Page 21 of No Fear

“Jesus, Donnie. I was just at Maddie’s. She lives right there.” She gestured to a house a little further down. “I think I can manage.” She moved to walk past him.

“Charlie. I really am sorry. I never mean to hurt you.”

“Well, you did. It’s done, Donnie, and I’ve moved on. Go back to your Navy ship or whatever. It’s all good.”

When she walked away, he fell in beside her. “Can we please have a coffee or something before I leave? Please give me a chance to explain. If after that, you don’t want to hear from me again. I swear you won’t.”

She stopped and glanced at him. With the shades, he couldn't see her eyes to gauge her expression.

“OK.”

“OK?” he echoed, surprised by her quick agreement.

“Come by the house this afternoon around three.”

“I’ll be there. Can I walk you to your door?”

“No. Go. I’ll see you later.” When she walked on, he didn’t follow, but he waited until she turned onto the driveway before continuing his run. She’d agreed to see him. He’d take that small win.

He spent the morning helping his dad do some odd jobs around the house before taking them for lunch at a local fish place they liked. His mom proudly exclaimed to anyone who would listen how her son had come home from the Navy for a visit.

After seeing them home, he walked the ten minutes to Charlie’s house. He knocked on the door nervously. Jeez, get a grip.

The door opened and Mrs. Weston smiled. “Donnie. I’m so glad you stopped by. Al will be thrilled. Come on in.”

Donnie smiled and followed her inside to the living room where Mr. Weston stood to greet him.

“Donnie, it’s great to see you.”

He shook Al’s outstretched hand, wondering where Charlie was.

“It’s good to see you, too, sir. I was sorry to hear of your health issue.”

“Oh, I’m all good now. Don’t you worry about that. How’s life in the Navy?” Mr. Weston gestured for Donnie to sit, and he did. They spent the next fifteen minutes catching up, but there was still no sign of Charlie.

“Is Charlie here?” he finally asked.

“No, she left for work over an hour ago. Did she not tell you? She mentioned she saw you,” Mrs. Weston said.

She’d played him. That’s why she had agreed to talk so quickly, knowing full well she wouldn't be here.

“I guess I got the time mixed up,” he said, not wanting to cause a scene.

He stayed another half hour before saying goodbye and walking back to his parents’ home. Damn that woman. She was determined not to give him a chance to explain. He had no idea where she had gone, and he didn’t even have her number anymore. No way was he asking the Westons or his folks. That would lead to a barrage of questions he didn't want to answer. Maybe he’d give Mackie a call. His teammate’s tech skills could probably find Charlie’s location in no time.

“James Donaldson in the flesh.”

Turning at the female voice, he looked at Maddie, Charlie’s best friend, standing on a doorstep. Arms folded and a scowl on her face. She looked pissed.

“Maddie, nice to see you.” He liked Maddie. Admired and respected how she’d always supported Charlie. A bit like what Nate had done for him. Donnie’s black dad and white mom had made him a target of bullies himself once, but Nate had stood up for him. Maddie had done the same for Charlie. She was a good person, even if right now, it looked like she wanted to kill him.

“Don't give me that bullshit. You got some nerve coming back here after breaking her heart.”

Oh, yeah. She was pissed.

“I didn’t know she would be here. I never meant to hurt her, Maddie.”

“Kissing her, telling her you wanted to date her? Then Nate dies, and you do a disappearing act without a word. You didn’t think that would hurt?” Her hands were now on her hips. Conscious he was standing on the sidewalk, he walked up the front path and lowered his voice.