Charlotte woke at nine o'clock. She headed straight for the mirror. She was horrified to see bags under puffy, red eyes. Regretting she had forced herself to cry the night before, she began her makeup work. When she was satisfied with her face, she pulled on a brick-red dress and began dressing her hair. In hopes of making herself appear more like a younger sister, she French braided her hair down the back.

After pinching her cheeks for a subtle blush, Charlotte was very pleased with her appearance and stepped out of the small room located on the side of the lodging house entryway.

She had to admit that she was disappointed that Race did not live in a grand house somewhere.

Her plastered smile fell when she noticed no boys were around.

"Where on Earth?" she asked herself quietly as she climbed the stairs.

Opening the door to the bunkroom, Charlotte was more surprised than delighted to find it completely empty. Not only empty, but messy. Sheets were tossed carelessly onto the floor with towels draped over bedposts. A few pillows had managed to find their way to the floor.

Charlotte knew she would do better to find out the boys' schedule first, but she just couldn't help herself. Standing next to a bed, she lifted the mattress. She let out a sigh when there were only a few scattered papers. Moving the next bed, she did the same. Nothing. Moving on again, her thoughts drifted to Race. Which bed was his? Did he keep his fortune under his mattress? In a cigar box maybe? A smile suddenly cut into her face as she found a bit of treasure. At least five dollars were under a mattress. Charlotte was torn.

Suppose she took the money. She had only just arrived here so it would be impossible for her to continue her work if she was noticed. But five whole dollars! No. She couldn't risk losing the fortune when she had come so close. Perhaps just one dollar? NO! She couldn't take any chances.

Charlotte knew she had to remove herself from the temptation before she spoiled her years of hard work. Hard work of practicing keeping a straight face, trying to look sincere, and gathering the courage to flirt with men if necessary.

She walked briskly down the stairs and out of the lodging house. A walk would help to clear her head.

She had no more taken than ten steps when she saw a young boy about her age. A well-dressed boy. Well-dressed meant money. And boy meant that she could flutter her eyelashes and pout her lips and make him fall so hard he'd think he'd run into a brick wall. She'd done it a million times. One more wouldn't hurt. Besides, she wouldn't be in New York very long.

Charlotte sidled up to the boy. "Jona- oh! I'm sorry! I thought you were someone else."

The boy with blond hair and brown eyes (and a cute dimple) smiled at the flustered girl.

"No, that's fine. Were you looking for someone?"

"My cousin. I'm staying with him and he was supposed to take me to brunch, but-"

"What is your cousin's name?"

"Jonathan Jones. I'm Micaela Jones." Charlotte pretended to be shy.

"I'm Troy Matthews. Perhaps I could do the honor of taking you to brunch?"

"Oh, that's so kind of you!" Charlotte gushed slipping her hand into the crook of his arm.

Troy smiled at the beautiful girl he had stumbled upon. "Do you have any relatives here besides your cousin?"

Charlotte shook her head. "I'm new to this area. I'm afraid I don't know my way around."

"Well, Miss Jones, I would be honored to show you."

Charlotte gave a coy smile. "I would like that very much."

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