Not A Small-Town Girl

calm and respectful. "Mr. Charrington, Miss Darling, your meal is ready. Please enjoy."

David nodded again, then said, "Open a bottle of red wine and bring a glass of juice."

"Right away, Mr. Charrington," the manager replied before stepping away.

Danielle’s eyes lit up at the mention of wine. She wasn’t much of a drinker, but she enjoyed a glass now and then.

The manager returned shortly with a bottle of wine, uncorking it with practiced ease. He poured a glass for David and moved to pour another-only for David to stop him.

"She’ll have juice," David said firmly.

in an instant. She frowned.

crimson as memories of her drunken behaviors came flooding back. The thought alone made her cringe. "That... that was

in his black suit, crossed his legs and swirled

sipping her juice reluctantly, but David didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he kept placing food on her plate, his actions thoughtful and natural. "How’s it been, settling back with the Darling family?" he asked after a

Dad, Mom, and my brothers have all been really kind to

expression for a moment. "Why did you try to bid on

remedy and

perform the surgery on your grandmother,"

a grin. "Great. Let’s go together in