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He was uncomfortable. “You seem like you’re in the middle of something.”

“Don’t be stupid. Sit down.” I straightened my posture.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes.

“Do you wanna talk about whatever went down with you and Thad?” Charlie finally broke the silence, keeping his eyes on the horizon.

“No.” I looked at him, “Why are you out here anyway?”

“This is my thinking spot,” he answered honestly.

“What’s on your mind, Charles?”

“Can I tell you something that you have to swear not to tell Blythe?” his voice was low.

I tapped my chin, “Depends on how much it impacts her.”

“It doesn’t.”

“Then air your dirty laundry out, Hannigan.”

“I’m nervous.” Charlie’s voice was barely above a whisper.

“About?”

“Having another kid. I barely made it out of the newborn phase the first time.”

An audible laugh spilled out, “You’re kidding me.”

His eyes locked on mine, anxiety flooding them.

“Oh my…Charlie, you’re serious?” My eyes were wide. “You also had a lot of other things on your plate the last time. This time you have a spouse and Wren will an incredible big sister and help out. Don’t stress.”

“Thank you for that. I didn’t know you were capable of being sweet.”

I shot him a look before looking back at the water. “Want me to fill you in?”

“Rose, you know I hate gossip, but this shit has been killing me. Blythe won’t say a word. She locked that shit in the vault.”

“Buckle up, buttercup…” I trailed off, filling Charlie in on what happened and how my life has become a dumpster fire.

“All that to say, I’m the problem. Not him.”

His shook his head and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Do you really believe that?”

I lifted a shoulder, “I don’t know what I believe anymore.”

“I can tell you none of those things are true. You’re not a flake, you just find things you’re passionate about. You’re loved by anyone who knows you.” Charlie paused, clearing his throat. “He’s not worth anymore of your time. Close the book and move on—to someone who will love you as you are and not force you to go to fancy events that you hated.”

“Thanks,” I offered a small smile.

“I mean, hell, Rose, his name is Thad. What did you really expect?”

I raised a brow, “You’re not wrong.”

“He’s gonna wind up missin’ you. Just wait. And when he comes back with his tail tucked between his legs, tell him to go fuck himself.”

“Thanks, Charlie. You’re going to give a great pep talk to Wren one day when she gets her heart broken.”