“Because of cupcakes?”
“Well, yeah. I was little Charlie. And easily swayed by pretty moms and sweet treats.” That earns me a laugh from her. “But we were meant to be friends anyways. I didn’t have a lot growing up and my mom tried her best, but she was always working in order to give us the little bit that we did have. Max and his parents would take me camping and fishing and just generally include me in all the things that ended up becoming my hobbies as an adult. I think my mom was grateful too that I had somewhere safe to be.”
Charlie doesn’t need to know what happened with my mom or why I ended up in Max’s parents care full time. At least not yet. I don’t want to bring her down.
“So basically, you’re telling me that Max was the rich kid, and you latched on like a groupie?” Charlie teases me.
I chuckle. “Well, that’s one way to put it. I’d like to think that I made my own contributions to our friendship. You wouldn’t know it based on your night last night, but Max was a huge fucking dork in school and had absolutely zero game with theladies until I taught him better.”
Charlie’s answering laugh is infectious. “And what about Ben? How does he fit into your guy’s origin story?”
“We didn’t meet Ben until the fourth grade. He was this tiny and super shy kid, so of course the school bullies zeroed in on that. Max and I saw him getting pushed around one day after school and we decided to step in.” I chuckle internally at the thought of small, scrawny Ben compared to the behemoth of a man he is now.
“He didn’t really need us to step in though. Right as we got over to him, he started swinging. We helped him, and then the rest was history. We’ve been our little trio ever since. “
“Sounds like you guys were really lucky to have found each other.” I’ve pulled into a parking spot at the grocery store and look over at Charlie, who is smiling at me earnestly.
“I don’t think I would have ever guessed that I would be living with the same dudes I hung out with in elementary school 20 plus years later, but here we are. And lucky is the right word. I love my boys, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to choose them as my family.”
“I hope I can find that someday.”
“You will,” I assure her. “Heck, you may already have. Max is probably out looking for engagement rings after last nights performance.”
Charlie rolls her eyes but giggles at the same time and it makes my heart smile. She really could be part of our little family if she decides to stick around. I can feel my hopes rising at just the thought of it.
I unbuckle my seatbelt and hop out of the truck. Charlie starts to follow me, but I stop her. “I’ll be quick. Wait here and keep the truck warm for me, kay?” I want it to be a surprise.”
Charlie eyes me with suspicion but shrugs and settles back into her seat to scroll through her phone while she waits. I make quick work of grabbing all the supplies I need and am back at the truck in less than 5 minutes.
“You’re right. That was quick,” Charlie tells me when I get backin the truck, having stashed the bags in the back seat.
“I’m not quick where it matters,” I tell her with a wink, and she flushes.
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” She smirks.
I smirk right back but take the opportunity to reach into the backseat and snatch the single rose that I bought for Charlie. I pass it to her before I start driving again and tell her, “You deserve better than bullshit apology flowers.”
“That’s so sweet,” she whispers.
I swear I see a little tear appearing in the corner of her eye, but I choose to keep driving and let her have the moment. If you point out a person’s tears, it usually just makes it worse. Not that I can’t handle a crying girl, but I'm trying to make her happy right now, not sad.
The drive to our destination is a short one. Charlie doesn’t say much else, choosing to alternate between twirling the rose in her hands and looking out the window. I know she doesn’t like living here but even she can’t deny that it’s beautiful. Up here, we’re surrounded by mountains which are all currently covered in pristine white snow. Some of the trees are bare, but the forests are still vibrant with evergreen trees. Late summer is my favourite though, with all the red, gold, and orange leaves everywhere.
We pull into the parking lot, and I put it in park. There is not a single other vehicle here and that’s exactly what I was hoping for.
“You are not seriously taking me hiking Andrew,” Charlie grumbles in disbelief.
“Why not? Hiking’s fun!” I tease.
“It’s the middle of winter!”
“And that’s why I told you to dress warm,” I get out of the truck and grab the groceries and my supply pack from the back seat.
I go to the other side of the truck and meet Charlie who is just getting out.
She stares at me incredulously. I give her my biggest and best shit eating grin. “I promise it will be worth it,” I tell her and hold out my free hand.
Chapter 20
