Page 69 of Charlie
“How long did it last?”
“It was daily while I lived at home and after I started college it slowed down to whenever I was home on vacation. But then she and her husband moved away when I was twenty.
“And after her?”
“There was a personal trainer at my gym. She was in her thirties and going through a divorce. I was a fun distraction, I suppose. I’ve never been good at connecting with women my own age, but older women, they…”
“They what?”
“They are more aggressive and know what they want. With them there was never any pressure of going on dates or trying to impress them with my dance moves. They didn’t want my kids, money, or my love. All they wanted was to have fun without a commitment. It would be a bottle of wine, some casual talk, and sex. That was it!”
“But you said that you loved morning sex. That would imply you’ve spent the night with some of your lovers.”
“There were a few weekend trips with the divorcee.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Are you sure that you’re okay hearing about this?”
“Of course. I want to get to know you better. I can only do that if you tell me about your life.”
Charles kissed my left breast and sucked on my nipple. “Well, in my case, I don’t mind that you have a past, just as long as you agree that I’m your future.”
Warm smiles and unspoken promises passed between us and then he rolled over to sit on the edge of the bed, reaching for his clothes.
“I couldn’t sleep last night.”
“Why not?” I watched him put on his shirt.
“Something crazy happened after you went to bed. I was with Conor when a couple of detectives came to question him about Nathan’s mom, Sandra. She used to be a member of the mastermind group.”
My whole body stiffened and I was happy he had his back to me and couldn’t see it.
“It was a father and daughter, as Irish as you can imagine. Red hair and strong brogue.”
“What did they want to know?”
Charles turned to me. “They more or less insinuated that Conor had been involved in Sandra’s suicide. It turned out that Conor and Sandra were married and from the way Ciara reacted, I’d say that she had no idea.”
“Conor was married to Sandra?”
“Yes.”
“That must have been a blow to Ciara. I mean, Conor and she have two boys together, but he hasn’t married her.”
“I know. It’s weird.” Getting up, Charles closed his pants. “But either way, the detectives had it wrong and they left when they couldn’t prove anything.”
“No wonder you couldn’t sleep. What if there’s something to their accusations?”
“There’s not!” Charles’ tone was firm. “I shouldn’t have told you. Now you’ll have a bad impression of Conor but he’s the kindest, most thoughtful guy you’ll ever know. He’d never do anything to hurt a person. Especially not a member of his group. We’re family to him.”
“If he didn’t do it, he’ll have nothing to worry about.” I picked up my shorts and t-shirt and changed the subject. “I was hoping for a shower.”
“It’s down the hallway. Come on, let me show you.”
When I was in the bathroom with the door locked, I let the water run and called up Kit.
“Hello.”
