by Sarah Cole
“Sorry about that. Everything was a little hectic, then the ambulance got here to check her out after the spill she took, but from what a few witnesses claimed, there was a guy dressed in all black that took a bat to the windows and headlights, then slashed the tires. Since he was armed, no one tried to stop him. They just called it in while it was happening. Then a black truck with a ramming bar plowed into the side and the guy with the bat hopped in before speeding away.”
“Jeeze.” Charlie breathes out looking up at me, and I nod in agreement.
“Do either of you have any idea who that could have been?” Officer Ryan asks, looking back and forth between the two of us.
Charlie looks up at me worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, and I wonder what could be going through her head at this Moment.
“What babe? You can say it.” I encourage her to speak up
“Do you think Tyler or Jenna would have anything to do with this?” she asks.
“Not Jenna for sure. She wouldn’t know this car, and no offense, but I don’t really think she would be intelligent enough to plan or do something this calculated.” I admit.
Charlie snorts with a laugh in response, “True.”
“You think it could be Tyler?” I ask, and she gets a serious look in her eyes and nods solemnly.
“He was in the meeting today. I’ll explain later, but he was acting…,” she trails off, “odd. Threatening even. He grabbed me kind of hard, and I don’t think he’s going to let what happened at Warehouse go very easily.” She says, and immediately I’m pissed.
“He put his fucking hands on you?” I grind out, trying to control my temper. I’m about ready to go find that asshole again and finish what I started.
“Would you like to file a report Miss Adams?” Officer Ryan asks.
“Not an official one officer. He just squeezed my arm pretty hard, but maybe we should just have documentation of it happening just in case something comes of it in the future.” She says.
After the officer takes a quick report of Tyler’s information and what transpired, we are allowed to grab personal belongings from the Range Rover before it gets towed to a repair shop. It’s as if a lightbulb goes off in Charlie’s head and she makes a mad dash, hobbling on one heel, for the battered vehicle prying open the back hatch, and a look of relief washes over her face.
Chapter 16
Charlie:
It wasn’t until the officers and insurance agent told us to gather our belongings from the vehicle before it was towed, that I remembered all the stuff I had in there. I wobble run like a crazy person to the car and pop open the back. Thank goodness, everything was still intact. Thank goodness for the florist packing the centerpiece in a nice box and I had tucked the wine and serving dishes into the cargo net holder.
“Everything ok? Andrew comes up beside me with a smirk on his face. How can he seem so jovial when one of his cars was just vandalized like this? Gosh, it broke my heart over how distraught he was when he thought I was hurt. It just made me cry harder.
“Yeah, I just picked up a few things for tomorrow earlier, and I was hoping nothing got broken.”
“You didn’t have to do that babe; we aren’t super fancy people.” He says kissing the top of my head
“I know, but I just wanted to show your family that even though it isn’t super formal, I want them to feel welcome and special.” I say.
Plus, in the back of my mind I can’t shake the doubt that despite what Andrew says about his family being down to earth, they are the opposite. I mean how could you be coming from that kind of wealth? Then again, I think about Andrew and how simple he is. While he enjoys nice things and clothes, he doesn’t flaunt his wealth, he works hard and is the politest, easiest going person I know. Well, unless Tyler is involved.
“That’s really sweet of you.”
“Can you grab the rest of this?” I ask as I scoop up the flowers, centerpiece box and wine.
“Of course baby. I’m parked three cars down, I’ll unlock it.”
“Thanks!”
We realized on our way back home we have no way to pick up Andrew’s family with their luggage now that the SUV is out of commission for the foreseeable future unless we drive separately, and that wasn’t going to happen so Andrew had me call to rent a limo for the evening, handing me his black credit card.
After a quick shower, I restyle my hair into loose waves and reapply my makeup with a smoky eye and neutral matte lipstick. I slip on a light gray cashmere sweater dress and some over the knee taupe suede boots to hide my bandaged knee. It’s nothing spectacular, but hopefully still classy enough to give a good first impression.
As Andrew finishes up getting ready I unpack the serving platters and load them into the dishwasher for tomorrow. Then I move along and unpack the centerpiece on the long wood dining table adding a little bit of water as the florist instructed. In the suitcase I brought with me over to Andrew’s last night, I packed a mixture of tarnished brass candle sticks and white tapers to fit; so I place those strategically down the center of the table and place the small white pumpkins I bought today.
“Charlie, this looks amazing.” Andrew says sliding his hands around my waist and pulling me close. He looks absolutely amazing in a pair of fitted dark denim jeans, a crisp button up and a collared pullover sweater. His tattoos are peeking out from under his pushed up sleeves and all I can think about are a million different sinful things I would like for him to do to me right now.
“My Mom and sister will absolutely flip over that centerpiece.”
“I hope they like it. I just had this picture in my head and couldn’t get it out.” I say as I move back over to the island to arrange the complimentary floral spray. I pop a bottle of wine in the refrigerator and make sure the chocolate covered strawberries are all still looking good after the accident.
“What’s this?” he asks peeking inside the small white gift bag on the counter.
“Oh, it’s just a little something I had made for your Mom and sister.” I say, and I know I’ve made him happy because his answering grin could light up this city.
“That was incredibly sweet of you babe, I’m sure they will love it.” He says gathering up his keys and wallet from the island.
“Come on handsome, let’s go get your folks before I decide to eat you for dinner instead.” I say playfully.
“Maybe we should just have someone else pick them up.” He says stalking towards me.
“I hold out my hand to stop his attack. Nuh uh, not a chance bud. We’re going.” I laugh.
The airport is jam packed with holiday travelers as we wait hand in hand just outside of the baggage claim area. Andrew keeps checking his watch and phone making sure he didn’t miss anything from his family. I am looking around when I see Andrew, only its Andrew in thirty years and I tug on his hand as catches who I’m looking, and nearly yanks me out of my boots.
“Dad!” Andrew calls catching the handsome older man’s attention. He’s dressed in a pair of khakis and a button down, much like what my Dad would wear.
The man beams holding out his arms, “Andy!” and wraps him up in a back slapping bear hug.
“Man kiddo, cut back at the gym! You about broke this old man in half!” He jokes slapping him on the back. He glances my way and his eyes widen and he gives me a familiar looking smile, since it’s identical like Andrew’s.
“My goodness sakes, well you must be the beautiful Charlie my boy is always bragging about. I sure as shit know he wasn’t talking about me.” He jokes in his thick, buttery Southern draw as he holds out his arms to me for a hug. I go willingly into a warm comforting embrace, much like my own father’s.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you Mr. Montgomery.” I say, pulling back a bit.
“Well look at those manners! But you can call me Charlie or Charles.” He winks at me. “Hell, that will probably get confusing too. You can just call me Dad like my kids do.” He laughs.
“Sounds like a plan.”
I say smiling.
“Where’s Mom and Cami?” Andrew asks, looking around.
“Oh, you know how women are…no offense sweetheart.” He says looking at me and I hold up my hands to indicate none was taken. “But they had to stop by the little girls’ room to freshen up. Your mother was yammering on about making a good impression on your girl so she’d stick around.” He winks my way and I snort back a laugh. Just about that time, we hear a squeal and the clacking of heels on the floor.
“Hey big brother!” Camille calls running and jumping on him. She’s beautiful and dressed super stylishly. She’s got highlighted brown hair cut into a wavy shoulder length bob and is wearing distressed jeans, booties, a loose tee and a leather jacket with a huge chunky necklace. I can already tell we’re going to get along just fine. After taking in Cami I see a beautiful middle aged woman with a short blonde pixie cut and bright blue eyes, just like Andrew’s. She catches my eye and smiles warmly at me, her eyes crinkling in the corners. She’s dressed in a jersey dress, tights and leather boots has a pair of thick black framed glasses tucked over her collar.
Since Andrew is busy reuniting with his sister, I move to greet his mother holding out my hand, but instead of shaking it, she grabs it and pulls me into a tight hug. She smells like vanilla and lavender, and I immediately feel ok about everything. I feel the love and warmth of this family. She lessens her hold on me and holds me at arm’s length really looking at me, and I feel the heat rise to my face.
“Heaven’s sake, Charles. Did you get a look at this one?” She calls to her husband who has since come to stand next to his wife. “She’s stunning!”
“I’m Annette, but you should just call me Annie or Mama.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you. I’ve heard so many great things about you all, and I’m so happy you could make it. I’m Charlie by the way.”
She laughs sweetly. “Oh honey, I know who you are. My boy hasn’t talked about anything else since the day he met you.” She smiles sweetly.
“What the heck Mama? Now I’m just chopped liver?” Andrew jokes at his mother.
“Good grief boy, I’ve known you your whole life, and you know I always wanted another daughter. Boys are too rotten. I have to play my cards right if we want her to stick around.” She whispers giving me an exaggerated wink.
“Come here honey.” She says pulling Andrew into her petite frame holding him tightly. “I don’t care what we have to do, but now that both of my babies are so far away, we have to figure out a way to see each other more often. I can’t stand it.” She says sniffling.
“I know Mama.” He says swaying their embrace to and fro.
I feel a hand on my shoulder and turn to find Cami’s warm brown eyes and a wide smile.
“Hi, I’m Camille, but obviously you can call me Cami. You’ll come to learn we like our hugs and nicknames!” She laughs and I just open my arms wide because I know what is coming and she laughs harder.
“Bring it in for the real thing sister!” I laugh along with her, and she gives me a big hug.
“I’m Charlie, but I’m assuming you gathered that already.” I say.
“Yeah I figured as much, but I’m so glad to finally meet you since I feel like I already know so much about you.” She nudges me and I laugh.
“Probably already sick of me and we haven’t even had our first full length conversation.”
“No, I can already tell we’re going to get along just fine.” She says.
“Yeah me too. Somehow I just knew it as soon as I saw you. By the way I am in love with your necklace!” I say trying to get a better look and she laughs.
“That’s funny. I was just going to compliment those killer boots, but thank you. I actually make these! I’m trying to produce enough to sell online.” She says. “I can make you one, if you want.”
“Oh my goodness! Yes, that would be amazing!”
“Finally! Hallelujah! Andrew finally gets it right in the girlfriend department.” She laughs looking up to the heavens in thanks.
Chapter 17
Andrew:
Seeing Charlie with my family is the icing on the cake. I can already tell my family is smitten with her, and she seems completely at ease with them. I was apprehensive that she wouldn’t like them, or that she would close herself off. It just feels right watching her laugh with my sister and chat with my Mom. It’s like she has always been part of the family. It was like that from the very first time that I talked to her, she fit into my life seamlessly like she was just a missing piece that got lost somewhere and finally found her way home. As we were retrieving luggage from claims, my sister pulled me aside to tell me that she liked Charlie, and my sister has never liked any girl I have dated before, so that tells me something.
Conversation flowed easily throughout dinner with a lot of laughter from everyone. I was thankful that no one brought up Graham or anything to do with that time period since I wanted to be the one to tell her the story. My father was quite impressed with Charlie’s law degree, my mother with her sweet and humble disposition, and my sister was borderline obsessed with the fact that she was one of the founding members of Fading to Light. She was also chomping at the bit to meet Laney, whose blog she happened followed religiously. They were two peas in a pod, and I can already see the bond forming between them, which warms my heart.
We’re waiting for our check when Charlie says, “Oh, I nearly forgot! I have a little something for you guys.” She says to my Mom and sister, and they look at her in confusion.
“You didn’t have to do that Charlie.” My Mom says.
“What about me?” My Dad teases, and I roll my eyes.
“Don’t worry I have something for the boys too, but I don’t think it’s wise to overload the elderly with too much excitement at once.” She winks.
Everyone howls with laughter, and I see the approving look in my father’s eye. That means everything to me. Handing the two boxes to my Mom and sister, she leans back into her seat and finds my knee under the table, and my fingers lace through hers.
“They might need a little explanation.” She tells them as they slide the ribbon from the boxes. Inside each box is a gold necklace with a flat gold bar in the middle, and each one is engraved with a different set of coordinates. “Annie, yours has the coordinates of Chicago on it since your children are here now, and Cami’s has coordinates of you guys’ home town. That way each of you always has a little piece of your heart and your home with you.” Charlie explains.
Damn, if that’s not the most thoughtful thing ever. My Mom looks up at her with shiny, awe filled eyes.
“They are amazing you darling, sweet girl!”
“This is so sweet Charlie. Thank you so much, I love It.” my sister says, both of them rising from the table to embrace Charlie in thanks.
As Charlie helps them put the necklaces on, I look over at my Dad and he’s looking at me with a knowing smile on his face. He just nods his head in confirmation of what I already know. This is my future.
We finally get everyone’s luggage into my apartment, and I realize that I didn’t make up the spare rooms. I start to say something, but Charlie looks at me and says, “I will sleep on the couch.”
“Like hell you will!” I say. Why does this woman want to sleep on the couch when she belongs next to me?
“I don’t want to be disrespectful Andrew.” She says quietly, but my Mom hears.
“Oh honey. We aren’t that old fashioned; we know how young couples are. I don’t think my son would let you sleep on the couch.” She winks and Charlie’s cheeks flame.
“If you’re sure?” she asks, and my Mom nods as Dad chuckles.
“Well I washed sheets and made up the two spare rooms before I left this morning.” Charlie says, and I am not sure what I’d do without her.
“Thank you baby, I completely forgot.” I say hugging her, and trying my best to keep it family friendly.
“You’re welcome. What would you do without me?” she says, echoing
my thoughts.
“I really don’t know, and I don’t ever want to find out.” I say as I kiss her chastely.
“Well after everyone gets settled I got some bedtime snacks and beverages.” She says and it makes me smile because she has everything planned out flawlessly, while my family would be content with a bag of chips and a beer.
After a rousing game of Cards Against Humanity. Yes, my parents brought that to play. Charlie stands up to excuse herself to bed saying she needs to get up early to start cooking, but I know she’s probably just mentally exhausted after everything that happened today, and I still need to talk to her about what happened with Tyler.
If I didn’t already despise that little shit for how he treated her before, I’m plotting his demise now. My family all gives her a big hug and wish her a goodnight, and when she moves to give me a peck, I wrap her in my arms and move my hands to cup her face so I can kiss her properly.
“I love you so much.” I tell her, not caring that my family is there watching. I’m going to tell her every chance I get because life is too short.
“I love you too.” She breathes.
“Awwwwwww.” Cami gushes putting her hand over her heart and batting her eyelashes.
“Good night.” Charlie smiles giving us all a little wave before heading to our bedroom. Our bedroom.
Hearing the door click, no one says anything for a good while. We are all just lounging staring at each other, smiling like idiots. When we hear the water to the shower turn on, my Mom is all over it like white on rice.
“Oh my goodness, Andrew! She is stunning, and so sweet and smart. She’s so funny too!” she says.
“Jeeze, mother, breathe.” Cami cracks.
“Oh you hush.” My Mom pops back. “But honestly Andy, I just love her already. You better hold on tight to her. She is just perfect for you.”
“I second that, Annie.” Dad says patting her knee. Even after nearly forty years of marriage, they still are so in love and I only hope to have that with Charlie.