Chapter 430

“Come sit, Sweetie.” Lavinia’s voice was warm and inviting.
“Okay.” Charlotte sat down, setting her backpack on her lap and folding her hands neatly. Her face was small and delicate, all innocence and quiet manners.
“Here, take a look and see what kind of tea you want.” Lavinia grabbed her iPad and scooted over to sit right next to Charlotte, flashing her a friendly smile. “Bubble tea, milkshake, fruit tea… whatever you like.”
“Anything’s fine.” Charlotte glanced at Lavinia, her cheeks a little pink. The woman was so gentle and pretty, it made her feel a little out of place.
Lavinia usually didn’t drink these kinds of sweet drinks herself, so she had no clue what Charlotte might like. But since Charlotte said she was fine with anything, Lavinia just assumed she must like all of them.
So why not just get everything?
“Waiter, can we get one of every kind, every flavor?”
Heads from other tables swiveled their way, and the waiter froze, looking completely stunned. That was probably dozens of drinks.
Charlotte nearly choked on her water. “No, really, you don’t have to do that. Just lemon water for me, please.”
“I’ll have lemon water too, then.” Lavinia set the iPad aside but stayed close, her chin resting in her hand as she looked at Charlotte. “Sweetie, is it alright if I sit by you?”
Yeah, that’s fine.”
“Thank you.” Lavinia grinned and inched even closer, looking like she could barely hide her excitement.
“Sweetie, about the other day… thank you. You really saved our driver’s life. And you helped make sure my injury didn’t get infected.”
“I was just doing what anyone would do.” Charlotte took tiny, careful sips of her lemon water, looking every bit the model student.
Lavinia couldn’t help but stare. She was honestly jealous. Other people had sweet, adorable daughters. Why didn’t she? Her son was always scowling and never cute or affectionate.
Charlotte noticed the stare and blinked, then gave a tiny cough. “Was there something else?”
“There is, actually.” Lavinia smiled, but her voice turned gentle and a little hesitant Sweetie, my husband and have always wanted a
daughter. But all we have is our one son.”
“The day I met you… I just thought you were wonderful.” Lavinia’s cheeks turned a little red, and she looked almost shy. “If could have a daughter as smart and beautiful as you, that would be amazing.”
Charlotte just stared at her, a little lost.
“Please don’t get me wrong.” Lavinia rushed to explain. “We honestly just like you a
lot. We were hoping you might want to be our goddaughter.”
Goddaughter?
Her own dad didn’t want her, but this woman was treating her like something precious.
Charlotte pressed her lips together, a tiny, bitter smile flickering on her face. Her eyes flashed with a hint of self-mockery.
“Sweetie, you can think about it. If it
feels weird or you’re not
comfortable, that’s totally okay.” Lavinia tried to lighten the mood “Oh, and by the way, I have a nephew at Vanguard High too. I should
introduce you sometime.”
“He’s actually pretty handsome… If you’re ever free, you could both come over and hang out at my place.”
Charlotte couldn’t help thinking Lavinia was trying to set her up with more than just a new family.
“Alright, Sweetie. I won’t keep you from class.” Lavinia checked the time and stood up. “We can meet up again whenever you’re free.”
“Okay.” Charlotte nodded.
It was strange. She usually hated being close to strangers, but there was something about this beautiful lady that felt so familiar and warm. She didn’t want to pull away. “Good, see you next time.”
When Charlotte nodded, Lavinia could tell she wasn’t saying no. Becoming her goddaughter just might work out after all.
And as for Andrew… there would be plenty of chances.