Page 82 of Live Like There's No Tomorrow
“Oh!” Charlotte grinned at her. “Good luck. I’ve seen them around, but I don’t know them. It’s like they’re the new gang, and I’m part of the old gang. You should go talk to him,” she said when she noticed one of the guys was watching Angel and gave her a little wave.
Angel nodded. “I think I will.”
Once she’d gone, Charlotte got up and went to see Smoke. Perhaps he’d be able to tell her where Ben had gone. He looked wary as she approached.
Jack smiled at her. “I was wondering where you were. Where’s Ben?”
“I was hoping you might be able to tell me,” she said to Smoke.
He shrugged. “Beats me.” He picked up his beer. “Excuse me.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow at Jack. “Is it my perfume?”
Jack laughed. “I don’t think so. He can be a bit gruff sometimes. Plus, I think he’s a bit out of sorts. Laura’s disappeared, and I know he’s getting antsy; he thought the two of them would be married by now.”
“I can sympathize with him there, it’s hard to watch everyone else doing the things you thought you’d be doing a long time ago.” The words surprised her as they came out of her mouth. “Sorry, I don’t mean to whine to you. I’m grateful that Ben and I even have a chance again. For the longest time, I didn’t think we would.”
“No need to apologize. I can’t say I understand, but I can imagine. I think the two of you are back where you need to be now, though.”
Charlotte smiled. “I hope so.”
~ ~ ~
Ben grinned at Laura when they pulled up back in the square. “Thanks so much.”
“Don’t you dare thank me. It is absolutely my pleasure, I’m honored to be a part of it. And I’m thrilled that you were able to find just what you wanted.”
“I can’t believe you had it. I remember when we were kids, she used to show me pictures all the time of what she liked. I just hope her taste hasn’t changed too much. I know the old Charlie would love this, but I don’t know for certain that she will now.”
Laura smiled at him. “I’m sure she will. It’s a beautiful piece, but don’t worry if she doesn’t. We can always change it for something that she does.”
“Uh-oh, looks like we’re in trouble,” said Ben with a smile. Smoke was striding across the square toward them. “I hope I didn’t keep you too long.”
Laura laughed. “You were quicker than I thought was humanly possible.” She got out of the truck and Ben came around to meet her. She grinned up at Smoke when he reached them. “And don’t you worry about this big, jealous jerk, anyway.”
Smoke scowled at her. “That’s all the thanks I get, is it? I cover your ass for you, then come out to warn Ben that Charlie is looking for him, and I get accused of being a big, jealous jerk?”
Laura reached up and planted a kiss on his lips. “Aww, would you like a medal instead?”
Smoke rolled his eyes at Ben. “Do you see what I have to put up with? Sometimes I don’t know why I bother. Maybe I should just go find myself a sweet little thing who’d appreciate me and wouldn’t give me this kind of grief.”
Ben laughed as Laura slapped Smoke’s arm—hard. “You wouldn’t last two minutes without me now, and you know it. You can’t stand sweet little things, you need a challenge and I’m nothing if not challenging.”
“You can say that again,” said Smoke with a smirk. “Anyway, the point is you need to get back in there, Ben. Charlotte’s looking for you.”
“Thanks, guys. Thank you so much.”
He made his way back inside hoping that Charlotte wasn’t looking for him because she wanted to go home. He spotted her sitting with Joe and Gramps and made his way over to them.
“Where’ve you been?” asked Joe. “You can’t just go off and leave your lady like that. One of them pilots might make a move on her.”
Ben sat down beside Charlotte and smiled at her. “I think I’m safe. I don’t think she’d go off with one of them now.”
Gramps laughed. “She’d better not. We’ve all ridden the roller coaster with the two of you. We’ve suffered all these years alongside you. We’re all waiting for our happy ending. We won’t be cheated out of it now.”
Ben stared at him wondering if this was the moment. He looked at Charlotte then at Joe, and decided against it. This was Gabe and Renée’s day. It wouldn’t be right. “We’re working on it.”
Charlotte smiled. “And I’m hoping we can work on it at home. I’m about ready to get out of here, if you don’t mind?”
