“Oh, I felt claimed,” I tell him, which makes Jackson laugh.
“Once these heavy clouds have been chased away for good. Charlie is going to claim you something fierce, mark my words,” Jackson warns me.
A shiver slides down my body. “Can’t wait.”
Jackson smiles. “I wish you had known him before the accident. The two of you would have been so much trouble together. I think he would have been the only man to give you a run for your money.”
“Don’t doubt it. He did tell me back in the day he had a reputation.”
This has Jackson smiling widely. “He was a fuck boy for sure.”
“My kryptonite.” I chuckle.
“He was a respectful fuck boy. You would have loved it.”
“I’m sure I would have.”
Then Jackson’s face falls. “I hate how much he’s changed. I’m sorry, D, that you’re not getting the old version of him.”
“Hey, now, don’t get upset. This version of Charlie I can handle too.”
Jackson nods. “He deserves to be happy.”
“And he will be, I promise you I’m not giving up on him. If we have to move slowly, I’ll move fucking slowly. I understand his fears now he told me about Lyle.”
Jackson’s eyes widen. “He did?”
“He’s told me about the dark thoughts. He’s also shared with me the future he envisions. But he also told me he does still have a lot of work to do before he can be whole again. Charlie’s been honest with me this week with his feelings, thoughts, and fears. I can’t ask for anything more than honesty.”
“You’re a good guy, D. I couldn’t wish for anyone more perfect for him.”
Aw. That is sweet. “Come on, let’s celebrate your brother getting his girl.”
60
DERRICK
Iwasn’t surprised that Charlie and Everly had left in the morning, but I did find a handwritten note underneath my door.
Derrick,
This week with you has been the best I’ve ever had. You make me so happy. Something I haven’t experienced in such a long time, which has made me realize I need to make myself happy, too. You deserve a happy Charlie. You deserve the world, and I hope one day I can give it to you, if you still want me. You making me feel alive again has made me realize that I need more work, that maybe I haven’t dealt with my past as well as I should have. But I will for you and for me. I need to be whole again. I’m sorry for not being ready foryou, yet. I promise when I’m ready, and I sure as fuck hope you will be ready when I am, I’m never letting you go. You’ll be stuck with me, forever, I hope.
I’m falling for you, Derrick. That night I met you at the party in LA, was the night you changed my world. You woke up my stone-cold heart, and it started beating again and hasn’t stopped since. It won’t ever stop beating for you, because it’s yours. I’m sorry I couldn’t stay, but know I am leaving early so I can come back to you quicker.
You’ve given me something to fight for, Derrick, and I am a fucking fighter.
Love Charlie
Tears are running down my cheeks as I read his letter, over and over again. No one has ever declared their feelings so openly with me before, and it feels so fucking good because I was worried about what was going on in that big head of his and if he might change his mind.I don’t think he is going to change his mind.
Derrick: I’ll be waiting. Come back to me soon.
Charlie: I will. I promise.
“Hey, how are you this morning?” Sienna asks as we walk to breakfast together. Evan had taken the boys earlier, letting my girl sleep in.
“Sad. But hopeful. He left a note for me explaining everything,” I tell her, handing it to her.
