Page 25 of Small City Heart
Chapter Seven
“You’re fucking that up, kid,” Joe said, cuffing Charlie’s shoulder.
None of the other men in the group seemed to get what Joe was referencing. None of them knew the silver fox was bisexual, so they probably didn’t expect him to have insight into Charlie’s love life, but Charlie understood. Patrick was walking away, and it was because of him.
“I don’t know what I did wrong.”
Joe shrugged. “With a pretty boy like that? Could be anything.”
Charlie groaned. “You’re an asshole.”
“Yep.” Joe gripped the back of Charlie’s neck and walked him a few steps away from the crowd. “He’s getting away.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing.”
“Your big kitten eyes tell me something different.”
“He’s going back to Chicago in two days. My kitten eyes are too big for my kitten stomach. They want more than he can give.”
That was typical Charlie—wanting attention and affection and permanence from someone who wasn’t able to deliver.
Joe laughed. “If you’re telling me you want more than a screw, then I’d say you’re correct. He left Small City for a reason. I doubt your firefighter muscles are gonna reel him back.”
“Jerk.”
“Guilty.”
Charlie smiled and shook his head. Joe had worked with Charlie’s ex, and now that he didn’t see him as often, he missed the guy’s irreverence.
“I better go,” Charlie said.
Joe nodded, his brows knitting. “Listen, kid. There’s nothing wrong with living in Small City. Yeah, some guys run off to big places and their lives seem huge and exciting. But life is what you make it. There’s nothing shameful in building your life in a place like this.”
“I know.” Charlie loved Small City. It was his home, but he understood why it didn’t work for everyone. “Thank you.”
Charlie wasn’t able to catch back up with Patrick until the night was almost over. A few of his fellow firefighters waylaid him as they were trying to sweet talk the ice cream judging committee. Then he couldn’t seem to pin Patrick down as he circulated with Veronica, flitting from group to group.
Normally, Charlie wouldn’t have been concerned about inserting himself into those conversations. He wasn’t that shy and could mingle with the best of them, but the one time he got close, Patrick shot him a frown and Charlie chickened out.
It wasn’t until the sun had gone down and Patrick was heading to the parking lot with his mom that Charlie decided he’d had enough waiting around.
“Patrick!” he shouted across the gravel lot. Patrick turned slowly and glared as Charlie got closer. “You’re leaving already?” The cookout was still hopping.
“It’s me. I’ve had enough reminiscing for the day,” Veronica said with a strained smile. The tension around her eyes was clear as day, and he was thankful Patrick was here for her this weekend.
“I understand,” Charlie said.
Veronica’s smile tipped up a little as she glanced between him and Patrick. “Why don’t you stay for a while longer, Patrick? You can catch up with Charlie. He can give you a ride home.”
“I’d be happy to,” Charlie said, jumping in.
Patrick swiveled toward Veronica and narrowed his eyes at her. She smiled serenely back. He appeared to weigh his options for several seconds before his shoulders dropped and a barely there smile tipped his lips.
“Okay,” he said to Charlie. “But no funny business.”
Veronica cackled. “I don’t want to hear about your funny business, kiddo.” She kissed Patrick on the cheek. “See you at home. Text me if you’re going to be late. Or, you know, not present at all.”
Patrick huffed, but he was smiling as his mom pulled out of her parking spot and drove away. Charlie led him over to his pickup and dropped the tailgate so they could sit.
