Page 19 of No Fear

“It’s nothing. Sometimes he just doesn’t realize his own strength. You know how easy I bruise.”

“Again? This is not the first time. Has he hit y—”

“Maddie, he didn’t. I swear. He wouldn’t hit me. He’s got a lot on his mind. He’s tense. More than usual.”

“I don’t care. You should be the most important person in his life. And he sure as hell should not be taking his stress out on you or upset you like this.”

“I know. Today has just been a rough day. Simon, the lunch, Dominique, then seeing Donnie. I’ll be better in the morning.” She forced a smile.

“Whoa! Back up. Who is Dominique?”

“A tall, skinny brunette, with perfect legs, perfect tits, perfect nails, and a perfect ass who kissed my fiancé right in front of me.”

Maddie’s eyes widened as Charlie explained what happened.

“Do you believe him that she’s an old friend and not important?” Maddie asked when she was done.

Charlie sighed. “I guess. Why would he lie? If it was a chance run in and she’s not important, why waste my time?”

“Damn it, girl. You have got to stop making excuses for him.”

“I’m not!” she protested, but even as she said it, she knew she was. She wasn't so much trying to defend him, as not wanting to admit just how badly Simon had been treating her lately.

“How’s the sex?”

“Maddie!”

‘What? You’re still newly in love. Tell me that is good, at least.”

“It’s fine, thank you.” Charlie sipped her wine.

“Fine? Seriously?”

“Maddie, he’s busy, I’m working, too. I mean we have sex, but I guess we don't have the same sex drive as you and Dave do. We’re both happy with things as they are.”

“But—”

“Maddie, stop. Please. Can we change the conversation?”

“OK, OK. But let me just say that you are a beautiful, sexy woman. You’ve worked hard to be proud of who you are. And you deserve a man who can’t keep his hands off you.” Maddie smiled and wagged her finger teasingly.

“I am proud of who I am.” Most of the time. After the bullying at school, Nate’s death, and Donnie breaking her heart, Charlie had ended up in therapy. Any shred of confidence she had been clinging to had been destroyed when Donnie left. She’d hated herself, her body, her weight, her life. Her mom had seen her going down a dark hole and persuaded her to go to therapy. Her folks thought it was just Nate’s death that sent her spiraling since she had never told them about Donnie. No one knew what happened that night except Maddie and her therapist.

Therapy had gone better than she thought. At first, she had gone just to please her mom, but after a few sessions she found relief in being able to talk about school, Nate, Donnie with someone who had no preconceived judgment. It had taken time, but as the months passed, she felt better. She’d even been able to forgive Donnie. It still hurt and she would never forget, but she’d had to forgive to move on. Today had taken her off guard, that's all.

Her therapist had also helped her embrace her body. Get comfortable in her own skin. She’d begun experimenting with clothes and found styles that flattered her figure, her large breasts and wide hips. She accepted she was never going to be skinny, but she no longer hated what she saw in the mirror. Her confidence had grown, and she held her head up high. Men had noticed her more. Simon Radwell noticed her. That had been a huge ego boost. Finally, she felt accepted, instead of the fat girl that got bullied in school.

“Earth to Charlie. Are you there?”

Charlie focused back on her friend. “Yes, sorry.”

“So, when are you actually leaving for Canada?”

“Tomorrow afternoon. I’m going to spend the morning with Mom and Dad, and then the car is picking me up around two to drive there. Gives me a couple of days to explore before I start my two-week assignment.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing. Some time to yourself. You can think without any husbands to be, or surprise ex high school crushes appearing.”

Charlie laughed. The wine and talking to her bestie always made her feel better. Maddie had always said it like it was, since their first meeting on the playground in elementary, and she loved her for that.