Page 75 of No Fear

Ten years ago, after she’d laid herself bare to him and asked him to take her virginity, he had been just as thoughtful and attentive. But he still left and broke her heart. They’d only shared a kiss then. If she gave Donnie what he wanted now, got into an actual relationship with him and he left? Or it didn't work out? That would break her heart beyond repair. She wasn't sure she would ever get over it.

Her phone rang and she picked it up, relief flooding her seeing Donnie’s name.

“Hey! You’re back? Are you OK?” she blurted.

“Yes. I’m back and I’m fine. Sorry, I didn't call sooner, I was tied up longer than expected.”

He didn't sound fine. He sounded quiet and subdued. Not like Donnie at all.

“I’m just glad you’re OK. How was it?” she asked tentatively.

“I can’t talk about it. How are things with you?”

“Um... I’m good.”

“Are you in Albany?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Charlie frowned, feeling the tension coming through the phone. Trying to lighten the mood she changed the subject.

“Any chance you have some time off and are coming to Albany again?” Would love to see you. She kept that thought to herself.

“No. I won't be coming back for a while.”

The blunt way he said it took her by surprise. Where was the Donnie that wanted more than friends?

“Is everything OK?” she asked.

“Yes.”

The clipped one word answer was like ice. Perhaps he’d changed his mind about her. Was calling just to be polite.

“OK. I’ll let you go then. Thanks for calling to let me know you’re back.” She swallowed the lump in her throat, annoyed for feeling hurt at his coldness. She heard a sigh at the end of the phone.

“I’m sorry, Charlie. It was a rough op, that’s all.” His tone was softer.

“I can’t imagine. You do get time off between missions, don’t you? Time to rest?”

“Yeah, we do.”

“Then why not come here? We can catch up with Maddie. High school friends hanging out. I’m sure your folks would love to see you again.” She hated that he sounded so sad. He’d been so much fun in Toronto.

“I can’t.”

The way he said it made her heart pinch. Something was wrong. Determined, she tried again.

“Come on, it’s not that long a flight. We can go to the Taco place you—”

“Charlie I can’t come,” he snapped, startling her.

“Sorry. I didn't mean to push. I’ll let you go. Take care of yourself, Donnie.” She hung up on him and swiped at the tears on her cheeks.

The phone rang again, Donnie's name flashing on the screen. Nope. Not again. Not right now. She silenced the phone and headed to the kitchen, pouring more wine than she probably should.

Hearing a knock at the door, she walked, glass in hand to open it. Maddie stood there with a bottle of red and a big grin. Charlie held up her glass.