My hands fisted while he told his story, my nails digging into my palms while I ground my teeth together. I can’t believe anyone would treat sweet Charley like that. I file away the information that Charley is gay or bi for now.
“Are you in any danger?” I’ve never wanted to hurt anyone before, but I’d really like to punch this awful Miles.
“I don’t think so,” Charley says quietly. “I don’t know if he’d follow through with his threats, but I left last night anyway.” He lets out a deep breath as if finally believing he’s now safe. I unfurl my hands and force my jaw to relax.
“Do you have to go back at all?”
“I have to go and empty my flat before the end of the month, but that’s it.”
“When you go, I’ll come with you.” He flicks his eyes to me. “If you want me to, of course,” I add quickly, and I’m rewarded by a small smile that tugs at my heart. What I hate most of all is that this isn’t the old Charley I know. He’s a pale imitation of his former self, like Miles has stripped his confidence and maybe his self-worth. I hope I never come face to face with his former boss, or maybe I hope I do. I put that thought aside.
“You’re here now and you’re safe. No one’s going to treat you like that again.” I reach out my hand to touch his arm to reassure him, but then stop before drawing it back. We never had a problem casually touching or even hugging when we were teenagers. I’m quite a tactile person. But we aren’t fifteen anymore, and with what he’s been through I’m not sure it would be welcome. I don’t know if I hate that even more.
“Thank you for telling me,” I say. It can’t have been easy for him, and his trust in me eases the lump that formed in my chest when he called yesterday. “Do you need a minute before we start?”
“No, I’d just rather put it behind me and move on. But the one thing I’ve learned is to never mix business and pleasure. Never date your boss. Ever,” he says vehemently before draining his coffee. When he puts his mug down he smiles briefly and I catch a glimpse of the Charley I remember.
“Now, tell me more about this job. I’m keen to see what you’ve created here.”
I go through the main points of his role, how he’ll manage the centre—both the equestrian side and the restaurant complex. Iexplain how Andrés and Simon add to the team, and that we need a bar manager he’ll be responsible for recruiting. As I talk he relaxes, and I see a glint of enthusiasm in his eyes. He asks a myriad of questions about short-term and long-term plans. By the time I ask if he’s ready for a tour, he’s smiling more and the lines around his eyes have disappeared.
“This will be your office.” I show him the office adjacent to mine. “The next one is Simon’s, but Andrés also uses it.”
I show him the corridor that links the staff areas to the main area, the bar, the ballroom, and the restaurant.
“Just a minute.” Charley sprints up the stairs to the mezzanine floor above the main reception desk. I follow more slowly, watching him scanning the exposed wooden beams of the old hayloft, now preserved and varnished. He runs his fingers across a beam.
“You kept it.” He spins round, his eyes alight.
“Or course I did.” I stand next to him and watch as he traces his fingers across the letters carved into the beam. CM.
“How old were we, sixteen?” he asks.
“It was spring break, you’d just turned sixteen. I was fifteen until the summer.” I remember the day well. We’d sat in the hayloft, and it was the first time I’d outlined my plans for the old stable block and the grand polo centre I was going to build.
He moves along to the next beam where my initials are carved.
“I’m glad you got your dream, Gabby.” My mouth goes dry at his use of the nickname he gave me back then, and I swallow before I can answer.
“Thank you,” I croak. He smiles and looks up at the vaulted ceiling.
“You preserved the ceiling as well.”
“I’ve tried to keep as much as possible of the stable block. I think it gives it a charm.” He nods in agreement.
“C’mon, I want you to meet Simon. Andrés might still be around as well.” I lead the way down the stairs and into the kitchen. Andrés is still there, but thankfully we’re not interrupting anything. Simon is stirring something in a large stockpot while Andrés is leaning against the counter.
I introduce them and Charley shakes hands with them both.
“So, this is the infamous Charley we’ve heard so much about.” Andrés grins and I roll my eyes at him.
“That’s not true, and nothing bad,” I say in case Charley feels uncomfortable. Andrés just shrugs which doesn’t help, but Charley doesn’t seem to mind.
“I hear you’re the best instructor there is. It's been a while since I’ve played polo, so I’m going to need some lessons if I’m going to be of any use to the team.”
“I’m happy to help when you need it,” Andrés replies and checks his watch. “That reminds me, I have a lesson in fifteen minutes. I need to go get ready. Pleased to meet you, Charley.” He leans close to Simon and whispers something in his ear. Simon giggles and turns his head to Andrés who gives him a quick kiss. Andrés winks at me as he passes us on his way out.
We talk for a few more minutes with Simon before I lead him back to my office. Charley looks thoughtful as he takes a seat.
