meet Josh for a drink. They’d laugh and talk, and maybe she’d even flirt a little, but no more. Because, as hard as she’d struggled to escape her poverty-stricken past, she refused to get involved with a man who earned his living clerking at the Super Mini Mart Convenience Store.
Chapter Two
Charlie shot Josh a side-long glance on her way out the door. She hadn’t graduated at the top of her Columbia class or spent the last two years studying the heavy hitters at W&B without learning a thing or two about what made people tick. Her instincts told her that Josh knew more than he was saying. A whole lot more. She was as sure of it as she was certain the sun would rise in the morning. In all likelihood, the man knew not only where Charity Grambling had taken herself off to, but why, and what, the owner of the mini-mart hoped to gain by her actions. Once she got Josh to open up, she was pretty sure she’d be able to close the deal on the Super Min and move on, her grip on the ladder of success a little bit more secure.
So far, though, he wasn’t budging. No matter how hard she’d batted her eyes at him or how many times she’d toyed with her hair, he hadn’t caved. Tonight, over drinks, she’d try again. In fact, she’d devote the entire weekend to prying the truth from him if that’s what it took to get the job done.
Not that spending time with Josh would be a hardship. Far from it. There was something about him, something that stirred her to her very core, she admitted as she stepped from the relative cool of the store into the heat and humidity of springtime in Florida. He’d gone so far out of his way to help an elderly customer that the word kindness might as well have been tattooed on his broad chest. She’d caught the tail end of his dealings with the two youngsters, heard him offer the boys a way to help themselves. The confident air he’d shown in asking her out had never crossed the line into cockiness. Those traits alone set him apart from the type of men she usually dated, men who were interested only in their needs, their careers.
Maybe she should take that as a sign. Maybe it was time she set her sights on a different kind of guy. One more like Josh. It couldn’t hurt. Up till now, she’d been searching for her soul mate among the movers and shakers in the corporate world. That approach hadn’t gotten her one step closer to finding the Prince Charming of her little-girl dreams. Someone who’d appreciate her strengths. Someone she could lean on when things didn’t go her way. Someone who’d have her back the same way she’d have his. Lately, she’d grown so tired of being alone all the time. Of eating dinner in front of the TV because she simply couldn’t bear the thought of telling yet another maître d’, “Table for one.” She hated lying alone night after long, lonely night.
Was it possible Josh was the one?
She reeled back, shaking her head. Nah. If she’d been introduced to him at the office, bumped into him at the local Starbucks one morning, if their eyes had met across a crowded bar, she’d have been interested. But they hadn’t. Though they’d both come from humble beginnings, where Josh had settled for the status quo, she’d hauled herself up, climbed out of the red sticky muck, studied hard, worked harder and made a good life for herself. A man content to make a career out of ringing up groceries at a mini-mart—yeah, th
at wasn’t her idea of a soul mate.
Even if his looks were positively swoonable.
As long as she kept their differences in mind, though, it might be fun to hang out with Josh a bit. She had no doubt he’d provide a pleasant diversion from the job that normally consumed her days and the emptiness that filled her nights. Combining business with pleasure, she’d mine him for information while he played hard to get. And who knew? If they both happened to enjoy each other’s company, they could stretch the game out for the entire weekend. But things absolutely wouldn’t go any further than that. Come Monday morning, she’d walk into the office brandishing Charity Grambling’s signature on the dotted line, her time with Josh over and done.
With a plan of sorts in the making, Charlie slipped behind the wheel of her car and headed across the island to the Casa Blanca Resort & Spa. Driving onto the grounds a half hour later, she repressed the urge to whistle at the soothing oasis that stretched as far as she could see. Graceful palms and lush tropical plantings edged the wide pavered entryway. Through the trees she spied white, Moroccan-style buildings topped with red-tiled roofs. Even with her windows rolled up, she caught the scent of the Mimosa Key’s namesake flower wafting in the air.
At the entrance to the main building, an efficient teen opened her door practically before her car rolled to a stop beneath the portico. Offering assurances that the valet service would see to things, he hoisted her single overnight bag and whisked it out of sight. She stood for a moment, smoothing her jacket and trying not to gawk like some country girl on her first trip away from the farm.
How would Josh react to the resort he’d never visited, she wondered. She imagined his expressive eyes widening at his first look at the luxurious surroundings and almost wished he’d come with her. Not that he had anything to do with her growing desire to see what Mimosa Key had to offer.
Not in the least.
She shook her head. No matter how attractive she found the store clerk, she had to remember that he was a means to an end. Her goal was to get Charity Grambling’s signature on the contract. If Josh could help her with that, great. If not, maybe—just maybe—a stay at the Casa Blanca was just the prescription for what ailed her. A weekend getaway in the tropical paradise wouldn’t be so bad, would it? She certainly had the vacation time, time her boss had all but ordered her to use.
Her heels tapping on the polished marble, she crossed to the reception desk.
“Welcome to Casa Blanca. I’m Lacey Walker. How can I help you?” A scattering of freckles danced across Ms. Walker’s face when she smiled.
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Charlotte Oak. I believe you have a room for me.” Leaving nothing to chance, she’d called ahead before leaving the office.
“Ms. Oak.” Ms. Walker tapped a few keys on a discreetly hidden computer. “We’ve been expecting you.”
“Charlie, please,” she corrected, drinking in the relaxed atmosphere.
“Charlie.” A dimple in Ms. Walker’s cheek deepened. “And I’m Lacey.”
“There’s been a slight change of plans,” Charlie offered, giving in to the urge to stay awhile. “I’ll be in town through the weekend. I hope that’ll be all right.”
“I’m not sure…” Lacey’s voice trailed off as she flicked through one computer screen after another. “Bear with me a sec. Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, regret shimmering in a pair of dark eyes. “We have a large wedding on the premises this weekend. The guests and family have already begun checking in. After tonight, we’re solidly booked.” She tapped a pencil against one screen. “Unless…”
“Yes?” On her side of the desk, Charlie crossed her fingers.
“Well, we did have one cancellation. The Rockrose is available, if you’re interested. It’s a one-bedroom villa at the north end of the property.”
“A villa?” She had no idea how large a villa was, but it certainly sounded like more room than she could use. “You don’t have anything smaller?”
“I’m afraid not. You’d love it there, though. The Rockrose has always been one of my favorites.” A dreamy expression filled Lacey’s eyes for a moment. Straightening, she blinked. “But—if you’d rather—I can call the Fourway for you. They probably have a vacancy.”
“The place across from the gas station?” Charlie asked, dredging up the image of a sad little motel located in the bustling heart of Mimosa Key.
“Yes.”
She weighed the peace and quiet of the Casa Blanca against the run-down motel just off the main thoroughfare. The choice was an easy one, and she whipped out her credit card. She sped through the usual registration process, then lingered at the desk.
“I don’t suppose you know Charity Grambling, do you?” she asked, hoping to find out more about the elusive store owner. “I’d really like to get in touch with her.”
“Everyone knows Charity.” Though Lacey’s lips thinned the tiniest bit, she still managed a smile. “She’s a pillar of the community. Is it something important?”
“Not really.” Just my entire future. “I thought we had a”—Deal? Charlie caught herself—“um, business meeting. It must have slipped her mind.” A sigh she couldn’t prevent escaped her lips.
“That’s not like Charity, although”—Lacey sifted her curls through her fingers—“in all the rush, I can understand why she’d forget. Charity and her sisters have talked about taking a cruise for as long as I’ve known them…which is practically our entire lives. But you know how it is, just when you think you can swing something like that, the air conditioner needs replacing, there’s a wedding to plan or along comes a new baby. Six months ago, it looked like it was all going to come together for them. Charity made their reservations.” Lacey shook her head. “I don’t know what happened exactly, but a few weeks ago she was moaning about having to cancel the trip and lose all their deposits. Then, well, you’ll never believe what happened next.”
Hanging on every word, Charlie prompted, “What?”
“Out of the blue, someone picked up the tab, not just for Charity and her sisters, but for their daughters, too. I even heard all the amenities were covered, along with upgrades to three of the fanciest suites on the ship.” Fanning the air as if she might tear up, Lacey asked, “Isn’t that the sweetest thing?”
“Three suites for a whole week?” Charlie made rough calculations in her head. At the total, she whistled softly. “Somebody has deep pockets.”
“Whoever it was, they’ve been mighty tight-lipped about it. Most people would have said a gracious thanks and moved on. Not our Charity. It nearly drove her crazy trying to figure out who’d do such a thing. For a minute there, I thought she’d hire McBain Security in order to find out who paid for the trip. The next thing I knew, though, one of our staff needed time off right in the middle of one of our busiest seasons of the year. How could I say no? Even if it left us so short-handed that I had to fill in at the front desk. Not that I mind,” she said with a gracious smile. “I love meeting our guests and making sure they enjoy their stay.”
“It’d be hard not to in a place this beautiful,” Charlie murmured, disappointed by the news about Charity. What Josh had said was true, after all. The owner had departed for ports unknown and was out of reach for the time being.
No matter.
She’d hang out on Mimosa Key until Charity’s feet hit dry land, but the owner was in for a rude awakening if she thought for one second she could renege on their deal. Charlie still had a firm grip on the Super Mini Mart Convenience Store thanks to Favor Oil’s carrot-and-stick approach. On the one hand, it offered a sweet deal to cooperative owners. On the other, the company had sworn to pull its franchise from those who refused to participate. Without gas to sell to their customers, those who opted out would soon be out for good. Out of business, that was.
But it wouldn’t come to that. Charity would no doubt sign the necessary papers upon her return. Which left Charlie with only one more question before she checked into the villa that was hers for the weeken
d.
“I don’t suppose you know that nice clerk at the Super Min.” She took a breath. Her attempt at nonchalance had missed by a mile.
“Josh? He’s a good man, that one.” A guileless warmth flooded Lacey’s face. “He doesn’t come around nearly as often as I’d like.”
The reassuring words eased the tension from Charlie’s shoulders. “Maybe you’ll catch him this evening,” she said. “We’re supposed to meet for drinks in Junonia later.”
“Oh, really?” The tiniest hint of excitement bloomed in Lacey’s dark eyes. “I’ll have to let the chef know so he can prepare a little something special.”
The star treatment seemed a little over the top for a clerk at a convenience store, but Charlie brushed the thought aside. She’d grown up in a small town where going the extra mile for one of its own was accepted behavior. She scanned the expansive lobby, her gaze coming to rest on the tiny shop tucked in one corner. “Now that I’ll be here for a little longer than I’d planned, I’d like to pick up a few things. Do you think you could have my bag taken to the Rockrose?”
“Of course. I’m sure you’ll find everything you need right there.” Lacey gestured toward the window display of resort wear. “If not, I can recommend a couple of nice stores downtown.”
For the next hour, Charlie fleshed out her wardrobe in the upscale shop. Leaving her purchases to be pressed and delivered to her villa, she opted to follow a winding walkway that led beneath tall palms surrounded by tropical plants to the Rockrose. There, she wandered through the spacious quarters, stopping here and there to admire fragrant floral bouquets the staff had arranged in every room. Beyond glass doors, the calm gulf water sparkled in the late afternoon sun. Throughout the villa, warm colors and thoughtful touches turned the house on the north end of the property into a cozy hideaway. Her cares melted away as she inhaled the scent of Casa Blanca’s signature line of soaps and lotions, and she slipped off her shoes, eager to check out the resort’s private beach.