AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I almost resented him, but once I found out firsthand how stressful it was managing a company even half that size, I figured he was the better man for that job.
Now, I mind my own business.
We stayed friends. Competitive in business and in our personal life but everything changed the day he invited me to Charlene’s graduation.
I knew then that I didn’t want her to get back at Mark or anything like that. I knew then that I loved her. That I do love her, more than anything in the world.
More than any business or money.
Charlene unplugs her ear buds and sensing some tension between me and her dad, she asks if everything’s alright.
“Fine, honey,” Mark lies, “We’re just talking about old times. Oh! We’ll be there any minute… Now, Max. I have to go on ahead after I drop you two at the gate but everything you need, tickets, everything… it’s all right here.”
He passes me a leather portfolio, embossed with his initials.
“The ship’s captain will have your visa ready and waiting, before you leave port… and all your luggage will be onboard by the time you get there, it’s all been arranged,” he adds knowingly. And I do know Mark, he loves being in charge of things, even from behind the scenes.
But there’s one thing you can’t control, ol’ buddy… the old heartstrings, and I can feel them being tugged, hard.
Once we’re at the airport I watch as Mark does what he does best, fuss over Charlene and makes sure she has everything she needs before we leave him at the gate. He has his own flight, but his only concern is Charlene.
It’s touching, and I don’t deny him his love for his daughter, but I do feel like enough’s enough, at one point we do need to go.
Hugging me like a brother, he reminds me of my charge, whispering in my ear, “Look after her, Max. I’m counting on you buddy, no more skeletons in the closet?”
He holds me back from him by my arms, his hands unable to even get a proper grip on them, his brows raised in a question.
He always makes this face, the one he knows will make me laugh whenever I get too serious. I have a lot of history with Mark, good and bad, but he’s still my best friend. It’s what makes us so close is that we respect our frequent and mutual disdain for each other.
It’s a guy thing and it’s complicated.
“No skeletons,” I murmur, out of earshot of Charlene, “and you know I’ll look after her,” I add, meaning it. Her welfare, safety and happiness is my only concern.
That and the little business of me claiming her as mine, but we don’t need to discuss that right now.
I’ll cross that burning bridge when I get to it.
Once Mark’s final instructions fade as we get clear of the gate, I have to fight the natural urge to take Charlene’s hand into mine as we approach security.
My hand’s out and she flushes a deep red when she sees it, but for whatever reason, it’s not time for that. Not yet.
“Gimme your bag,” I say, a reason for having my hand out. And I take it from her, noticing how heavy it is for hand luggage, watching her eyes grow wide again as I can tell she’s looking at my arms, my body and I’m looking at hers. Thinking about how much longer I have to wait before I can have her all to myself.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” she says dreamily, “We’re finally alone.”
Hearing her say it, hearing the tremor in her voice makes me grip our bags harder, counting the seconds until we’re completely alone.
But then what happens? This is as new to me as I think it is to Charlene.
I haven’t got an exact plan that goes past where we are right at this moment.
And you know what? For the first time in my life, not having a plan except for having Charlene next to me seems to be working best. Nature’s running her course, and I know it’s only a matter of time before what’s rightfully mine is returned to me for good.
Chapter Five
Charlene
I’m tired, but thrilled. I can’t believe it’s finally just me and Max. And I think he feels the same.
I’m so tired from my lack of sleep and this daydream sensation, feeling like I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real.
My encounter with the stewardess makes it real. Crashing back down to earth real.
She’s all smiles when she sees Max, but as I emerge from behind him her face falls.
“And this is your… daughter?” she asks, looking at her folder than scanning me from head to toe, making a face as she pauses at my middle.
“This is Charlene,” Max says politely, but sounding strained, “Problem?”
