Chapter Seven #3
“How do you know, if you don’t give it a chance?” Her friend’s voice was soft.
“He apologized, but he’s not telling me everything. I can feel it.” It bothered her. “If it was just grief, he would have come back before now and made amends. I would have understood. But he didn’t come back, and he’s only trying to make it right now because we ran into each other.”
“People handle grief in different ways, Charlie. The man drove all the way to Toronto to apologize to you. He wants to make things right.”
“So, you’re suddenly Team Donnie now?”
“I will always be Team Charlie. Don’t doubt that.
I just don’t want you to regret not giving him a chance.
Whatever his reasons were for what he did, he’s sorry.
Maybe he’ll tell you it all one day, maybe he won’t.
He hurt you, but he’s hurting, too. He lost Nate, too. I think sometimes we both forget that.”
The words hit home. He had lost Nate, too. But they could have shared in their grief. She sighed. It was all so long ago. Maybe it was time to let it go. She just wasn’t sure she could.
“I’m sorry I stepped over a line, Charlie. He just seemed so genuinely sorry, and I thought it might be nice to have him around again.”
“It’s OK. I guess this conversation was inevitable at some point, might as well be now. I’ll go find him and call a truce.” She could do that. Be polite. “It will make things easier. Our families do both live in Albany. I’m sure we will cross paths again even if it's in another ten years.”
Why did the thought of that make her want to cry all over again?
***
FUCK. THAT HAD NOT gone well. Donnie followed her until she reached the lake. He wanted to give her a bit of time before trying to talk to her again. Leaning against a wall, he waited out of sight as Charlie spoke on the phone. Maddie, he suspected.
She had no idea he was watching her. The pink top she wore was low off one shoulder, exposing soft smooth skin.
Tendrils of hair played around her face in the lake breeze.
The white pants she had on fit snug, and although the top was long, he could see still the curve of her ass as she’d walked ahead of him.
The woman was a man’s wet dream. He had thought so ten years ago, and nothing had changed.
If Nate hadn’t died, he might be the one married to her.
Seeing her put her phone away and stand, he walked toward her. He’d known this conversation wasn’t going to be easy, but it killed him she was so upset.
As he got closer, she looked up. Her dark glasses made it hard to read her expression.
“I warned you about stalking,” she said softly.
“I know. I’ll take my chances on being arrested.” He stayed a couple of feet away, not wanting to crowd her. She turned, facing the water.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
He followed her gaze to the view.
“It is.”
“Have you been here before?”
“No. First time in Toronto.”
She was quiet for a moment, and he snuck a look at her face. She seemed more relaxed. That had to be good. Right?
“So here’s the deal.” She kept her gaze on the lake. “I’m never going to forget what you did. But—” He sensed she was trying to find the right words. He waited.
“But I forgave you a long time ago.”
“You did?” He didn't hide his surprise.
“Yes. I had to, so I could move on. Anyway, I don't want to keep going over it. I accept your apology, and I think Nate would want us to try and put the past behind us.”
Donnie’s body relaxed. “I want that, too.”
She faced him then and lifted her glasses. Blue eyes so like Nate’s met his.
“We’re not going to talk about what happened between us.
Whatever did or did not happen is in the past. I don’t understand why you left, but like you said, it’s done, and we can’t change it.
So perhaps we can draw a line and move on.
We’re adults and we’re not going to see each other very often, so I think we can manage being friends. ” She held out a hand.
Relief spread through him. Friends. He wanted more. Much more. But he would settle for friends. It was more than he deserved. Maddie must have rooted for him on the phone. He made a mental note to call and thank her.
“Thank you, Charlie. For accepting my apology.” He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. The jolt that went through him made him swallow hard. By the way she snatched her hand back, she felt it, too.
“You’re welcome.” She put her shades back on. “How long were you planning on being here?”
“Fly out tomorrow night. I’m due on base Monday morning.” Fuck, it was too soon. He already didn’t want to leave.
Several emotions crossed her face. She was warring with something.
“I must be crazy,” she mumbled, but he heard it.
“Charlie?”
“I was planning to do some sightseeing this weekend before I start at the embassy on Monday. Would you like to join me?” She raised her glasses onto her head and gave him the slightest smile. “Perhaps we can see if we can work this friends thing out.”
Donnie had not been expecting the invitation but didn't hesitate.
“I’d love to.”