Page 24 of SnapShot

There’s an ache in my chest that I know can’t be even a fraction of what she feels every day. My parents haven’t even been together that long, yet I can’t picture them separate from one another. Knowing that the day is coming quicker than I would hope where they won’t be together hits me like a ton of bricks. And Haedyn. It sounds crazy, and maybe I am crazy. But I don’t want to be apart from her either. I want to mean what this woman’s late husband means to her.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say.” Truly, there are no words.

“Don’t be sorry for me, love. That man loved me better than anyone could, and I know that we’ll meet again in another life.” She takes a sip and lets the drink burn all the way down before she speaks again, looking at me directly into my soul. “You got a girl, young man?”

I can’t stop the smile. “I do, or at least, I think I do. She’s complicated. Difficult to read sometimes.”

The woman laughs, real joy overtaking her features, showing off her hard-earned laugh lines. “The best ones are. Don’t give up on her. If it’s real, it’ll stick. Not saying it’ll be easy. It likely will be the opposite, but it’ll stick. Thanks for the drink, love.” She lifts her glass in silent toast to me before taking her last drink. Her hand reaches over the bar with a couple of bills in it.

I shake my head. “It’s on the house. Thanks for the talk. I didn’t catch your name.”

“Betty, and don’t go putting a miss in front of that either. It’s just Betty.”

With that, she heads to the door, leaving me with a gooey feeling in my chest. I hope she comes back in here again. Listening to her talk was enchanting. Someone who has been through so much and wants to pass on her wisdom. She could’ve stayed all day, and I wouldn’t have charged her a cent.

By closing time, I’m beat. Locking up, I make my way to the loft. There’s not much to do so late at night besides watch a movie. It’s no wonder I’m so enraptured with Haedyn; she’s the most interesting thing about my life. I literally have no friends here, and I didn’t plan to stick around here long. What would be the point of trying to make some just to leave? Of course, now I can’t see myself leaving, so I probably should find a hobby that doesn’t include taming my little brat.

Then again, maybe I don’t need another hobby. She keeps me pretty occupied as is. God, the thought of her defiance makes me hard. Always wanting to be in control but secretly just wanting someone to care enough to pull her out of her own head. I am that someone, even if she’s not ready to admit that to herself yet. I’ll continue to show up for her and love her until she trusts me enough to let me into her heart.

***

The weekend passes by in such a blur because all I could think about was making it to today and seeing my girl. I haven’t heard from her at all since she left, though she told me that I wouldn’t. It feels like it’s been much longer than three days.

Jumping out of bed and getting ready for the day with a little extra enthusiasm, I hurry through all of my morning tasks and shoot off a text to Haedyn.

Charlie: Good morning, beautiful. Can’t wait to see you later :)

As long as it takes me to make it down to my office, my message goes without reply, but that’s okay. She’s probably sleeping off her hangover from the weekend. From what I can tell, she and Kate don’t get to cut loose often, so I can only imagine that they go hard when the opportunity pops up.

A knock raps on my office door almost as soon as I get sat down. Let the fun begin, I guess.

“Yeah, come in.”

“Morning, boss. Just wanted to let you know that I’m back and feeling much better.”

“Angela, I’m so glad to hear that. I’ve got your check here waiting on you.” I pass it to her across the desk.

She looks down at it and begins to shake her head vehemently. “This is too much. I missed three days. I can’t take this.”

“You can, and you will. Think about the family that’s depending on you. Everybody gets sick. Bills still have to get paid. I do what I can to make sure you all are taken care of. You’ve worked your ass off as much if not more than I have to open this place, and I appreciate you.”

Her eyes look glassy as if she’s holding back tears. My heart breaks a little at the fact that such a small gesture could bring such a response. People shouldn’t have to worry about their necessities because of something outside their control. This society is such a shithole for forcing people to live this way. Pisses me off to no end.

“Thank you, Charlie. Seriously, you don’t know what this means to me.”

“I’m happy to help. Let’s get out there and have a good Monday, shall we?”

“Right.” She pockets her check and leaves the room.

Slightly Crazy

twelve

Slightly Crazy

Charlie

By Tuesday, I still haven’t gotten a response from Haedyn even though I’ve sent probably five more messages and called several times. I’m getting worried. Surely if they’d made it back safely, she would’ve called or something.

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