Page 13 of Reckless Chances
“What a bum.” Charlotte shook her head and then plucked a rib from the plate. “These are addictive.” She smiled and took a bite. Charlie knew better than to say anything, but Charlotte’s cheeks looked fuller than the last time he saw her, and he wondered if there was a reason, a baby reason, that she was chowing down like it was her last meal. He sat with Charlotte and together they polished off the plate of ribs while he updated her on the Brewpub’s renovations.
“Still don’t have a name?” she asked.
“You know, I’m usually good at that kind of stuff, it just seems like such a big decision, so... permanent.”
Charlotte smiled. “Like a commitment?”
“I guess.” Charlie knew what Charlotte was getting at. He hadn’t had a steady relationship since he moved to Chance Rapids. Mind you, it was hard to find a girl who wanted to sleep in his van for those first few years. He glanced across the fire and breathed out his nose hard when he saw that Ethan had taken Serena’s place beside Emma. He shook his head. Emma wasn’t committed to Chance Rapids. As soon as things started to go sideways for her, once she realized that it was actually hard to live here, she’d move away. And, she didn’t strike him as the type who would be happy living the minimal life in his tiny home. He had resigned himself to growing old and turning into Chance Rapids’ George Clooney.
Charlotte tossed a wet nap into his lap and proceeded to wipe her hands clean with her own. “She’s single you know.”
How did women know these things?
“Looks like she won’t be for long,” he smiled and gestured across the fire with his beer.
Charlotte followed his gaze and then snorted. “Ethan? He’s a kid.”
“They’re probably about the same age.”
Charlotte squinted at the duo. “I guess you’re right, but she’s a million times more mature than he is.” She stood up, “And she keeps looking at you.” Charlotte elbowed him.
“She’s cute, matchmaker Charlotte, but it’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?”
Charlie couldn’t believe that women talked about stuff like this so openly. He wished that one of the guys had plunked their ass down in the seat beside him so he could talk about beer, snowboarding, mountain biking, anything but the pretty new florist. “First of all, we’re going to be business neighbors.”
“Perfect.”
“You’re the optimist,” Charlie raised his eyebrows. IF, and that was a big if, he and Emma got together, when it didn’t work out, he was going to have to see her every damn day. “And, let’s see if she lasts the winter. Women like her don’t last long in this town.”
“Women like her?” Charlotte crossed her arms.
Shit. He was digging himself into a hole – he probably should’ve just asked her if she was pregnant, it would’ve been less painful.
“I’m still here,” she prodded.
“You know what I mean.” Charlie tried to take a sip of his beer, but to his disappointment, it was gone. “You’re different.” Charlotte had grown up in Chance Rapids, she knew what she was getting into when she returned home after all those years. Emma had no idea how brutal the winter could be. He stood. “I’m going to get a beer. Would you like one?”
“I’m okay, thanks.” She smiled.
When he returned to the fire, Charlotte’s chair was empty – and so was Ethan’s. Emma was by herself. It wouldn’t be polite just to ignore her, would it? He took a breath, puffed out his chest, and took the first step of what seemed like the longest walk of his life, around the stone fire pit.
As he approached, she turned to face him and smiled.
“Flower girl,” he said.
“Hipster Charlie.” She pumped her eyebrows at him and grinned. “I see you wore your hat.” Charlie’s heart leaped into his throat. Yep. He was in trouble.
“Do you need a drink?” His voice cracked.
She held up her beer, one of his, “I’m good.”
“Is this seat taken?” It sounded so formal and he regretted the words the instant they slipped into the world.
Emma patted the armrest of the chair beside her, “It’s all yours.”
Charlie sat in the wooden chair, still warm from Ethan, and settled in. Before he could say anything, Emma shifted so that both of her knees were facing him, her legs crossed at the ankles. “Thanks again for helping me yesterday.”
