“We’ve been advised to evacuate the room you’re staying in until the damage can be properly inspected. And we can’t do that until the weather improves.”
Shit.
I glance at Charlie, seeing the implications of that slowly dawn on him. “Is my stuff okay? My laptop and?—”
“Yes. The desk isn’t close enough to be affected for now, but I’m afraid it’s not safe for you to stay in there until we can properly inspect the roof surrounding the skylight.”
Charlie opens his mouth, then closes it again. He glances at all the empty glasses on the table. “I can’t drive home tonight, I’ve had too much to drink.”
That’s when the full implication of this hits me.
He’s talking about going home.
Not in a week’s time, butnow.
I turn to Hailey. “Haven’t you got other rooms here?”
She grimaces. “Yes, but they’re occupied.”
“What about Char’s family? Any room at their place?”
She sighs, and I already know the answer. “Not this week. They’ve got a group booking coming in tomorrow that’s taken up most of their lodges.”
Well, fuck.
Charlie draws his lip between his teeth. “What am I going to do tonight?”
“I know it’s not ideal, but you can stay in one of the lodges tonight, but I’m afraid you’ll have to leave by lunchtime tomorrow. I can drive you over there or pay for a taxi if you’d prefer.” Hailey sighs. “Again, I’m so sorry we’re having to ask you to do this, but your safety is our priority. Of course, we’ll refund the cost of your whole stay, and we’d like to offer you a free weekend’s stay in the new year.”
No.
The thought of Charlie leaving before I’ve had a chance to really get to know him, to tell him that I want to be more than friends and fuck the consequences is more than enough for me to blurt out, “You can stay with me.”
They both turn to stare at me like I’ve gone mad, but it’s the perfect solution.
“Not in my house,” I add quickly before Charlie can say no. “I had my double garage converted into an annexe for my mum a couple of years ago. She moved out in March to live with her sister, so it’s just sitting there empty. It’s got everything you need, including a small kitchen area.” I’m aware that Charlie hasn’t said anything. He’s still looking shellshocked by all of it, which is understandable. “The offer’s there if you want it,” I add quietly. “And not just for tonight. You can finish out your week there if you want. Carry on working on your book.” Okay, I really need to stop talking now.
I glance at Hailey, but I can’t read her expression. She’s probably hoping, whatever Charlie decides, that he doesn’t end up giving them a bad review.
“Um...” Charlie glances from me to Hailey, then back again.
“Why don’t I give you time to think about what you want to do.” Hailey pats Charlie on the arm. “And once again, I’m so sorry for all the inconvenience this is going to cause you.” She leaves us to it, taking a seat at the bar.
I bite my tongue, knowing that I need Charlie to talk next. I’ve said my piece. I don’t want him to think I’m badgering him to take me up on my offer. Don’t want him to feel pressured. “Would you like another drink?” He looks like he could do with a shot. Or two.
Finally, he blinks and focuses on me, then scrubs both hands over his face. “Shit. And I was having such a lovely evening.”
Yeah, me too.
“Um... I’d love an Irish coffee, if that’s okay?”
“Of course it is.” I get up and go order me a coffee and Charlie one with a shot of Jamiesons.
“They’re on the house,” Hailey interjects before I can pay. Char’s sister, Liz, is behind the bar, and she waves me away. “I’ll bring them over.”
“Thanks.” I head back to rejoin Charlie.
“Fuck.” He slumps in his seat, looking utterly defeated. “I don’t know what to do.” He’s still not looking my way, and I try not to take it personally.
