Page 16 of No Fear

“I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson, I have to go. Work just texted.”

She hugged them, saying goodbye and promising to visit again soon. When she was done, she turned to face Donnie.

“Nice to see you again, Donnie. Take care.” Her smile did nothing to soften her icy tone. She couldn’t wait to get away from him.

“I’ll walk you out.”

Not giving her time to answer, he led the way to the front door and held it open for her. Once they were both outside, he closed it and followed her down the steps.

“Charlie. Wait. Please.”

She stopped and spun around. “No. I waited for you ten years ago. I waited for days, weeks. Months. I called. I texted.”

Her voice shook and two silent tears rolled down her cheeks. He felt like a complete and utter asshole.

“I know. I’m sorry.” His apology was inadequate, and he knew it. But he didn’t know what else to say. “I want to fix it. Tell me what I need to do.”

“Too little, too late. You broke my heart, Donnie. There is no fixing it.”

She turned and headed down the street. He didn’t stop her. A driver appeared from a stretch black Mercedes to open the door. She climbed into the back of the car without even a backward glance. Unable to drag his eyes away, Donnie stayed rooted to the path until the car disappeared out of sight.

Damn. He’d fucked up big time. He thought leaving Albany ten years ago was the right thing to do, but now for the first time, he was doubting his choice. He had left to prevent more pain, but if Charlie’s face was anything to go by, he’d caused more.

Back inside, he forced himself to focus on dinner with his folks. They chatted about nothing important, and he raved about his mom's cooking. Her chicken pot pie was as amazing as ever. It wasn’t often he got to eat a good home-cooked meal.

“It was lovely to see Charlie, wasn't it?” his mom asked.

“Yes. She looks well.”

“I’m surprised you two didn’t stay in touch. I mean you were both so close to Nate.”

Just hearing his name brought a lump to his throat. “It was a rough time for me, you know that.”

“I know. I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to open old wounds.”

“It’s fine, Mom.” He squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“Well, she’s getting married in a few weeks. Maybe she’ll invite you to the wedding.” His dad said.

“I doubt it. We’re not that close now. I don’t even know who she’s marrying.”

His Dad frowned. “Yes, you do. Simon Radwell.”

Donnie almost choked on his food. Simon had been at school with him, same year. From what he remembered, the guy was a bit of a dick. Girls hung around him because he came from money and was always flashing it around. Daddy had bought him a Porsche which he loved to show off at school. He definitely hadn't shown any interest in Charlie back then, because Donnie would have known and would have put a stop to it. Simon’s reputation wasn’t good.

“You remember him, don’t you? His family are big in real estate.”

“Yes, I remember him. Didn’t know him too well.”

“The Radwells are big around here. You know Simon took care of all Al’s hospital bills following his heart attack and insisted on helping out with his treatment,” his mom said. “He couldn't do the landscaping anymore and well, being self-employed, he didn’t have much insurance,”

Perhaps Simon had changed. It had been ten years. They weren’t kids anymore. Explained the chauffeured car. If Simon made her happy, who was he to judge?

After his mom turned in for the night, he and his dad sat and shared a beer and watched the end of the ball game. Yankees were currently winning five nothing over the Red Sox in the seventh. Smiling he sent a quick text to Steve.

Sox are going down buddy!

“What you grinning about over there? Got a young lady on the go?”