Page 89 of Must Love Bees
That would be a surprise. The last time his parents had called was to offer their condolences after Yasmina’s death. The whole conversation lasted maybe five minutes. “Anything else?” His chest was tight and the pressure kept building.
“I guess not. As usual, you’re all about the warm fuzzies, aren’t you?” She sighed.
“Goodbye, Lindsay.” He ended the call and tucked his phone back into his pocket. He couldn’t face the sympathy on Astrid’s face or the urge to draw her close. “Excuse me a minute.” His palms were clammy but he wasn’t drenched in sweat—yet. He rubbed his hands along the top of his thighs and stood. The back of his chair steadied him but he needed to stop this before it got any worse. With a deep breath, he headed for the downstairs bathroom.
He turned on the faucet and leaned forward to splash water on his face. It helped.
This wasn’t going to happen. Lindsay wasn’t part of his life. He’d made that choice. Why the hell would he let her into his head? She only had power if he gave it to her. There was no way in hell that was going to happen.
What the hell is wrong with you?His father’s words echoed, along with a host of others.Toughen up.
I’m ashamed to call you my son.
There’s no changing or fixing you, is there?It was harder to lock away his father’s words. He’d grown up with them, heard them until he believed them.Keep being this way and you’ll wind up alone.
He leaned forward and submerged his head in the cold water.
Your girls love you. Astrid’s voice echoed in his head.
He gripped the sink’s edge.
I love you, Charlie. Trust me.He wanted to believe it, to trust her.
There was a soft knock on the door. “Charlie?” It was Halley. “Everyone wanted me to check on you. Nova thinks you need a hug.”
A lump settled in his throat.
Another knock. “Charlie?”
He took a deep breath and opened the door. “I’m okay.”
Halley looked at him for a second, then shook her head. “No, you’re not. It’s okay to need a hug.” She stepped forward and put her arms around his waist.
His eyes were burning as he hugged Halley close. “You’re right. I do need a hug.”
She hugged him tighter. “I give good hugs. Mom always said so.”
“Your mother was right about pretty much everything.” He held on until the pressure in his chest eased. “Thank you.”
Halley smiled.
He smiled back. “I have some pancakes to finish.”
When they got back to the kitchen, Nova was standing on a stool wiping off the counter. Astrid had braided her hair back and was washing dishes. Halley warmed up his pancakes in the microwave and Charlie ate every last bite, letting the gentle camaraderie in the kitchen soothe him. He knew he needed to check in at work—he had a meeting in less than an hour—but he didn’t want to cut this time short.
“I think that should do it.” Astrid wiped her hands on the dish towel as she surveyed the newly tidied kitchen.
“Everything is clean as a whistle.” Nova gave Charlie a thumbs-up. “That’s what Aunt Camellilla says when she’s done cleaning.”
“It is one of her favorite sayings.” Astrid tapped Nova on the nose. “I had a lot of fun at our sleepover. I’m glad we discovered your rat monster wasn’t a monster after all.”
“Me, too.” Nova jumped off the stool and took Astrid’s hand. “You can stay again, if you want?”
“It’s weird not going to your place this morning.” Halley slumped in her chair at the table. “I mean, there’s always something going on or someone to talk to,” she said without any accusation or sarcasm. She was just being honest—until the Hills had stepped in, life had been quiet. Maybe too quiet.
“You and Nova and Charlie are welcome anytime.” Astrid glanced his way. “Even when your air conditioner is working.” She smoothed her braid from her shoulder. “I’ll go get my bag.”
The minute she left the kitchen, it went silent.
