Unknown Divorce Revelation Beyond Time (Charlene and Thorne) novel Chapter 556

Connie grinned, shooting Charlene a playful look. “Just now, Mr. Ferguson said you should be more like him—he had no idea Gaylord was interested in you until recently, but now he’s figured it out. So, what about you? Did you notice?”

Charlene’s feelings were a tangled mess. “Yeah, I did pick up on it.”

But honestly, when Gaylord handed her that drink earlier, she hadn’t thought much of it. It wasn’t until she caught the way he acted around York—the way tension flickered in his eyes, that edge of jealousy—that she realized, belatedly, Gaylord might actually like her.

Connie laughed again.

Then, as if something occurred to her, she couldn’t help asking, “Do they know about your situation?”

Charlene knew exactly what Connie meant. “They know, at least a little. I’ve been married, I have a child, and I’m getting a divorce—I made sure to tell York about it directly. As for Gaylord… I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned it at work, so he should know too.”

The fact that Gaylord knew all that—plus the fact he was a few years younger—left Charlene genuinely surprised when she started to sense his feelings for her.

Connie nodded in approval. “That’s good. I haven’t known them long, but I have a feeling they’re both genuinely into you. Maybe you should give one of them a shot.”

Charlene bit her lip, looking down in silence.

Connie understood she probably hadn’t moved on from Thorne yet. It wouldn’t be fair to anyone else if she forced herself to start something new so soon.

She was about to say more when York strolled over, a plate of grilled meat in hand. He divided it between them with a warm smile. “Fresh off the grill. Let me know what you think.”

Snapping back to the present, Charlene didn’t want to brush off his kind gesture. She set aside her drink and accepted the plate. “Thank you.”

Right in front of him, she gently blew on the food and took a small bite. The whole time, York watched her, his gaze never leaving her face, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

Charlene noticed, and a hint of embarrassment made her glance away.

Still, not wanting to let his effort go unappreciated, she tasted it more carefully and then said, “It’s really good. Perfectly cooked. Thank you for going to all this trouble.”

Charlene hesitated, then accepted the plate. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” His tone was as gentle as York’s, and he, too, knew not to be too forward. “I’ve still got more meat on the grill. This is my first time, so if something’s off, just let me know, okay?”

Caught in the moment, Charlene could only nod. “…Alright.”

With that, Gaylord turned away.

York watched all this unfold but made no move to take the plate from her or stop her from eating what Gaylord had made. Instead, he said gently, “You don’t have to eat everything we make. Just have what you like—don’t force yourself.”

Gaylord hadn’t gone far. Hearing York’s words, he paused, then turned and chimed in, “Right. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to eat it. Don’t feel pressured.”

Charlene managed a small smile. “I know. Thanks.”