Read Online When We Fall by Emily Liebert - Free Book Online Page B

money?
Charlotte had attempted to answer their litany of queries, mainly Sabrina’s, but their thirst for the nitty-gritty details had been insatiable.
    â€œWell, aren’t you gorgeous?” Sabrina grinned broadly. Charlotte had speculated that Sabrina would be instantly envious of Allison’s undeniable physical beauty. That she would view it almost as a personal affront. Charlotte had also speculated that, for that reason alone, Sabrina would be desperate to befriend Allison.
    â€œYeah, right.” Allison sat down next to Charlotte on her tan Ultrasuede sofa, draping her gauzy orange-and-white-patterned maxidress over her tanned legs. “I swear I look better with a little makeup!”
    â€œI was serious.” Sabrina nodded, visibly captivated by Allison’s presence. “If this is you without makeup, we better watch our husbands, ladies.” Charlotte widened her eyes at Sabrina. “What?”
    â€œI love your dress!” Missy smiled.
    â€œThanks.” Allison sliced a sliver of smoked Gouda and reached for a cracker.
    â€œRichards?” Missy watched Allison covetously as she took a bite.
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œIt’s a clothing store in Greenwich,” Charlotte explained. She felt inexplicably protective of Allison.
    â€œThe
best
clothing store,” Missy elaborated.
    â€œDefinitely not Richards, then.” Allison laughed breezily. “More like Gap.”
    â€œOh, you shop there for yourself?” Sabrina asked interestedly. “I’ve never even looked in the adult section. I can barely get Gabriella to wear their pajamas anymore. Such a spoiled little thing. I’ll have to check it out.”
    â€œIt was cheap and it’s easy to throw on. Can’t go wrong with that combo, right?”
    Charlotte hid a smile. Most people were intimidated by Sabrina’s imposing personality, but not Allison.
    â€œI suppose not.” Sabrina turned to Missy and Charlotte. “So, as you guys know, Craig is out of town. Thank God.”
    â€œJealous!” Missy affirmed. “Isn’t it the best when they go away?” Her eyes locked with Charlotte’s and she looked down shamefully.
    â€œThe best,” Sabrina acknowledged. “Right, Charlotte?”
    â€œI guess.” She fidgeted with the stiletto charm dangling from the stem of her wineglass. Why was it such a challenge for these two to spare a little sensitivity?
    â€œOh, please, just last week you were telling us how blissful it was without Charlie around. You said, and I quote, ‘Is it terrible that I want him to stay in Chicago for another week?’”
    â€œYou did say that.” Missy nodded.
    â€œDoes anyone want more wine?” Charlotte shot up from the couch.
    â€œMight as well.” Missy’s wineglass tottered between her fingers.
    â€œI’ll take a refill too,” Sabrina offered, clearly reluctant to relinquish control of the conversation.
    â€œAllison, are you sure I can’t get you anything other than water?”
    â€œI’m fine with this for now, thanks.”
    â€œAnyone home?”
Charlie’s voice reverberated from the entryway, followed by the thud of the front door and Lolly’s paws clambering down the marble staircase.
    â€œWhat’s he doing here?” Sabrina’s face warped into a guise of disbelief.
    â€œHe said he’d be early, but . . .” Charlotte shrugged. Over the years, she’d become accustomed to tacking on two hours to whatever time Charlie had sworn he’d be home. In thebeginning, he’d been effusively apologetic, often presenting her with a bouquet of white calla lilies, her favorite, as a peace offering. Though, as time had passed, her unadulterated desire to be with him as many hours and minutes of the day as humanly possible had been crushed by her drive to hold him accountable for every second he was delayed.
    â€œHey, ladies.” Charlie