He nods. “That’s fair. How about I put it a different way. Did you ever wonder if she was feelin' just like you were and didn’t want to risk your friendship if you didn't feel the same way?"
“She would’ve said somethin’. Doesn’t matter now anyway, does it. She left for college and stopped comin’ home. We lost contact. And that’s that.”
“And now she’s back.”
“And now she’s back,” I repeat.
“The prodigal daughter has returned. She’s got herself a good job, and she’s redecoratin’ the apartment to make it a home. All of that says this move is her last. She’s back for good now.”
I finish my coffee, my brows pinching together. “Not sure what you’re tryin’ to tell me here, Red...”
“My guess–and tell me if I’m wrong, even though I know I ain’t–is that Charlie Gallagher is the one that got away. Probably the reason for those suitcases you’ve got under your eyes too. Itcouldbe that youritchthat you’re still tryin’ to hide from us is connected to her return as well. Am I right?”
“What would Char have to do with me bein’ itchy and not sleepin’ right?” I say without thinking. A cursed “dammit” escapes me when I realize what I’ve just confirmed.
“I knew it. Rhett owes me twenty bucks and a beer now,” he says to himself, but I still hear it.
“What does Charlie have to do with any of that?”
“When did it start, Austin?”
“Before Christmas.”
“OK. And when did Charlie come back to town?”
“Before Ch–shit.” He crosses his arms over his chest as a slow-growing smirk curves his lips. “She’s got nothin’ to do with it, Red. I’m just tired.”
“Not sleepin’ will do that to a man who’s up at the crack of dawn doin’ everythin’ for everyone.”
I sigh and rake my fingers through my hair. “Look, was I surprised when I saw her again? Yep. Do I want to rekindle our friendship? Yeah, I do, because she was a great girl, and she seems to be an even better woman now. Do I know anythin’ else past that?No.”
“OK. Does that mean you’reopento seein’ if there are still feelin’s there. That’s good.”
“I don’tknow, Red. But if you want me to be honest, then sure, I can’t get her out of my head and that wasbeforeI knew she was back. I figure thatcould–and I mean,could–be a sign that we’re meant to be friends again. I’m also well aware that we’re not the same people we were back then and for all I know, we’retoodifferent now.”And it’s better than me scratching myself rawand being all distracted, exhausted, and feeling completely off kilter…
“It’s a sign ofsomethin’,” Red mutters.
“What was that?”
He doesn’t repeat himself but the look he shoots me speaks volumes. “Do you know that for a fact or are you projectin’? Cause what I know of Charlie and what I know of you, you’re the same people, just a bit older and wiser and one wouldhope, a little bit smarter this time around.”
“I’m guessin’ you and Mags have been talkin’ about this alot.”
“Not goin’ to answer a question you already know the answer to. But just let me say one more thing, yeah?” I nod reluctantly knowing that whatever he’s about to say, it’s not going to be lip service. “You’ll never know if you don’t try.”
I pin him in place with a stare which of course he matches me on until a sigh escapes. “I hear you, OK? I appreciate the advice. You and Mags need to stop tryin' to shoot Cupid's arrow when there’s no confirmed target. That’s all I’m sayin’.”
"Mmm hmmm,” is all he says, chuckling under his breath. “Oh, and rookie mistake lettin’ Mags wrangle you into paintin’? Greg had already said he’d help Char.”
I shrug. “Two birds, one stone and all that. It’s not like I was goin’ to say no. I’m happy to help,” I reply.
“OK.”
“OK? That’s it?” I ask suspiciously.
“Yep.” He pops the P and then nods toward the kitchen table. “You goin’ to live on that cowboy brew all day or are you goin’ to eat?”
I shrug. “I could eat.”
