PitBabeS2, Chapter 2 pg5

 pg5

   “So, where are you off to?” Now that I was fully back in reality, I noticed Charlie was dressed like he was heading out. The faint scent of cologne was another clue—he doesn’t wear it when he’s just hanging out in the room.

   “Uni. Got a meeting with my professor today,” Charlie answered, tilting his head slightly, seeming surprised I’d ask. “I told you last night. Forgot?”

   “Yeah, forgot.”

   “Is it an age thing, huh?”

   “You little nerd, just wait!” I raised my hand, ready to swat the annoying pest, but Charlie was faster. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a kiss. Damn, he really knows how to play, always knowing exactly how to get out of trouble. “What time will you be done? Cooking dinner yourself or want me to order something?”

   “I’ll order takeout myself. Not sure if I’ll be back in time for dinner,” Charlie said.

   “Huh? Talking that long?”

   “With the professor, it won’t take long, but I’m heading to the lab to check on the medicine afterward.”

   “Your work’s piling up, and you’re not even getting paid a dime.”

   “My boyfriend’s already rich, so why would I need more money?” Though what he said was true, it was still annoying. I couldn’t help but give him a quick pinch. “Ouch! I said no rough play, that hurts! Do you ever listen?”

   “Just a little pinch, you’re so annoying.”

   Charlie rubbed his arm dramatically, pouting like I’d punched him when it was barely a light pinch. He’s getting whinier by the day. No idea who he picked that up from.

   “Anyway… have you seen my dad at all?” Talking about the “medicine” project reminded me to ask about the old man who kicked it all off. I had no clue how their talks went, but before I knew it, Charlie was getting seriously invested in the project to help people with special senses.

   “Uncle Rewat? Yeah, sometimes, but not often. He doesn’t leave the house much and doesn’t like visitors,” Charlie replied. Though he said they didn’t meet often, I was pretty sure this kid saw my dad more than I, his actual son, did. “We mostly talk on the phone.”

   “Hmm…”

   “You should call him sometime, Babe.”

   “I do call.”

   “When was the last time?”

   “Last month, maybe?” I tried to recall the last phone call with my dad, which was tough since our conversations were all so similar. I wasn’t sure if the one I was thinking of was the most recent, but I remembered the content clearly: “How’s it going? Have you eaten? Take care of your health.” Dad said those exact words. “Why?”

   Charlie didn’t look too impressed with my answer. He grimaced, giving me the same look he did when I accidentally washed white clothes with colors.

   “Can’t you call more often?”

   “But there’s nothing to talk about.”

   “Just ask how he’s doing, if he’s eaten.”

   “That’s what I ask every time.”

   “Don’t you miss Dad at all?”

   “I miss him when I call him. Just not all the time,” I answered without much thought, but Charlie let out a sigh, his big eyes rolling dramatically. He always does that when he’s worried about something, but what could be bothering him now?

   “You’re not happy he’s back?”

   “I’m happy, but I’m not close to him.”

   I swear, this wasn’t sarcasm. I’m not bitter about not being as close to my dad as my boyfriend is. It’s just the truth—Charlie is closer to him. And I’m glad for it. Those two have something in common, speaking the same language, so they bonded quickly. Now Dad’s like a mentor to Charlie on his project helping people with special senses. They can talk endlessly. As for me, I’m fine with just the occasional catch-up. That’s enough.

   “No need for that sad puppy face. I’m not mad at you,” I said, lightly shoving Charlie’s shoulder when I saw him looking guilty over something he didn’t even do. “I meant it for real. I hadn’t seen Dad in over a decade. Am I happy to see him again? Sure. But honestly, even though we’re blood-related, in real life, we’re like strangers. He doesn’t know me, and I don’t know him. Acting like a father and son out of nowhere would be weird.”

   Charlie went quiet for a moment before saying, “That’s true.” He nodded slowly, as if processing what I’d just said, calmly separating his thoughts from his own biases. “Sorry, I didn’t think about that.”

Previous

Next