Chapter Five
Donnie didn’t sleep well. Memories of Nate, high school, and Charlie kept his mind on overdrive.
He couldn’t go back in time and change what happened, but he needed to make things right with Charlie.
She was getting married, and he would be going back to Coronado.
Their lives were not going to be entwined, but his dad was right. They had both loved Nate.
His phone buzzed and he picked it up off the bedside table, seeing a message from Steve.
Steve: Yankees got lucky last night. Don’t get used to it. How’s home treating you?
Steve: Skilled my ass! Diane wanted a tea. Caught up with any high school sweethearts?
Donnie shook his head. If only Steve knew.
Donnie: It’s been a long time since high school. Everyone has moved on. Is Diane OK?
Steve: She’s great. Baby is kicking, keeping her awake. We’ve been working on the nursery.
Donnie: Awesome. Can’t wait to see it. Boys all good?
Steve: Yeah. Dex mentioned somethings brewing. Might be traveling next week. Be prepared.
Donnie: Good to know. Thx. I’ll see you when I get back.
Steve: You bet.
Donnie looked around his bedroom. He’d been gone a decade, but it still looked the same.
Football posters on the wall. His awards and trophies displayed on the dresser.
A snapshot of his youth. Each time he visited, he offered to pack up his things, but his mom refused to let him.
She said his room would always be there for him, and she liked seeing his things in there.
He felt like he was in someone else's room. He wasn’t that carefree high school football player anymore.
It was just after seven. Normally he would have been up two hours by now and in the middle of PT.
He might be on downtime, but the routine was imprinted on his brain.
He could use a run. Climbing out of bed, he grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank from his duffel and slipped them on.
Picking up his runners, he quietly walked to the kitchen and wrote a quick note.
He stretched on the front drive and then started off in a jog.
It had been a long time since he’d run around this neighborhood.
As if on autopilot, he ran toward the high school.
He stopped and stared at the familiar building.
Not much had changed. There were a few portables now.
Not surprising since more and more houses were being built.
He jogged down the side to the football field.
The team were having an early morning practice.
He watched them, seeing himself and Nate on the field.
Nate laughing and busting Donnie’s balls when he missed a play.
Shaking the memory away, he set off again, picking up the pace.
Before he knew it, he reached Nate’s street.
He slowed to a walk as he approached the house.
He stared at the red brick two-story, recalling all the times he’d been inside.
Sleepovers. Barbecues in the back yard. Birthday parties. That night with Charlie.
He considered knocking on the door, but it was before eight. Better to come by later, showered and dressed properly.
Jogging down the street, he spotted a woman on the opposite side. Was that Charlie? He slowed his pace. Fuck, it was her. She wore a pair of sweats with a hoodie, had on shades, and carried a small backpack. He crossed the road and stopped a few feet away.
“Charlie?” She looked up. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. Excuse me. I need to get home.”
Her brow was furrowed, and her skin looked a little pale.
“Few drinks last night?” He asked with a hint of amusement, trying not to let his eyes stray to her chest, where the hoodie was snug over her magnificent breasts that he remembered so well. As if reading his mind, she folded her arms.
“So what if I did? It’s none of your business.”
“No. But I don’t like to see any woman walking alone when they’re unsteady on their feet,” he said honestly.
“Jesus, Donnie. I was just at Maddie’s. She lives right there.” She gestured to a house a little further down. “I think I can manage.” She moved to walk past him.
“Charlie. I really am sorry. I never mean to hurt you.”
“Well, you did. It’s done, Donnie, and I’ve moved on. Go back to your Navy ship or whatever. It’s all good.”
When she walked away, he fell in beside her. “Can we please have a coffee or something before I leave? Please give me a chance to explain. If after that, you don’t want to hear from me again. I swear you won’t.”
She stopped and glanced at him. With the shades, he couldn't see her eyes to gauge her expression.
“OK.”
“OK?” he echoed, surprised by her quick agreement.
“Come by the house this afternoon around three.”
“I’ll be there. Can I walk you to your door?”
“No. Go. I’ll see you later.” When she walked on, he didn’t follow, but he waited until she turned onto the driveway before continuing his run. She’d agreed to see him. He’d take that small win.
He spent the morning helping his dad do some odd jobs around the house before taking them for lunch at a local fish place they liked. His mom proudly exclaimed to anyone who would listen how her son had come home from the Navy for a visit.
After seeing them home, he walked the ten minutes to Charlie’s house. He knocked on the door nervously. Jeez, get a grip.
The door opened and Mrs. Weston smiled. “Donnie. I’m so glad you stopped by. Al will be thrilled. Come on in.”
Donnie smiled and followed her inside to the living room where Mr. Weston stood to greet him.
“Donnie, it’s great to see you.”
He shook Al’s outstretched hand, wondering where Charlie was.
“It’s good to see you, too, sir. I was sorry to hear of your health issue.”
“Oh, I’m all good now. Don’t you worry about that. How’s life in the Navy?” Mr. Weston gestured for Donnie to sit, and he did. They spent the next fifteen minutes catching up, but there was still no sign of Charlie.
“Is Charlie here?” he finally asked.
“No, she left for work over an hour ago. Did she not tell you? She mentioned she saw you,” Mrs. Weston said.
She’d played him. That’s why she had agreed to talk so quickly, knowing full well she wouldn't be here.
“I guess I got the time mixed up,” he said, not wanting to cause a scene.
He stayed another half hour before saying goodbye and walking back to his parents’ home.
Damn that woman. She was determined not to give him a chance to explain.
He had no idea where she had gone, and he didn’t even have her number anymore.
No way was he asking the Westons or his folks.
That would lead to a barrage of questions he didn't want to answer. Maybe he’d give Mackie a call.
His teammate’s tech skills could probably find Charlie’s location in no time.
“James Donaldson in the flesh.”
Turning at the female voice, he looked at Maddie, Charlie’s best friend, standing on a doorstep. Arms folded and a scowl on her face. She looked pissed.
“Maddie, nice to see you.” He liked Maddie.
Admired and respected how she’d always supported Charlie.
A bit like what Nate had done for him. Donnie’s black dad and white mom had made him a target of bullies himself once, but Nate had stood up for him.
Maddie had done the same for Charlie. She was a good person, even if right now, it looked like she wanted to kill him.
“Don't give me that bullshit. You got some nerve coming back here after breaking her heart.”
Oh, yeah. She was pissed.
“I didn’t know she would be here. I never meant to hurt her, Maddie.”
“Kissing her, telling her you wanted to date her? Then Nate dies, and you do a disappearing act without a word. You didn’t think that would hurt?” Her hands were now on her hips. Conscious he was standing on the sidewalk, he walked up the front path and lowered his voice.
“I was messed up. I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m not trying to make excuses. It’s the truth. If I could go back and change what happened that night, I would. Trust me.”
“I am so mad at you for how much you hurt her. She deserved an explanation. I get you were messed up, but it’s been ten years, Donnie. You could have come back before.”
“The more time that went on, the harder it became. I thought leaving was the right thing to do. Charlie told me to come to her house today, so we could talk. I wanted to explain and apologize properly. But turns out she’s already left. Had no intention of talking.”
“Can you blame her? Seeing you brought it all back. She’s hurting all over again.”
“I was hurting, too, Maddie. Still am,” he snapped, then held up his hands. “Sorry. I know she’s hurting, but I loved Nate, too.”
Maddie’s shoulders relaxed and she sighed.
“I should hate you for what you did, but I can only imagine how hard Nate’s death must have been for you, too. But you can't blame me for being mad. Charlie is my best friend, and you have no idea what it was like for her to lose both of you.”
“I can guess. Losing Nate was harder than you’ll ever know.
But it doesn't excuse how much pain I’ve clearly caused Charlie.
I really am sorry, Maddie. I should never have left this so long.
I realize that now.” He thought he had been doing the right thing.
He was wrong, and it was time to face up to what he’d done.
Maddie gave him a small smile. “I missed you. You and Nate were just...always there and then you weren’t. You guys left a big gap around here.”
A young boy appeared beside her, looking up at him shyly.
“Donnie, this is my son Andrew. Andrew, this....is a friend of mine from school.”
Donnie crouched down until he was at the young boy’s level.
“Hi Andrew. It’s very nice to meet you.” He held out his hand and the boy shook it.
“You’re very big.” he said.
“Andrew!”
Donnie smiled. “It’s OK. I am big compared to you. How old are you?”
Andrew giggled. “I’m four and a half.”
“Ahhh. So you’re still growing. You'll be big like me one day, too.”
Andrew looked up at his mom. “I’m hungry.”