Page 24 of No Fear

“I just never saw the two of them together either. We both know what he was like in high school. The parties, the girls, the drugs. Let’s be honest, Charlie wasn't his type. But they started dating and he treated her well. She was happy. Lately, I get the impression things aren't so good.”

Donnie’s radar was on full alert. “Aren’t so good how?”

Maddie bit her lip.

“Maddie? Is Charlie in trouble?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

He waited, sensing she was choosing her words.

“Charlie came here because she was upset. It’s not my place to tell you details about her life, but I want her to have what I have with Dave. I don't think she has that.”

“Did you tell her that?”

“Yes. I’m not sure she’s open to really hearing it. She thinks me and Dave are a rarity and not everyone gets to have that kind of love.”

Jesus. Charlie deserved a man who would cherish and worship her. Like he would have. If Nate hadn’t died.

Maddie was still talking. “She keeps saying that she’s lucky to have him. He’s the first guy, well, other than you, that showed interest.”

“Seriously? She’s fucking gorgeous. Shit, sorry.” He lowered his voice, glancing at Andrew.

“It’s OK, he’s engrossed in the TV.”

“Any man would be lucky to have her in his life. If Simon can't see that, he doesn't deserve her.”

“I agree. Things were hard for her after...” She waved her hand. “It took a long time to move past it all, and I don’t like seeing her being hurt again.”

Donnie frowned. “He hurts her. How? Her feelings?”

Maddie scoffed. “I think he hurts everyone’s feelings. He’s full of self-importance. Thinks he’s better than everyone. That much hasn't changed.”

“You really don’t like him, huh?” he said with a small smile.

“I don’t. Which is hard because I love Charlie and I will support her always, but I don’t trust him.”

“I hurt her feelings, too.”

“Yes, you did. While I hate what you did, it was a terrible time, and we were all kids. Doesn’t mean I forgive you. Charlie was devastated.”

His heart squeezed. Now he was finally facing how bad he’d made Charlie feel, he hated himself.

“I get that you’re worried, Maddie, but Charlie is a grown woman. All you can do is be there for her like you always have been. You’re a good friend. Charlie is lucky to have you.”

“I’ve tried talking to her, but I’m not getting through. Look, I’m telling you because Nate loved you as much as he loved Charlie. You looked out for her in high school and I’m sure Nate would want you to now. Don’t you think?”

Fuck, the guilt kept piling on.

“Charlie told me how you and Nate became friends because he stood up for you when you used to get bullied by those ignorant assholes who didn't like the color of your skin.”

Donnie swallowed. Yeah, he’d taken his fair share of taunts in elementary school. He’d heard all the names. During a particularly bad name calling incident in the playground, Nate had stood up to Johnny Bateman, the ringleader at the grand old age of seven. Nate had shouted at him, then pushed him hard enough that he’d fallen, scraped his knee, and started crying. They'd all been called to the principal's office and parents had been called. Even though they explained about the name calling, Nate had gotten detention. The school sticking to their policy for no hitting. Technically, he hadn't hit Johnny, but the principal had said he was lucky that he wasn't getting suspended. Nate had taken his punishment, and when Donnie asked him why he’d done it, he’d shrugged, saying he hadn’t liked what Johnny was saying. They were best friends from that day forward. By the time he entered high school, he was just shy of six feet and had filled out. The taunts stopped. Charlie hadn’t been so lucky.

“We were all there for Charlie when she was getting bullied in school, we all supported her. Nate’s gone. She’s not listening to me so that leaves you.” Maddie raised her eyebrows at him.

“I don’t think she’ll listen to anything I say.”

“You wanted to talk to her. So go talk to her. I know where she is. Yes, she’s going to be mad at me for sharing, but right now I don’t care.”