“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drunk.”
“Probably because the one and only time I got drunk, I got arrested,” Charlie clarifies.
“But why? Why did you get drunk in Canada of all places?”
“It happened. It was an accident. One that I fully blame on Hunter allowing to happen.”
“Hey! It wasn’t my fault!” Hunter defends himself.
Charlie nods. “It was, because you kept feeding me shots.”
“Again, how did I not know you went to Canada?” I ask.
I know everything about Charlie. I’ve known him since third grade. How can I not know this fact?
“It was right after you got married and were on your honeymoon.”
I wince, not wanting the reminder of anything having to do with my marriage.
“Maybe next time don’t take Hunter with you to Canada. This is why you need me in your life. To keep you from doing stupid shit.”
“I’d say we should order shots to celebrate,” Hunter starts, “but I’d hate for Charlie to get drunk and get arrested here.”
“Hunter, as much as I love having you here, it’s time to go.” Charlie again tries to shove Hunter out of the booth, and this time he succeeds. “See if you drink for free the next time you’re here.”
“You love me.” Hunter blows him a kiss as he waves at me before disappearing out the front door.
“As for you.” Charlie pulls me up and I wobble. I’ve been here for hours, since right after I finished signing the papers, and I’ve drunk more than I have in a long time. “You’re going to go to my house and sleep this off.”
I shake my head, the bar spinning. “’S’okay. I’ll call a ride share and head to my parents’.”
“Brooks.”
“Charlie.”
I give him the best smile I can muster up today.
“You’re being stubborn,” he tells me.
“No, I’m not. I’m homeless, jobless, and single. I’m a fucking catch.”
“Brooks, you just got divorced. You are not going to be trying to catch another fish anytime soon. Give yourself a break.”
“I’ll be sure to tell people that next summer when I’m sleeping on a park bench.”
“You’re staying with me.” Charlie waves off my comment. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
“You realize I come with a seventy-five-pound dog, right?”
“You realize I love Comet, right?” he fires back at me. “Stop arguing with me. Go sleep off your hangover at your parents’ and then you can move your stuff in when you’re ready.”
I wrap Charlie in a warm hug. “This is why you’re my best friend.”
His breath ghosts my ear as he returns the hug. It’s just what I needed right about now. With everything in my life spiraling out of control, it’s nice to know I can depend on one person.
My best friend.
My Charlie.
