Chapter Sixteen #3
“Were you high school sweethearts?” Mira winked, grinning.
“No, nothing like that.” Charlie stared down at her drink.
“Sorry. We didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Sophie placed a hand on her arm. “You don’t have to tell us anything.”
Charlie sighed. She liked these women despite having only just met them. They all knew Donnie. Probably knew him better than she did right now.
“I didn’t mean to pry,” Kelly added softly. “I guess we are just surprised that Donnie has never mentioned you and yet, here you are as soon as he was hurt.”
“It’s complicated.” She gave a small smile.
“Life with these guys is always complicated,” Sophie said dryly making everyone laugh.
“What’s it like being involved with a SEAL?” Charlie blurted, immediately regretting it when the women shot looks between themselves.
“Sorry. I probably shouldn't have asked that.”
Kelly smiled. “No, it’s fine. All relationships can be hard, but being with a SEAL, or any special forces team member, brings other challenges.
They get deployed. Sometimes days or weeks.
Mira and I are a little fortunate that we know where they are and what they’re doing, but for Diane and Sophie, they don’t.
We can’t share, and that can be difficult. ”
“Yes, it is,” Diane said. “Especially with one child and another on the way.” She fondly patted her belly.
“Handling everything while they’re gone and just being apart must be difficult for all of you,” Charlie said.
“It can be tough and, of course, we miss them,” Sophie answered.
“But we’re not alone. We have each other.
While Diane and I cannot know all the details of their missions, it’s somewhat reassuring that Kelly and Mira are on the inside.
We know if anything was wrong, we’d be told.
For me, I know I would struggle when Ryan is gone if I didn't have these women to support me.”
“Right back at ya sister,” Mira said, and all the women agreed.
“But despite what they do, the risks involved and the time they’re gone.
I wouldn't change anything,” Kelly said.
“I’m proud of Dex, of all the guys, for what they do.
There’s also some advantages of being with them.
I mean, you have noticed how fit they are?
” Kelly smiled mischievously and Charlie laughed.
“Erm, yes. You can’t not see it.”
“Oh, yes. That’s definitely a perk. Those muscles. That strength. And they ooze confidence,” Mira said wistfully, clearly thinking about Tyler.
“Down, girl,” Sophie said fanning her with a menu.
Kelly raised a glass. “To our men and their hot as hell bodies.”
The ladies toasted loudly, and Charlie couldn't help but smile. They really were a close-knit bunch like Mackie had said. She was grateful to be invited to join this little group, if only for this evening. It was like she’d finally been accepted into a cool girl club.
“Was Donnie as hot in high school?” Sophie asked before taking a bite of her pasta.
“Yes. He and my brother Nate were on the football team. They were best friends. That’s how I know Donnie. He was over at our house a lot.”
“Were best friends? Did they have a falling out?” Diane asked gently.
“Nate died in a car accident when he was nineteen,” The table fell silent.
Sophie put down her fork. “I’m sorry. That must have been terrible for you.”
Charlie’s eyes filled with tears. It was impossible to stop them when she thought about Nate.
“You don't have to talk about it, Charlie, but we’re here if you want to.” Diane passed her a napkin.
“Donnie left right after Nate’s funeral, and I didn’t see him again until a few weeks ago.” She shook her head, dabbing her eyes and forcing a small smile. “Like I said. It’s complicated.”
She wanted to tell them. Wanted to know what they really thought about Donnie. Wanted to know what Donnie was like now. She wanted all the information they could give her. Taking a breath, she looked around the table at her new friends.
Then she told them everything.
Nobody interrupted, letting her talk. And boy did she talk.
She told them about the bullying, her crush on Donnie, and the way he and Nate always stood up for her.
She talked about how close they all were.
She told them about that night and asking Donnie to take her virginity.
Then came the word about the car crash, and the funeral.
And Donnie leaving. She even told them about Simon, about asking Donnie again for sex.
She told them everything, right up to her arriving here in Coronado.
Somewhere during her outpouring another margarita had appeared before her. When she stopped talking, she picked up the glass and took a long gulp.
“I’m sorry. You really didn't need to hear all that from someone you just met.” She blamed the alcohol for her loose tongue. What was she thinking?
“You needed to say it. We’re honored you trust us enough to share your story.” Sophie offered a warm smile.
“Absolutely. Don't apologize,” Kelly said.
“And holy shit, girl. That’s some story.” Mira raised her glass.
Charlie relaxed, toasting again with these amazing women.
“So, you came here as soon as you knew Donnie was hurt. You obviously care about him a lot,” Diane said.
Charlie nodded. “I do.”
“You love him,” Kelly said from opposite her.
Charlie nodded again. She did. Even as he was now. Scared, moody. She didn't care. “I do. It’s all messed up. He’s hurt, and I hate seeing him like this. I don't know what to say or do. I want to help him, but I’m scared.” She looked away sheepishly.
The table was quiet again.
“Scared he’ll leave again. Hurt you again?” Diane asked.
Aware everyone was staring at her; Charlie looked back at them and nodded slowly.
“Which sounds terrible, but I’m so scared of getting too close and he breaks my heart again.
I honestly don't care about how much sight he gets back. I know we can handle that together. I can even handle his moods. But what if he gets bored of me? What if he just leaves again? Or tells me to go? I wouldn’t get past it. Not a second time.”
“I think it’s perfectly understandable that you’re scared,” Mira said.
“What’s Donnie like? I mean, since you've known him?” Charlie asked. “I’ve missed the last ten years.”
Kelly answered. “I’ve known him the longest out of everyone here.
Donnie is... Donnie. He’s there for everyone.
Always. He’s kind. He’s funny. He’s close to his family, as you probably know.
He’s never mentioned your brother. Well not to me, anyway.
He’s always willing to help. His team love him.
We love him. But I imagine you’re wondering about ladies? ”