Unfortunately, we’re still holding hands when Jerry and Reed arrive, making their way towards our table. They’re both a little wet, and I subtly let go of Charlie while they’re occupied taking off their coats and moaning about the rain.
I think I’ve got away with it until I hear Sean’s voice.
“Evening. Nice weather out there.”
I shift in my seat, seeing him coming from the other direction, Vic lingering near the bar. Damn it. His eyes dip to my hand and Iknowhe saw us. “Where did you two come from?”
A smirk plays on Sean’s lips. “Vic was helping Char with Emily while Hailey’s in here.”
I catch Charlie’s confused expression out of the corner of my eye but wait for Sean’s nod before filling him in. “Emily is Hailey and Char’s daughter. Vic and Hailey were married when they were younger. They share a son, Joe, who is about nineteen and away at uni, so that really doesn’t explain much. Duh.”
Sean laughs. “They’re all close is what Pete’s trying to say. Vic and Hailey are more like best friends now.”
“That’s nice,” Charlie says, clearly meaning it, and Sean beams at him.
“Yeah, I think so.”
I make formal introductions when Vic brings a tray of drinks over and everyone sits down. I don’t say anything about Charlie other than his name and the fact he’s staying at the pub. Which they already knew, of course, but whatever.
To their credit, they all treat him like they would any of their friends, and I start to relax once I realise no one’s going to comment on the fact that we’re sitting closer than friends normally do or that we were holding hands when they first arrived.
Our food comes, more drinks are ordered—soft ones for those of us driving—and I settle back in my seat, letting the conversation wash over me.
As much as I’m enjoying myself, I can’t escape from the ache deep inside my chest. The one that’s desperate for this to be real, to be my life full-time rather than a fleeting moment. For once,I’m not on the outside looking in as others laugh and enjoy the company of the person meant for them.
I know Charlie isn’t mine.
That he can’t be.
But as his knee brushes mine under the table and his gaze drifts my way, he certainly fucking feels like it.
We’re just payingfor everything when I spot Hailey coming over, her expression promising nothing good.
“Charlie, could I talk to you in private for a moment, please?”
“Sure.”
“Actually, we were just about to head off,” Vic says, standing. Sean joins him, and Reed and Jerry do the same. “Nice to meet you, officially, Charlie. I hope we see you again before you leave.”
The others add similar sentiments, Sean and Jerry giving me pointed looks, which I ignore.
That leaves me, Charlie, and Hailey. I wanted a little longer alone with him, but I guess that’s not happening now. “Right.” I go to stand, but Charlie’s hand lands on my arm.
“It’s okay, you can stay.”
I raise my eyebrows. “You sure?”
“Yeah.” He flashes me that quick smile again before facing Hailey.
It makes me happier than it should.
“Is this about the leak?” Charlie asks, and Hailey winces.
That can’t be good.
“Yes. I’ve had someone out to look at it, and I’m afraid it’s got a lot worse in the last half hour. The rain isn’t helping.”
We all glance out the window where it’s still pissing it down with no signs of stopping.
