In Charlie's Arms

11 • Smiles

Seraphina walked into work the next day with a bright smile on her face—one that was purely genuine.

She hadn't been called beautiful in a long while. The last time she heard the word directed towards her was when she was on a date with Matt. Even then she had to cake makeup on her face and carefully plan out an outfit in order to receive such a compliment.

But Charlie had called her beautiful, despite the bad hair color, baggy clothes, and sparse makeup.

The most attractive man she had ever laid eyes on had called her beautiful.

It was something worth smiling for.

"Well someone looks bright and shiny," her grandmother teased with a smirk as Sera made her way to the break room. "What are you smiling about?"

"Nothing," Sera beamed, hurrying through the door before any more questions could be cast her way.

She felt Krista's eyes on her as soon as she entered the break room, and knew that her friend was bound to ask any questions that her grandmother didn't get the chance to.

"What's got you all smiley?" Krista asked, smirking at Sera with a suspicious gaze. Her smirk suddenly dropped. "Oh gosh, please tell me you didn't somehow get back with Matt—seriously, Sera, if you did then me and Mrs. Edith will have to plan an intervention and get all of your family involved—"

"Calm down," Sera said, putting her palm out towards Krista to silence her. "It's not him. And I am not getting back with him."

"Oh, good," Krista breathed out, "I almost thought you had lost your mind for a second." She slipped her apron off of the hook in her locker and onto her neck, tying it around her waist. "What is it then? Or is it a who? Who is it?"

Sera opened her mouth to speak, but quickly shut it and looked away when her cheeks colored.

"Oh my gosh, it is a who!" Krista exclaimed, finishing off the knot at the back of her apron. "Who is it?"

"Sorry Kris, can't talk. I need to go start on the pastries," Sera muttered as an excuse, grabbing her apron and heading towards the kitchen.

"Oh, shut up," Krista complained, trailing behind her friend. "You can't just leave me hanging like that! Who was it? I haven't heard you talk about anyone except—" her eyes narrowed, a grin forming on her lips, "—it's Mr. Muscles, isn't it?"

Sera's silence was enough to answer Krista's question.

"Tell me everything," Krista implored, "like every detail right now."

"Kris, I'm trying to work," Sera said, flitting around the kitchen to get ingredients set out. She smiled to herself when she heard Krista following her around intently.

"I'm not going to stop bothering you until you tell me," Krista threatened.

Sera sighed playfully, giving Krista a bored look as she recounted the night prior in the least amount of words. "I saw Charlie last night and he called me beautiful."

Krista's eyes widened slightly. "Oh my gosh, so does he like you? Was he flirting when he said it? What—"

"Girls, I'm going to need you two up front today," Edith interrupted as she entered the kitchen. She had her hands tucked into the pockets of her apron, her eyes set on Sera. "I'll keep Miles occupied in here with me. After hearing about yesterday, I can't imagine how awkward it's gonna be around here from now on."

"Oh, uh, thank you," Sera murmured. The thought of Miles hadn't even crossed her mind—she had been too happy and giddy for it to form.

"Anything for you, 'Phina," Edith grinned. "Now, you gonna tell me what you were smiling about earlier? I haven't seen you smile in weeks." Her face turned serious. "Please tell me you're not back together with Matt the rat—"