Page 43 of No Fear

“Like I said. Everything’s fine.” She gave him the fake smile. The top of the seventh inning ended, and Charlie stood. “Come on. It’s the seventh inning stretch.”

Apparently, the conversation about Simon was over. Strange how he’d been with her the whole day, and she’d not looked at her phone. For two people about to be married, no phone calls or texts?

He stood and joined in the chorus of ‘Take me out to the ballgame.’ Charlie was once again smiling and singing her heart out. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun, securing it with the scrunchie she had been wearing on her wrist, exposing her neck. The neck he’d kissed. The neck he’d buried his head in. She missed a few strands, and he went to sweep them up for her, but stopped. It didn’t matter that he thought something was up with her and Simon. She wasn't single and he needed to get his urges under control.

The game ended with the Jays winning 2-1. Donnie didn’t care. He’d had a great time with Charlie. It was just after six when they headed back toward the hotel.

“I have to take this call at six-thirty, but would you like to grab dinner after that?”

Charlie looked up at him. “You don’t have to. I mean if you want to go and hit the town without me, I don’t mind. I’m sure there are plenty of nice young ladies to keep a Navy SEAL company.”

They had just entered the hotel lobby. Donnie placed a hand on her arm, stepping in front of her, so he could see her face.

“I came here to see you. There is no one else I want to have dinner with.”

She bit her lip. She always did that when she was nervous. Why was she nervous? Perhaps she didn’t want to have dinner with him? Maybe he was pushing past the friends limits.

“If you’re tired, then we can skip dinner, and maybe catch up tomorrow before I have to leave,” he added, giving her an out if she wanted it. He held his breath, praying she didn’t.

“No. If you’re sure, then yes, I’d like to have dinner.”

“Great. How about we meet here in the bar at seven-thirty?”

“Perfect.”

Donnie smiled, feeling like he just got the girl of his dreams to go on a date with him. But it wasn’t a date. It was just two friends catching up. He acknowledged Daniel behind the bar as they walked to the elevator. Despite being just friends, he saw Charlie to her door and then went to his own room to call Dex.

“Hey, Donnie. How’s Toronto?”

“Better than I expected.”

“You sort things out?”

“Almost. Thanks again for letting me stay.”

“I’m glad it worked out.”

“So, what’s going on?” Donnie sat on the bed, leaning back against the pillows and flicked on the TV, finding a news channel. Knowing what was going on in the world was important in his line of work.

Dex explained what he could on an unsecured line. While he hadn't mentioned names, it was clear they were going after the Aziz brothers. About fucking time.

“Alright. Report 0600 Monday. We got a few long days before we go.”

“Copy that. How are the boys? Missing me?” he teased.

“Yeah, they’re pining for you.” Dex’s sarcasm made him laugh before he ended the call.

Donnie headed to the bathroom, stripped off his clothes, and stepped into the shower. As much as he was enjoying his time with Charlie, knowing they had a good lead on the Aziz brothers had his adrenaline pumping. Reborn had messed with far too many people he cared about. Cutting off the heads of that organization was going to bring peace to many, but especially his team. His family. He couldn’t wait. But first, he needed to find out why Charlie did not look like a happy, blushing bride-to-be. Maddie hadn’t been wrong. Something was off.

He’d left her to fend for herself ten years ago, knowing she was hurting and unhappy. He wasn’t doing that again.

***

CHARLIE STUDIED HERSELF in the mirror. This was the third outfit. She’d tried on two dresses but then decided they were too “datey.” She and Donnie were just friends. Deciding more casual was better, she had on a pair of tight-fitting jeans, a white tank and a loose white shirt she knotted at her waist. Looking at the shoes she had brought with her, she chose a pair of tan sandals with a low heel and a matching tan purse.

Pulling the scrunchie out of her hair, she fluffed it. Having it tied up had given it volume, and it looked bouncy and soft. She’d never been one for a lot of make-up, although when she and Simon attended a fancy gala, he always arranged a stylist to do her hair and make-up. He thought he was doing something nice for her, but she just wasn’t a fan of all the gunk on her face. Simon seemed to like the look, so she didn’t mind for the occasional gala. For tonight, tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip gloss worked.

It was just after seven. Why was she feeling nervous? She’d just spent the day with Donnie, and it had been fun. Dinner would be fun too. Maybe she should call Simon. They hadn't spoken or even texted all day. Was he working on a Saturday? Wouldn't be the first time, but still he could have reached out. Sighing, she pulled up his name on her phone.