“No, it’s nothing.”
“It’s totally a girl. I can see it on your face. This isn’t just any girl either. Youlikeher.” His face morphs into pure glee. “Holy crap! Is it Shelby Miller? I heard she’s back in town.”
“You think I’d be going to all this trouble for the girl Austin was seen out with a couple months after he broke Lauren’s heart? No way.”
“Then who is it?”
I sigh. “She wants to keep things low-profile. I’m just trying to respect her wishes.”
“I hope not for long. You’re not someone’s dirty little secret.”
I roll my eyes and flop into a chair at my dining room table. “It might not be such a bad thing she wants to keep it a secret. I’m not exactly the kind of guy you go parading around town with, as you made clear the other night.”
He shifts his gaze down, a look of shame on his face. I think that’s what I wanted, to know he regrets what he said.
“I’m sorry, man. I didn’t mean to be so harsh.” He scratches the back of his head, wincing. Charlie has never been the greatest at talking about his feelings with me. “I think the world of you. You’re my best friend. I just want my sister to find someone who’s willing to commit. It doesn’t mean I don’t think you’re capable. I may or may not have had a crappy night when I called her. I shouldn’t have takenit out on you. Plus, I thought calling you out would push you.”
I can’t help but sit a little straighter.He sees my potential.
Charlie waggles his brows. “I guess I didn’t need to push you since you’re over there pulling out all the stops for a lady.”
Yep, I’m avoiding that landmine. “Do you want to talk about your crappy night?”
“Nah, that’s in the past now.” He shakes his head. “I just want you to know I’m not a shitty friend. I believe in you, and I love you, man.”
I want to tell him my “lady” is his sister, and that I have full intention of committing, but it’d be unfair to Lauren if I burst out with this information without talking with her first, so instead, I say, “This is getting weird.”
He laughs. “Okay, okay. In all seriousness, is she hot?”
I wince. This just got weirder.
When he starts to sense my hesitation, I blurt out, “She’s more than hot. She’s stunning, like walk-into-a-room-and-make-everyone-stop-what-they’re-doing stunning. She’s smart, kind, funny, and driven. She’s incredible.”
“Well, sheesh. This sounds like love. That was fast.”
“I’m not in love,” I rush to say, knowing it’s not the full truth.
After a beat, Charlie adds, “I’m happy for you. I know it’s scary to put your heart on the line, but there’s no better feeling than opening up to someone.”
“Doyouhave a girl I don’t know about?” I tease, but I’m actually a little curious.
“No, I don’t have time for girls with work, but I know what it’s like to fall in love.” His tone is soft and withdrawn, and I suddenly know exactly what he’s talking about, ormore accurately, who he’s talking about. The only woman he’s ever loved, and the woman he lost: Callie.
“You know she hasn’t dated anyone since you left.”
“Who?” He narrows his brows as if he’s confused.
“Don’t play dumb with me. You know who I’m talking about.”
“I made my choice. I don’t have the right to care about her love life.”
“It doesn’t mean you couldn’t change your mind.” I shift my phone in my hands, swallowing my pride. “We miss you here.”
“I miss you too. I’m even starting to miss Roots a little. It’s freaking me out.” He chuckles, clearly trying to hide the lump forming in his throat.
“You’re coming to town for the holidays, right?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there in a week.”
