Chapter Six #2
Charlie had the weekend to herself before reporting to the embassy on Monday and she planned to explore.
She loved this city. Friendly, there was always lots to see and do.
She looked forward to some sightseeing and taking her mind off...
everything. She didn’t want to think about Simon, the wedding, or Donnie.
A little ripple of guilt washed over her at leaving before talking to Donnie.
Maybe he genuinely had wanted to apologize, but the thought of bringing it up again after all these years seemed pointless.
He’d broken her heart. Let her down. She’d moved on.
Was getting married. Leave the past in the past.
It should be easy. Yet she’d never quite been able to stop thinking about Donnie and wondering what he was doing.
Hearing her phone ring, she grabbed it from the dresser where it was plugged in. Simon. She sat on the edge of the bed and hit the green button.
“Hi.”
“Charlotte. I’ve been tied up in meetings or I would have called sooner. How is your visit at home?”
Tied up in meetings all day and all night? With Dominique?
“It was good. I just got to Toronto tonight.”
“That’s lovely. You left rather suddenly. Didn't even say goodbye properly.”
“I sent you a text. I needed some time.”
In the few seconds of silence, Charlie pictured him pinching his nose to keep calm. He did that a lot.
“I’m sorry if I upset you, darling. I never meant to. I love you. When you get back, how about we sit down and talk it out? I want you to be happy.”
She fiddled with the charging cable. Simon’s mood swings were unpredictable. Today seemed like a good day, but she was getting tired of treading on eggshells around him.
“I want to work, Simon. I like what I do.”
“Then we can discuss that.”
“Are we going to discuss what I wear, too?” she added tightly.
A big sigh and then, he said, “Darling, I’m under a lot of pressure. I’m sorry.”
“I can't be someone I’m not.”
“I don’t want you to be anyone else, Charlotte. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I have to go now, but I’ll call you over the weekend.”
“OK.”
He ended the call, leaving her feeling empty. It was Friday night. Where did he have to go that was more important than talking to her? Early in their relationship when she had traveled for work, they would stay on the phone for hours, talking, texting, FaceTime.
Tired, she unpacked quickly and decided to get into bed with her book. She wanted to be rested and have a good night’s sleep, so she could enjoy a day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Her phone buzzed and she smiled at Maddie’s name.
Maddie: All settled in?
Charlie: Yes. I have a beautiful room and I’m settled in bed with a book.
Maddie: What? You should be out enjoying yourself.
Charlie: I intend to all weekend. I’m tired after the past couple of days.
Maddie: Did you hear from Simon?
Charlie: Yes. He called and apologized. He said we will sit and talk when I get back and work things out about me working.
Maddie: OK. You need to talk about more than just you working.
Charlie: I will. How are Dave and the kids? She typed, wanting to change the subject.
Maddie: Driving me crazy, just how I love it.
The jealousy was no surprise. She envied her friend and her little family. They were so happy and so in love. So different from what she and Simon had.
Maddie: I saw Donnie today. After you stood him up.
Oh shit.
Charlie: Well now he knows what it feels like to have someone disappear without a word.
Maddie: He was upset.
Charlie: Too bad. I hope you didn't take pity on him.
Maddie: No. But we did talk. You should speak to him.
Charlie: Why? What’s the point?
Maddie: What happened was a long time ago. You both loved Nate.
Charlie: Time doesn’t excuse what he did.
Maddie. I’m not saying it does. But I think maybe there’s more to it and I think Nate would want you to hear him out.
Charlie: Really? I think Nate would have kicked his ass for leaving like he did.
Maddie: OK. You’re right. He would. But I also think he would have calmed down and given him a chance to explain. Nate loved you both.
Charlie eyes filled. Talking about Nate was never easy. Her phone rang.
“I’m sorry if I upset you,” Maddie said.
“Can you see through the phone or something?”
“You’re my best friend. I just know.”
“Was he really upset?” She sniffed, grabbing a tissue.
“Yes. I was mad at him, but you know what? He took it. Didn't try and make excuses. He knows he did you wrong. I think he’s genuinely sorry and just wanted a chance to really tell you that.”
“I’m not sure I can.”
“You don't have to talk to him, but maybe it would be good to put the past to rest properly. Even before that night, you guys were close. The three of you were. You forgave him a long time ago. Perhaps the two of you seeing each other was meant to be. Clean slate.”
“I’ll think about it. It was a shock seeing him. I might have forgiven him, but it still hurts.”
“I know. I also know you’ve missed him. Despite what happened.”
She had missed him. He had been a big part of her life growing up. Charlie heard crying in the background.
“Shit. Rosys awake. I’ve got to go.”
“Of course. Go.”
“I love you, Charlie. Promise me you’ll relax and enjoy this weekend. You deserve it.”
“I will. I love you, too.”
Charlie lay her head back on the pillow, closing her eyes.
An image appeared of Donnie, bare chested and mowing the lawn.
Damn, the man was beautiful. He’d been hot in high school, but ten years had given him a look of maturity and confidence that made him even more attractive.
The slight beard gave him a ruggedness that was incredibly sexy.
She could still feel his lips on hers, his tongue, his hands on her face, her breast. Realizing she was getting hot thinking about him, she opened her eyes and picked up her book.
She was marrying Simon and not meant to be thinking about anyone else.
The problem was Simon had never made her feel that way.