Vancouver, Washington

Present Day

CHARLOTTE SIGHED AS she stared at herself in the mirror. Her face was pale—not unusual for her—but now her recent weight loss and lack of sleep caused her to appear gaunt, with dark rings under her eyes. She dabbed a little more concealer on in an effort to hide her exhaustion. She wasn’t dreading this date, necessarily, but it was her third in as many weeks, and the last two had not gone well.

“Charlotte,” her sister Vandi called through the bathroom door. “Hurry up. I have to go.”

“Use the bathroom downstairs, sissy,” Charlotte snapped. “Or Mom’s.”

“I don’t want to,” Vandi argued.

“Well, then you’re going to have to wait.”

“Charleeeee,” Vandi whined.

Returning home hadn’t quite been the respite Charlotte had been hoping for, unfortunately. She loved her mother and sister, but ever since her parents divorced twelve years ago, her mother had become a different person. Gone was the warm, loving woman of Charlotte’s childhood, replaced with a cheap imitation, complete with silicone lips and tight clothes, usually in some kind of animal print. Worse yet, Vandi was following in their mother’s footsteps.

Adding insult to injury, Grace had moved to Scotland and married Max, which was too far away for Charlotte to drive, and getting on a plane was never going to happen. Charlotte hadn’t been able to attend the wedding due to her fear of flying, and they weren’t able to get a Skype connection working in order for her to join the festivities online, due to no cell service in the tiny church. Charlotte never got to meet the object of her fantasies or join her best friend on what was the best day of her life.

I feel your stress, lass.

Charlotte let out a quiet squeak and then took a deep breath. She refused to allow her mental breakdown to manifest itself in the bathroom.

“What’s wrong?” Vandi called.

“Nothing.” Charlotte frowned. “Don’t you have something better to do than to stalk me?”

“Nope,” her sister retorted through the door.

“Seriously, Van, go use one of the other bathrooms.”

“I did already.”

Charlotte refrained from banging her head against the wall. She opened the door so she didn’t have to yell through it.

Vandi leaned against the doorframe and smiled. “Where are you going tonight?”

Charlotte added a little blush to her cheeks. “Out.”

“Duh,” Vandi retorted. “But where?”

“The Brass Frog.”

Charlotte was meeting the latest in a string of men she’d conversed with online in the Pearl District. This guy seemed a little less weird than the others, although why she was the one driving out of her way, she still wasn’t sure. She supposed she had to accept that chivalry was mostly dead, and being an independent, modern woman meant she was expected to act like one. Besides, Portland people thought driving into Vancouver required the same amount of effort as flying to the moon.

Vandi let out a snort of derision. “The guy’s not taking you to dinner? What a loser.”

Charlotte glared at her sister in the mirror. Vandi wore tight yoga pants and a leopard-print cami, half-shirt. Her dark blonde hair was pulled into a side braid that trailed across her chest, drawing attention to the push-up bra making her appear bustier than she was. She looked older than her sixteen years and that worried Charlotte no end.

“Well?” Vandi pressed.

“What?”

“Why isn’t he taking you to dinner?”

“Because I didn’t want to commit to a dinner,” Charlotte explained. “If I like him, we can set up another date. If I don’t, I only have to have a drink or two and leave.”

“Oh. Good thinking,” Vandi mused. “Although, I still don’t get why you’re bothering with online dating. You keep finding all the weirdos.”

Charlotte squeezed her eyes shut for a second. “Can’t I just ease back into life, Van, without the third degree? I haven’t even been back for very long.”

“I guess.” Vandi cocked her head. “You know, you could wear something a little sexier. Push the ta-tas up a little.”

“I know you don’t really understand the logic, Van, but”—Charlotte took a deep, calming breath”—I don’t want a guy who would want me just because I ‘push the ta-tas up.’ But thanks anyway.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing.”

“You’re sixteen!” Charlotte stared at her and shook her head. “You shouldn’t know either.”

“Whatever,” Vandi retorted. “Nikolai says I have the best body.”

“Wait, what?” Charlotte frowned. “Who’s Nikolai?”

“Oh, Charlie, he’s like the cutest guy on the planet. Blond with green eyes. He’s super tall and muscular, but not too big, you know? Just right.” She sighed. “I met him at one of the Skyview games. His cousin’s a cheerleader.”

“Does he go to school with you?”

Vandi snorted. “Um. No. He’s like twenty-two.”

“What?” Charlotte groaned. “You’re not dating him, are you? What does Mom say?”

“Mom says she wants to meet him and then she’ll make the call.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. What’s the big deal? Age is only a number anyway, and you know I’ve always hated kids my own age. They’re so immature. Nikolai and I have so much in common, and we just click, you know?”

Charlotte frowned. “I don’t like the sound of this guy, Van. Twenty-two-year-olds don’t go sniffing around high school girls unless they’re up to no good.”

“Please. He’s so nice, Charlie, you’ll totally laugh when you meet him. He’s not at all like that.”

“I worry that you’re going to get yourself into something you can’t get out of, and then where will you be?”

Vandi shrugged. “You only worry because you’re a prude. Maybe you should relax a bit and have a little fun. You’re way too uptight.” She shivered. “Wow, it’s cold in here.”

“Is it?” Charlotte asked.

“Yeah, like it just dropped forty degrees.”

“Okay, dramakazi.” Charlotte rolled her eyes, then glanced at her watch. “Shit!” She was late. “We can talk later, Van, I have to go.” Grabbing her purse and keys, Charlotte rushed out of the house and climbed into her car.

* * *

Sidling into the house two hours later, Charlotte locked up and headed to her room. She needed some Grace time. She grabbed her laptop, saw that Grace’s Skype light was on, and put in a video call.

“Charlie?” Grace answered, but all Charlotte could see was Grace’s leg.

“Hey, Gary. Have I caught you at a bad time?”

“No... but hold on a sec,” Grace said. “No, babe, I don’t want to sing for the Queen of England.”

“Are you sure?” Max’s voice sounded in the background.

Grace snorted. “You’re not funny.”

Max walked over to where Grace was and leaned his face into the camera. “Hi, Charlotte.”

“Hi, Max,” she said.

He handed Grace a white envelope. She opened it and gasped. “You were serious? She wants us to sing?”

“Yes, love. Well, Will and Kate do anyway. Fallen Crown has been invited to perform, and they asked that you join us and sing our song. The rest of us will play later on in the evening for the younger group. It’s a great honor.”

“It’ll be something entirely different if I throw up all over her,” Grace countered. “Wait. Can I refuse the Queen of England?”

Max laughed. “You can refuse anyone you like, love.”

“We’ll talk later, baby. Someone more important than the queen is waiting.” Grace sat in front of the screen with a grin. “Hi, long-lost friend.”

“I’m more important than the queen, huh?”

“Of course you are. I love you like a fat kid loves chocolate.”

Charlotte laughed. “Aw, thanks, babe. That’s a lot.”

“I know. How was the date? It’s late there, huh?”

“Not too bad. About ten. You’re up early.”

Grace nodded. “We have a few things to do today, so we decided to get an early start.”

“That’s just weird.”

Grace laughed. “It is for you, I know... nine a.m. is too early for any of the Whitmores.”

“You know us so well.” Charlotte sighed. “To answer your question, the date was awful.”

“Ew, really? Was he hot?”

“Why does everyone keep asking that?”

“No reason, Chuck.” Grace grinned. “I’m sorry it sucked. Um... why are you doing online dating again?”

Charlotte sighed. “I’m not anymore. I’m done. I pulled my profile down. I have a semi-blind date with Lucy’s friend on Friday, and if I don’t like him, then I’m going to be content to be a spinster.”

“Okay, Miss Woodhouse.”

“Boys are stupid anyway.”

Grace laughed. “They certainly can be.”

“I can hear you,” Max called from off-screen.

“I know you can,” Grace retorted, and then turned back to Charlotte. “Tough question.”

“Uh-oh.”

Grace smiled. “What was your reasoning behind online dating in the first place?”

Charlotte shrugged, knowing where this conversation was going. “I wanted the option to choose, I guess.”

“Charlie, not all men are like Blake Harris. Or your uncle. They don’t all cheat.”

“Jury’s out on that,” she grumbled.

“There are men in this world who can’t cheat.”

Charlotte snorted. “Right. Looks like Max sold you some oceanfront property in Arizona.”

Grace giggled. “Well, I know for a fact he’d never cheat on me. And if on the off chance he did, no one would find his body. Not a hair, not a fiber... nothing.”

“And I’d help you cover your tracks.”

“Of course you would.” Grace tilted her head. “How’s Don?”

Charlotte shrugged. “Radio silence.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep. We’ve texted a lot since I got here. At least once a day, but I haven’t heard from him in a week.”

“I’m sorry, Charlie. Do you think he just needs time to lick his wounds?”

“Maybe. I guess I thought we’d still be close. Silly me.”

Grace gave her a sympathetic smile. “How’s the auditioning going?”

“Meh,” Charlotte said. “I didn’t get that one audition.”

“Bummer, Batman. Did they say why?”

“Nope. They do want me to audition for a different part, though.” Charlotte smiled. “It’s bigger, so that’s a bonus.”

“That’s really cool. When?”

“Next week, I think,” Charlotte said. “What about you? How’s Scotland?”

“It’s actually amazing. Not that I’ve had the chance to see much of the country.”

“TMI, babe.”

Grace laughed. “Well, not just because of that, filthy gutter mind. Max’s property... ah, our property... is really secluded, and he has these magnificent horses that just have to be ridden, so we’re taking advantage of the clear weather while we can. I do have to go into Edinburgh to sort out my residency, but I’m waiting to find out when my appointment is.” She sighed. “Now if I could just get Niall to talk to Max, we’d be set.”

“They’re not speaking?”

“Not at the present time, no.”

“Uh-oh, what happened?”

“I can’t really go into detail, but let’s just say, Max did something out of somewhat pure motives”—Grace lowered her voice to a whisper”—but it meant he lied to Niall. I’m not sure Nye will get over it anytime soon.”

Charlotte nodded. “Lying’s pretty bad. Whatever the reason.”

“I know. But Max really did have a reason... it’s not like he wanted to lie.”

“You know, Niall’s pretty damn close to perfect, outside of the fact he’s far too good-looking and famous for me, but if he’s not talking to Max, I’m venturing a guess that Niall’s in the right.”

Grace snorted. “I wish I could say you don’t know him, but so far, Niall has proved to be nothing but amazing. Your assessment is pretty spot on. And on top of that, he’s super humble.”

“Sure he is,” Charlotte said, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

“He is. Seriously.”

“Well, since his incredible attributes are all conjecture on my part anyway, I will continue to dwell on my fantasies, as they always say you shouldn’t meet your heroes.”

“But you will meet him.”

“No I won’t,” Charlotte countered. “Not going to tempt disappointment.”

“Maybe I should set you two up.”

“Um, no, Gracie. I would never date the likes of Niall MacMillan.”

“I know, I know... he’s way too pretty.” Grace giggled. “Anyway, enough of that.”

“Fine.” Charlotte leaned into the camera. “Let’s talk about your number one single.”

Grace frowned. “Ah, no, let’s not.”

“It’s a great song.”

“It’s a Fallen Crown song,” she said. “I just do a little warbling on it.”

Charlotte giggled. “Okay, let’s go with that, weird one. You sounded great.”

“I sounded weak. He wrote it in his key.”

“Which you obviously worked around, because you sound great.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay. Compliment received... thank you.” Grace rolled her eyes. “Now, tell me about your most recent dates.”

Charlotte spent the next fifteen minutes laying out all the horrors of online dating until she could barely keep her eyes open. Reluctantly saying good-bye to Grace, she climbed into bed and let sleep take her.

* * *

The next day, Charlotte rushed into her favorite Felida restaurant, late again, and located one of her oldest friends sitting in the corner. Rose Alvers stood with a laugh and hugged Charlotte warmly. Outside of Grace, Rose was Charlotte’s closest friend. They’d met in high school in two of the classes Charlotte didn’t have with Grace and had formed a close bond.

“What’s so funny?” Charlotte asked.

“Nothing. I’m just so glad you’re home.” Rose checked her watch. “And only seventeen minutes late this time.”

“Oh, you are so funny.”

“So I’ve been told,” Rose said. “I have missed you! Losing Grace was a tough one, but I’m glad you’re back to take her place.”

“Oooh, I rate next to the great Grace Wilson... I mean, MacMillan.” Charlotte giggled. “Why is it people see us as interchangeable?”

“Probably because there was never a time when you two weren’t together. At least before you deserted us for fame and fortune.”

“Yeah, neither fame nor fortune was achieved, I’m afraid,” Charlotte complained. “I’ve come back with my tail between my legs.”

Rose laughed again. “Right. Because everyone looks at you and sees someone who often admits defeat.”

Charlotte grinned. “It’s a very badly kept secret.”

Their server arrived and took their order, which gave Charlotte a chance to take in the surroundings. “You know, sometimes I forget how much I missed this place. There’s just nowhere like the ’Couve.”

“Well, I wouldn’t miss the rain,” Rose said.

“Yes, you would,” Charlotte countered. “The alternative is dead grass and concrete buildings, which are both ugly to look at and impossible to sit comfortably on. I’ll take good ol’ Vancouver any day.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Rose sipped her drink. “Have you heard from Grace?”

“We talked last night. I had to complain about my date and then had to talk her down off the ledge about her new-found fame. She’s freaking out because her duet with Max has gone off the charts and now everyone wants more from them. You know her, she’s not used to the attention.”

“It’s a great song. Of course people want more.” Rose sighed. “I can’t believe she’s married to Maximilian MacMillan. He’s just so... so... gorgeous.”

“Meh,” Charlotte quipped. “I’ve always had a thing for his brother.”

“Of course you have. Drummers are your ‘thing.’”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “I’m not very good at hiding my likes and dislikes, am I?”

“That’s an understatement.”

“How’s your job?”

“Good. Lots of volunteers this year.”

“Awesome,” Charlotte said. “You and your love for people. I don’t think I’ll ever get it.”

Rose laughed. “No, I don’t suppose you would.”

Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Just that you’re the most reluctant extrovert I know. You hate people, but you love to perform in front of them.” Rose cocked her head. “Weird.”

Charlotte giggled. “Okay, you’ve got me there. Look, I may have a deep dislike for people, but I quite like persons, so as long as I have an ample amount of time to recharge every day, I can pretend to be an extrovert on occasion.”

“Yes, I suppose you can.” Rose smiled. “How’s the online dating thing going?”

Charlotte groaned. “About as bad as you’d think.”

“I can’t imagine being brave enough to try,” Rose said.

“Bravery isn’t really the right word... stupidity and desperation are probably closer to the truth.”

“Was last night one of your online men?”

“Yeah. He was okay,” Charlotte said. “Not nearly as good looking as his picture. Total Portland hipster dude. Not my scene. In a band, but has no life outside of it. No job, makes about a hundred bucks a week ‘gigging.’ He sleeps on friends’ couches until he wears out his welcome and then moves on to the next place. I had to pay for my drinks in the end because he realized he’d ‘forgotten’ his wallet.”

“Seriously?” Rose wrinkled her nose.

“Yep. He miraculously had a few bucks in cash that just covered his bill, so I am glad I didn’t have to pay for his as well.” Charlotte frowned. “But I’m pretty sure I caught a glimpse of a square in his back pocket, so...”

“What a jerk.” Rose shook her head. “I had thought about doing the online thing, but now I’m not so sure.”

“Go with that. It’s just not worth it. Last week, I got an e-mail from a guy who looks like Alfred E. Newman, no joke, and it just said ‘hi.’ Nothing else. Just ‘hi.’”

“Weird,” Rose said.

“And another from someone quoting Shakespeare. We e-mailed back and forth, and every line was from a Shakespeare play. No real conversation, just lines from whichever play worked in context. When he said he wanted to be my Romeo to his Juliet, I blocked him.”

“I’d have blocked him too. What a weirdo,” Rose commiserated. “Did he remember how that play ends?”

“What if that was the plan? Unfortunately for him, suicide just isn’t my thing.” Charlotte shuddered. “I pulled my online account down, but have one last date next Friday, so we’ll see. Although, he’s a friend of one of my actress friends, so I’m hoping he’ll be less of a... well, never mind.”

“You must tell me all about it. I’m living vicariously through you, you know.”

“Ew, I don’t know why,” Charlotte said. “Why don’t you join me?”

“On your date?”

“Yes. Well, sort of. I’m meeting the guy at Top Hat ‘n’ Tails. Paul and Davis are playing.”

“Oh, I heard. I can’t believe Paul Herman’s going to finally play.”

“I know! It’s like an Eagles reunion or something.”

“Actually, that might be fun,” Rose said. “I’ll call Kris and see if she wants to go. We can watch out for you and hear some good music.”

“That would be awesome.” Charlotte took a sip of her drink. “Maybe I should cancel and just go out with you guys.”

Rose laughed. “And make us miss out on watching you squirm? No way.”

“I hate dating,” Charlotte said. “I really wish there was only one person destined for us. Someone you never had to guess with. You’d just know and be done with it. There would be such a sense of security in it.”

“I didn’t take you for a romantic.”

“Yeah, me neither, but lately, I feel like there’s something more for me, you know? I just wish I could figure out what the ‘something’ is, but it’s illusive.”

“Charlie, you are one of the most resourceful people on earth. If anyone can figure it out, you can.”

She smiled. “Thanks, Rose. This is why I keep you around. You always know the right things to say.”

“I’m a sage,” Rose quipped. “We should figure out a time for a girls’ night. Just you and me.”

“Oooh, I’d love that.”

The rest of lunch passed a little too quickly for Charlotte, but with plans to meet up again in two weeks, she felt a bit more like she was settling back into life again.