Page 118 of No Fear

“I think Charlie is a little overwhelmed at you calling,” Maddie said softly.

“I know you two have been friends forever, and we don’t want to intrude or overstep. If we are, then just tell us to mind our own business,” Mira said.

“I don’t think a girl can have too many girlfriends,” Maddie said. Charlie smiled, glad she was here and a part of this call.

“I am surprised at the call, but you’re not overstepping. I know how much you care about Donnie,” Charlie said.

“We do. But we also care about you. Are you OK?” Diane asked.

“I will be,” she said honestly. She would get over this. Over him. In time.

“Steve said Donnie knows he messed up and he feels terrible. He’s scared to death that he’s lost you forever. Whatever he did, he’s pretty beaten up about it,” Diane said.

Tears prickled her eyes, but Charlie wasn't going to share what happened. Not this time. It was too personal. Simon had been fooling her, using her all along. It would be embarrassing to admit that to these women she hadn't known very long. She’d already poured her heart out once. That was enough.

“It’s more what he didn't do than what he did. But—” She looked at Maddie. “I am so lucky to have such wonderful women around me. Checking up on me. Thank you.”

“We are very glad to have met you, Charlie. You have Maddie, but you also have us now. I saw Donnie today, and he asked me to tell you he’s sorry. But whatever happens between you and Donnie, we are here for you,” Sophie said.

“That means a lot to me. I am going to call and talk to Donnie at some point to clear the air. Hopefully, we can come out of this friends.” It might be hard, but she wanted to be able to speak to him if they ran into each other in Albany.

“We understand. We were hoping you were going to move here,” Diane said.

“I was considering it. I won’t be now.”

“That’s a shame. It would have been awesome.”

“Awesome for you guys, not for me.” Maddie said, but she was smiling.

“Of course. Sorry. But you could have come visit, and we could have had girls' trips to Albany,” Mira said excitedly.

“Ooh, yes! That would have been really fun. Steve can handle the kids by himself.” Diane agreed.

“OK, OK, calm down. It’s not happening.” Disappointment flooded Charlie. It would have been great; she had no doubt.

“Sorry,” Kelly said. “We’re just sad we may not get to see you again. Maybe we will still come visit you.”

“I would love that.”

“We’ll let you go. Charlie, you have four more friends here. That’s all we wanted you to know.”

Maddie handed her a tissue as the tears fell. “Thank you.”

After a round of goodbyes, Maddie reached out and ended the call.

“Wow. What lovely women,” she said.

“They are. But you know you’ll always be my bestie, right?”

“Charlie, it’s not a competition. It’s wonderful to know they care. If you had moved there, it makes me feel better knowing you would have had good women watching your back.”

Charlie stood up and hugged her oldest friend. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now, are you going to call Donnie before you leave?”

“He left me a voicemail.”

“Saying what?’