The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

"Really? You'd do that for me?" Tristan asked.

"Of course! Besides, I exercise with my sister, and including you is just a call away," Charlie responded happily.

"That would be great, Charlie. Thanks," Tristan said. He leaned in, saying, "I'm still a little heartbroken you chose my brother over me. But I get it-even I love my brother."

"Haha! Tristan!" Charlie laughed. "You'll find the right person someday. Don't rush it. Enjoy life!"

"You're right. I've accepted that you weren't meant to be my girlfriend but my sister-in-law," Tristan said, winking.

At Tristan's words, Charlie's face turned red. She was about to get up when someone called her name.

"Charlie, can we have a quick girl talk?"

It was Taylor's mother.

Minutes later, Charlie was having refreshments by the pool with Savannah. Taylor still hadn't returned, which was unusual.

Savannah sipped her juice and said, "I'm sorry about last time. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, Charlie."

"No, I should apologize. I was being too sensitive. But to be fair, Taylor hadn't told me about Amber back then," Charlie admitted.

"I know. He told me," Savannah acknowledged without looking at Charlie. "It's not something he likes talking about. I guess he wants you to fully understand and... accept that part of his past - our past."

A chuckle escaped Savannah's lips. She said, "He really likes you."

"I had decided not to do a background check on you, but I spoke to your dean. Dr. Caldwell speaks highly of you, so now I'm curious about your family," Savannah revealed, her lips curling into a polite yet intrigued smile. “I don't know how serious your relationship is with my son, but if all goes well, I'd like to meet your family."

"Tell me about your parents-not their business or profession, but how they are as parents, as husband and wife," Savannah asked. "If that's okay."noveldrama

"Sure," Charlie responded eagerly.

"My mom and Hook alike," Charlie began. "I think she has the sweetest She loves to baby me

smile ever

and my older sister. Sometimes, she

would sneak into our rooms just to hug us. My brothers didn't O necessarily like being treated like children, but my older sister and I always loved our mommy cuddles."

Her smile reached her ears as Charlie continued, "My parents love each other. My dad is especially in love with my mom. He once told us she was 'the girl who got away.' That's probably why he goes over the top for their dates."

"My dad likes sports. He influenced us in that way, so we're all active in our own way. I love swimming; my brothers love skiing and

on,

basketball..." She went on and and at times, she didn't realize how carried away she had gotten. "It's just that my dad can be feally strict with us girls."

"You love them," Savannah observed.

"Yes, I do," Charlie said, smiling. "I can tell by how your eyes sparkle, and your

voice seems to smile. You love your family."

"Well, someone who values family is worth getting to know," Savannah said warmly. "I've planned a trip to

the nut plantation next wendet

The whole family will be there. Tristan keeps saying he wants to take you, so I figured I'd invite you. Are you up for it?"

"Of course! I'd love to," Charlie said, beaming. "I love nuts!"

"I heard. We can send some to your family too if you like," Savannah said while getting up. "Well, I won't take up much of your time. You youngsters have other things to do, while I could use a beauty rest."

Savannah offered a hug, and Charlie shyly accepted. When they pulled away, they were both smiling.

Taylor appeared out of nowhere, teasing, “I guess this means Charlie passed with flying colors."

"Oh, I'm not the difficult one, you know that, Taylor," Savannah said. She turned to Charlie and said, "Taylor's grandpa is the hardest one to please, and you'll meet him this weekend."

"And for that, Taylor, you'll have to condition Charlie," Savannah suggested.

***

Charlie was supposed to meet Governor Douglas Carrington the following weekend, but an incident landed her and Taylor at the police station.

It certainly wasn't her ideal way of meeting Taylor's grandfather.