“True. We’ve had to be so creative with our sex life. The twins are always cock blocking, and then his parents are there helping. We’ve resorted to doing it in the shower, which is really the only time we have to ourselves.”
“Uncle Derrick is happy to come over and babysit one night. You guys get a hotel for the night and get your freak on or go spend a couple hours at The Paradise Club.”
“Thanks. Don’t tell Christian or he is going to have you booked in. If I’m honest, I would love to book into a hotel to sleep, uninterrupted, for one night. The girls are crawling into our beds in the early hours, and I’m woken up to a tiny foot or hand in my face.” She chuckles.
“Well, the offer is there for whenever you need it.”
“Thanks, D.”
“It’s not fair. He’s too good at everything.” Christian walks in with Charlie, looking unhappy. “He beat me at every game. When we get back home, you need to come to golf.” This is something the boys have started to get into recently. They said it’s a dad sport, but really, I think it’s an excuse to grab time for themselves away from the kids.
“Sure. Sounds good.” Charlie smiles.
“Don’t tell me, you know how to play, don’t you?” Christian grumbles.
“Yeah, I’ve played with my dad.”
“Then you and I are on the same team,” Christian tells him.
I smile up at Charlie, loving how easily he has fit into my life with my friends, it’s as if he’s always been there. He takes a seat beside me and places a hand on my knee.
“Now, do I want you on my team?” he teases Christian.
“Hey man, come on, I’m the best.” Charlie raises a brow as if to say ‘Really?’. “Babe, come on, tell him.” He turns to Vanessa, who shrugs. “Derrick?” he asks me.
“I haven’t seen your golfing skills.” I smirk.
“Fuck you guys,” he grumbles as he heads off to the bar, making us all laugh.
“Hope he knows I was joking?” Charlie whispers to me.
“Yes. Christian knows, he’s a prankster too. Don’t worry, they love you. The fact that you are getting invited to their golf days shows how much they like you.”
Charlie visibly relaxes. “It would suck if your friends didn’t like me.”
“You’re besties with Jackson, and they trust him.” Charlie nods in understanding. “Are you having fun?”
“I am. Oscar and Stacey look so in love. And Australia is amazing.”
“I’m glad you’re getting to see outside the main cities as many people don’t come to the bush.”
“Because it’s scary.” He chuckles.
“No bears here.”
“But you have snakes ….”
There was an unfortunate incident where Charlie nearly stepped on an Eastern brown snake. It was a heart-attack-inducing, underwear-changing experience. I did suggest maybe not going for morning runs around the camp for that very reason, as they also have Tiger snakes in the area, and they are two of the worst kinds of snakes in the world.
“Yes. But honestly, that is the first time I’ve truly seen those kinds of snakes,” I try to reassure him, but he does not look convinced.
71
DERRICK
And just like that, we were back on the plane to LA. Sienna and Vanessa stayed on and headed up to Byron Bay to visit their families, but I had to get back to work. Maybe next time I’ll be able to show Charlie my favorite place.
We arrive at my home, and Charlie walks me inside.
