Page 28 of No Fear

“That’s lovely. You left rather suddenly. Didn't even say goodbye properly.”

“I sent you a text. I needed some time.”

In the few seconds of silence, Charlie pictured him pinching his nose to keep calm. He did that a lot.

“I’m sorry if I upset you, darling. I never meant to. I love you. When you get back, how about we sit down and talk it out? I want you to be happy.”

She fiddled with the charging cable. Simon’s mood swings were unpredictable. Today seemed like a good day, but she was getting tired of treading on eggshells around him.

“I want to work, Simon. I like what I do.”

“Then we can discuss that.”

“Are we going to discuss what I wear, too?” she added tightly.

A big sigh and then, he said, “Darling, I’m under a lot of pressure. I’m sorry.”

“I can't be someone I’m not.”

“I don’t want you to be anyone else, Charlotte. I’ll make it up to you, I promise. I have to go now, but I’ll call you over the weekend.”

“OK.”

He ended the call, leaving her feeling empty. It was Friday night. Where did he have to go that was more important than talking to her? Early in their relationship when she had traveled for work, they would stay on the phone for hours, talking, texting, FaceTime.

Tired, she unpacked quickly and decided to get into bed with her book. She wanted to be rested and have a good night’s sleep, so she could enjoy a day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Her phone buzzed and she smiled at Maddie’s name.

Maddie: All settled in?

Charlie: Yes. I have a beautiful room and I’m settled in bed with a book.

Maddie: What? You should be out enjoying yourself.

Charlie: I intend to all weekend. I’m tired after the past couple of days.

Maddie: Did you hear from Simon?

Charlie: Yes. He called and apologized. He said we will sit and talk when I get back and work things out about me working.

Maddie: OK. You need to talk about more than just you working.

Charlie: I will. How are Dave and the kids? She typed, wanting to change the subject.

Maddie: Driving me crazy, just how I love it.

The jealousy was no surprise. She envied her friend and her little family. They were so happy and so in love. So different from what she and Simon had.

Maddie: I saw Donnie today. After you stood him up.

Oh shit.

Charlie: Well now he knows what it feels like to have someone disappear without a word.

Maddie: He was upset.

Charlie: Too bad. I hope you didn't take pity on him.