Page 104 of Love By The Falls

Did I get played? Did Charlotte know it was my room all along?

24

Charlotte

A yellow-breasted robin flies into the wooden birdhouse my father built when I was a kid and nibbles on the seeds. It flies away when Charlie cheers loudly after my dad hands him a glove.

He runs up to me, punching inside the leather. “Look, Mom. Grandpa fixed it. He says it’s as good as new.”

I smile and look up at my father. “Thanks, Dad.” Charlie runs to the garage to grab a ball, my father watching him. “He’ll need a new glove by the end of summer. Those strings will only hold for so long.”

“I know. I’ll take care of it.”

Charlie returns with a ball in hand and my father walks back to the middle of the yard to play catch with him.

“Has he called?” My mother asks, pouring two glasses of lemonade, then setting the pitcher on the glass patio table.

“Who?”

She pouts, annoyed by my response. “You know who.”

I do. But I’m trying to avoid the question. “No. But it’s only been a week.”

“It’s been nearly two weeks. Not even a text?”

“He’s busy, Mom.”

She raises an eyebrow, but otherwise says nothing. She takes a sip of her drink while we watch Charlie play.

“You know, Jason’s been in town a lot lately.”

“I know.”

“He’s even come by the house a few times.”

“He comes to drop off Charlie.”

“That’s not true. He’s come by to see us even when Charlie’s not here.”

“He has?”

She nods and sips her drink.

“Are you going to elaborate, or do you enjoy keeping me in suspense?”

“Don’t be snippy, dear.”

“Mom,” I warn. “What do you and Jason talk about?”

“He mostly asks about Charlie. But he’s also asked about you.”

“And what have you told him?”

“That you are all by yourself and taking care of that child all on your own.”

“Good. Except, I’m not by myself. I have you and my friends.”

“Yes. But it’s not the same thing, Charlotte.”

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