The words he doesn’t say hurt. “What about us? Did I mess up our friendship?”
He downs the rest of his beer. “You kept this from me. And maybe I can understand why and even forgive you or whatever, but trusting you is another thing. It might take a while.”
“That’s fair.” I don’t have to like it. But I respect it. And I’m willing to work on our friendship. The words I said before include everyone I care about.
“Glad that’s settled. I’ll grab us another beer.”
Once we’re watching the game, cold beer in our hands, Chuck snorts. “Notice how quiet it is? I think it might take a few more of these to work out our differences.”
“I think you’re right, Chuck.” I take a swig of my beer. “At least until after April sixth.” The NCAA Championship game.
Chuck smiles and raises his beer. “Exactly what I was thinking.”
EPILOGUE
CHARLIE
One Year Later
It’s beena little over a year since I moved home, and everything has been wonderful. Mostly wonderful. The video surfaced again, but it no longer bothers me. Brad and I moved in together about six months ago. Harper was able to get her own place, thanks to our program.
And now we’re starting a new round of houses in the next town over. Raja nods their head, and I start.
“Good morning, everyone. I’m Charlie Smith. Thank you for coming. As you know, we’re starting a new project. Some of you have volunteered before.” I manage not to look at Brad. “And some of you are new. Just a reminder for everyone. If you don’t think you can manage the hours, the work, or the cold”—it gets so fucking cold here—“please consider dropping out now.”
There’s no reaction from Raja. They said last year was their highest retention rate ever.
“As you can see on page twelve of the handout, our timetable for the project is—” My phone buzzes as a text comes through. It’s on the podium, and I stare at it. I know I turned it off. “Ourtimetable is set but also flexible for things like—” My phone buzzes again. And again. What the hell? I glance at Raja and then the volunteers. Brad watches me with an innocent expression, but I think I see a smile.
“Maybe you should check,” Raja says, motioning to my phone. “It might be important.”
Something’s definitely up. “Just a minute, everyone.” I shake my head and grab my phone off the podium.
Brad
Hey, Charlie.
My sweet eye candy.
Stop ignoring me, asshole.
I laugh at that, shaking my head. I’m not too surprised when my phone rings.
“What are you doing?” I ask, turning toward Brad in the crowd. Only he’s not in the crowd anymore. He’s right in front of me and still on the phone.
“Trying to get your attention.”
“It worked.” I glance around the room, but no one looks upset. They’re all smiling. And…is that Mom and Dad? “Um, Brad?”
But he’s no longer standing in front of me. He’s kneeling. Okay, that’s not—oh. He holds up a black box with a ring inside. And I’m already crying. “Charlie? Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“God, yes.” I throw myself in his arms and kiss his face. His lips.
In a low voice, he says, “I told you I’d get on my knees for you.”
I kiss him again. Not caring what anyone thinks. My friends and family are all there, and one by one, they congratulate us.
“Are we not doing the meeting today?” I ask Raja, nodding at the people still in their seats.
