Ugh. Fuck’s sake.
I stand in front of the mirror, hand in my hair.
It’s just a dinner with friends.
Am I overthinking this?
Absolutely.
Right. I take a deep breath in, then let it out slowly. Then get dressed in the first pair of jeans and the black jumper I’d originally picked out. My hair behaves for once. I add a quick spray of aftershave and head out.
I text Charlie when I’m in the car.
Pete: On my way now.
Charlie: Ok. I’m ready so I’ll go down and wait in the bar.
Sean and the others won’t be there until 7:15. I thought I’d meet Charlie earlier so that he doesn’t run into them first.
I’m nervous as I make the ten-minute drive to the pub. I want to talk to him, to see if maybe he’s changed his mind about repeating that kiss. And other things. The more I think about it, the more I want to bring it up, but I can’t do it in front of everyone. I’m worried he’s going to see through me the second I step foot in the pub.
Jeez, Pete.
You’re a grown man.
It’s not the first time you’ve been in this situation.
Kind of feels like it though.
Before I realise it, I’m pulling into the pub carpark. I have zero recollection of the drive here, which is a bit concerning, but oh well.
The front car park is full so I drive around to the back. It’s busy tonight, by the looks of it. I hope Sean booked a table or we’ll be begging Hailey to find room for us.
Once parked, I grab my coat and head inside.
The Charnwell Inn is the epitome of a country pub at Christmas. Lights line the path from the car park round the side of the pub to the front. More lights are strung along the eaves and along the windowsills.
I take a moment to admire the tree again.
She really is a beauty.
I might be able to take credit for picking it out, but Char and Hailey have done a fabulous job of decorating it. Coloured lights slowly fade in and out before twinkling rapidly, then go through a couple more variations. Then the pattern repeats again.
There’s a lot I love about this time of year.
I just wish I had someone to share it with for once.
The door pushes open, music and chatter spilling out, and I look up to see Charlie stepping outside. “Hey.” He shoves his hands in his pocket, shivering. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.”
“Why aren’t you wearing a coat?”
He rolls his eyes. “Because I’m stood in the doorway not coming outside.” He gestures to where I’m still standing in front of the Christmas tree. “You coming in any time soon, or...?”
“Yeah, yeah. Sorry.” As I walk towards him, I take a second to really look at him. He’s got faded blue jeans on and a dark green jumper that hugs him in all the right places.
He looks good.
I reach the door, but he doesn’t move to get out of my way. I smile at him. “You look nice.”
