“I want you to be happy,” I repeat, fidgeting with the strings of my hoodie now. “I just…want you to be happy…with me.”
He stares at me, not hearing what I’m really saying.
“I love you, Charlie.”
There. I’ve said it. There’s no going back now. The words are out in the open, unable to be taken back or packed away neatly into some dessert, where I have been hiding them for so long.
His radio goes off again and I jump at the noise. He angrily jams it back into its holster after he repeats that he is on his way. He looks at me once more and motions between us.
“I have to go,” he says, and I detect a hint of anger laced in his voice, “but we arenotdone here.”
I nod and watch him walk through the door, wondering if he just walked out of my life.
Chapter Ten
Aunt Beth is home sick and the diner is unusually quiet this morning. Everyone in town is getting ready for the big Fourth of July festival later. Graham has been talking about it nonstop for the last week. He’s very excited to show me his favorite part of summer in Driftbay.
As usual, Judith comes in for a treat and her morning visit. I take Beth’s place, filling a glass of ice water and bringing her a piece of cake. Today’s special is angel food cake, decorated to look like the American flag with whipped cream, blueberries, and strawberries. Judith is delighted as I set it down in front of her and take a seat across from her in the booth.
“Morning, dearie,” she says.
“Good morning, Judith,” I say as I fidget in the seat to get comfortable.
“Are you going to the festival later?” she asks.
I nod. “Graham seems pretty excited to show me around. Are you going?”
“I used to,” she says wistfully. “I’m too old now.”
“You’re never too old for some fun,” I say. “You could go with me and Graham.”
“Oh, I have my fun,” she says, shaking her head, “don’t you worry about that. Besides, I don’t want to intrude.” She takes a bite of her cake and looks at me. “This is delicious, dearie.”
I beam. “Thank you.” I feel a rush of blood flush my cheeks. I never take compliments well.
“I used to take my son, when he was little,” she says. “But he’s grown now and moved away. I don’t see him often.” She frowns as she picks up another bite of cake.
“He didn’t want to stay in Driftbay?”
“Oh, heavens no. He hated it here. He wanted to move to a city. Somewhere with more life, he always said.”
It’s my turn to frown now. “They’re not all they’re cracked up to be,” I mutter, thinking of Seattle.
“He’s a senior VP at some company. I’m still not exactly sure what he does.” Judith waves her hand in the air. “I just know he stays busy. Sometimes too busy even for his mother.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She smiles. “That’s partly why I’m so sweet on that aunt of yours. She always makes time for me.”
“She’s very fond of you.”
“Any word on her and Charlie?” she asks, cutting straight to the point.
“Not that I’ve heard,” I laugh.
She shakes her head and mutters under her breath, “That woman.”
“Give her time,” I say. “I”m sure she will eventually.” I’m not sure why she is so adamant about Beth and Charlie getting together.
