Page 21 of Reckless Chances
“Tiny,” he corrected. “And, both, I guess.”
She looked around the space and he could see her eyes taking in everything as she contemplated her answer. “I would want a real door,” she said firmly. “You know, to stop the bears from coming in.”
Charlie laughed as he took a sip of his coffee. “That’s next on my list.”
“And a flower garden,” she looked out the window. “I’ve always dreamt about growing my own flowers for the shop.”
“I have hops,” Charlie pointed. “Just on the other side of that hill.”
She turned from the window slowly, “You are incredible, Charlie. I’ve never met anyone like you.” Her eyes shimmered.
Don’t cry, Charlie whispered to himself. He couldn’t handle it when women cried. He had seen far too many tears growing up. Deflect, deflect. “Someone who lives in a shoebox in the woods?” he stood up and cleared the plates from the table.
“I’m serious, Charlie. Let’s not fuck this up.” She smiled, the tears were gone and there was a wildness to her eyes. “I think I have time for a tour of the loft before we have to get to work.”
The dishes clattered as Charlie chucked them into the sink and grabbed Emma’s hand. His other hand was already on the curved iron railing when his phone buzzed on the counter.
“Do you need to get that?” Emma asked.
Charlie didn’t want to, but it was strange to be getting a call that early in the morning. “Nah,” he said and continued up the stairs, but the caller was persistent, and the phone rang again.
“Maybe you should see who it is. What if our buildings are burning down?” She let out a weak laugh, and Charlie knew she was joking, but with all of the construction, a fire wouldn’t be out of the ordinary.
“Meet me up there,” Charlie squeezed past Emma and in two steps was at his phone. She paused and waited.
“It’s my brother,” Charlie said. There was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. “He never calls.”
“You should probably answer it then.” Emma smoothed her t-shirt and slipped into her shoes. “I can wait outside if you want.” The phone continued to buzz in Charlie’s hand.
“It’s okay.” He jabbed at the screen and answered.
He didn’t know if Emma could hear Jason’s side of the conversation, so he smiled and nodded while he spoke, so she would know that there hadn’t been any deaths in the family. He hung up the phone.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, I guess I forgot to RSVP to our friend’s wedding,” he laughed. My brother is the best man and I guess it was his job to find out if I want the chicken or the fish.
“And...” she smiled.
“What would you prefer?” He said, and then quickly added. “Although it’s not chicken or fish, it’s Beef Wellington or some veggie thing.”
“Me?” Emma said.
“I’m going to need a date,” Charlie smiled. “It’s here in town, in a few weeks.”
Charlie couldn’t believe how nervous he was, and when Emma didn’t respond right away, he felt ridiculous. “I mean, I know it’s too soon for something like that,” he turned and ran the water over the syrupy plates.
“Beef Wellington,” Emma said, and then she was right beside him with a tea towel in her hand. “I’d like the Beef Wellington.”
Charlie turned off the tap and took the tea towel from her hand. “These dishes can fucking wait.” Then Emma squealed as he tossed her over his shoulder and hustled up the winding stairs.
