BROOKS
IN FOR A PENNY…
Charlie’s avoiding me.
For the better part of the last week, he’s been absent. It feels like I saw him more during college with us going to different schools than I’ve seen him while living with him.
The only reason I know he’s been home is my coat appeared on the hook sometime after he came home from the bar that night.
Since I started working at the Naughty Pine, I’m up early while Charlie is still asleep. By the time I get home, he’s already at the Tinsel Tavern.
I was hoping we could have a conversation like adults about what I overheard. But if I want to have this conversation, I guess I’m going to have to track him down and force him to have it.
I’ve gone over this in my head a million different wayssince he walked away from me. The pain in his eyes has haunted me.
Fuck. It has me rubbing the heel of my hand over my heart. The very last thing in the world that I want to do is hurt Charlie.
He’s the best person I know. My favorite person in the world.
I can’t lose him. And I don’t want to let this fester any longer. Hearing his confession is only adding to my own confused feelings.
Maybe if he would talk to me, I’d know what he’s feeling. Then I could tell him what’s going on inside of me. Because these last few weeks have been nothing short of confusing.
I make a decision. Fuck it.
“I’ll be back later, okay, Comet?”
My dog barely opens an eye from his bed in front of the Christmas tree before closing it and going back to snoring.
Grabbing my coat and keys, I stuff my feet into my boots and head toward the Tinsel Tavern.
No more ignoring me. No more avoiding.
It’s not like he’s the only one that’s scared. Charlie’s my best friend. If he’s nervous or scared about how I’m feeling, we need to talk about that. It’s not like he’s the only one experiencing these emotions. I’m scared too.
It’s a warmer night for Moose Falls with groups of tourists and townspeople alike milling around, drinking hot chocolate and listening to carolers on the street.
I bypass all of them and set my eyes on where I know I’ll find my best friend.
The courtyard to the left of the building is filled with people and heaters. Christmas lights woven through the rafters outside cast a soft glow out onto the street.
I nod to the security guy who sits inside the door as I let my eyes adjust to the flashing lights inside.
There. Behind the bar, slinging drinks.
Charlie has a bright smile on his face as he sets a cocktail down in front of someone. The dance floor is packed to the brim with people as a Christmas tune plays out.
My eyes stay fixed on Charlie as I cut through the mass of people. Now that I’m here, my nerves are starting to jumble because I have no idea how this conversation is going to go.
I know the minute he sees me because the smile slides off his face.
Fuck. Okay, this isn’t going to go well based on that reaction.
I’m not going to let him run anymore.
“What are you doing here?” Charlie asks, almost yelling over the music.
“You’re avoiding me.”
