CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX – PARTY FAVORS

As Tony lumbered to his feet, he paused, awkwardly patting her shoulder. "For what it's worth... I reckon you're gonna knock 'em dead tomorrow. Just don't go telling anyone I said so. Got a reputation to maintain, haven't I?" And with that gruff benediction, he was gone, leaving Charlotte alone once more with her ledgers and projections. But the crushing anxiety that had driven her into the office had receded, replaced by a steely determination. Tony was right. She'd worked too hard, come too far, to falter now. Whatever tomorrow brought, she would face it head-on. Rising from her chair, Charlotte squared her shoulders and strode out of the office. There were, after all, raffle baskets waiting to be arranged. And she had a show to put on. The night of the event arrived with an electric anticipation that seemed to hum through the very walls of The Rusty Anchor. Charlotte stood just inside the entrance, resplendent in a shimmering flapper dress, her hair styled in perfect finger wave