Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

CHARLIE

Grimsby, North Carolina, was a quaint little town nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. Magic keeps it hidden from human eyes, unless invited. It is home to several groups of shifters, including bobcats, red wolves, black bears, and elk. There is a creek just outside of town. Rocking Creek is a favorite spot to cool off in the heat of summer. Though the population is small at just 300—well, 301 now—the people are both fiercely protective and extremely proud of their home. It is a town where neighbors help one another in times of strife and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

Driving through town to reach my uncle's home, I glanced at the storefronts as I passed them. A ‘for sale or lease’ sign had me pulling over. I got out, approached the window and looked in. It was dim, but I could see what looked like a bar at one end. This was perfect !

Jotting down the number in my phone's notebook app, I got back into the moving truck and continued to Uncle Henry’s house. Since I would be staying with him, I'd gotten rid of my furniture, so all I had was boxes and plastic bins to carry in.

Still, it was going to take me until well past dark, most likely.

“You must be Doc Henry's niece.”

I turned at the feminine voice that came from behind me. I'd expected the woman to be alone, but no. There were several teenage boys with her.

“Yes. I'm Charlie,” I said, offering my hand.

“Ellie Kaufman. These are my sons Elliot, Jonah, Billy, and Toby. We live next door. Boys, help Miss Charlie carry her boxes inside,” Ellie instructed.

“Yes, mama,” all four intoned before they scurried around me to do as told.

“Thank you, but you don't have to do that,” I said, and she waved it away.

“We take care of our neighbors around here,” she informed me. “Rumor has it Doc Henry isn't doing so good.”

“Rumor would be right. That's why I'm here. When his aide goes home, I'll be here to take care of him.”

“That's good. No one should spend their last days in a home,” Ellie said. “Why don't you come next door for a glass of sweet tea while the boys unpack the truck?”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

“Of course,” she responded.

“Lead the way then,” I told her as I followed behind her. She led the way inside her home and bade me to have a seat. I settled on the sofa while she got the tea.

“So, where are you from?” Ellie asked.

“Valdosta, born and raised,” I replied as I sipped the tea. There was nothing better than sweet tea to a Southern girl.

“Ah, Georgia peach,” Ellie commented.

“That's me.”

“What are your plans for when you're not taking care of Doc Henry?”

“Well, I noticed Grimsby is lacking a coffee shop. It just so happens, I want to open one,” I replied.

“Oh, we definitely need one of those. Some days you just need that extra kick when you're running errands, you know?” Ellie said.

“Oh, definitely,” I agreed.

“Well, you let me know if you need any help getting things done. I can get you some help in no time.”

“I will. Thank you.” Just then, the boys entered.

“All done?” Ellie asked them.

“Yes, ma'am,” they replied.

“Whelp, I'll let you go then, Charlie. I'm sure you want to start unpacking.”

I stood and picked up my empty glass.

“Don't worry about that. I've got it,” she said.

I didn't argue with her. I just thanked her and left.

Hours later, darkness had settled over the town, and I'd gotten as much unpacked as I could. I was exhausted and hungry, but the only food in the kitchen was canned goods.

“Looks like I'm headed to The Hot Stone Pizzeria,” I said, stretching out my sore muscles.

Unhooking my car from the moving truck, I hopped in and made my way to the pizza shop.

Once there, I got a large ham and pineapple pizza and scarfed down half of it before I got a box to take the rest home. As I was leaving, it felt like I was being watched, but a quick glance around didn't show anyone overtly watching me. Shrugging it off, I headed home.

After putting the box in the fridge, I went to the room I'd claimed for myself because it had an attached bath and took a quick shower.

Tugging on my pajamas, the exhaustion from the day overtook me me, and after setting my alarm, I laid down. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.