Finally Free - Charlie Gillespie

Chapter Nine

Kenedi
Charlie went to pick up Owen and Savannah from the airport while I get last minute stuff for the party tonight. Charlie already got all the alcohol since I'm not legal yet, but I'm getting the snacks and decorations.

Things with Charlie have been kinda weird since he told me he loved me while he thought I was asleep. To be honest, I've been distancing myself a little bit the last two days because of it.

I don't want to get attached to him just for him to leave. I think he's noticed too. I keep working whenever my manager asks me to fill in for someone.

I almost agreed to working tonight instead of going to the party, but I can't do that to Owen and Savannah. And I should start being more active with Charlie.

I don't want him thinking he came here for nothing.

I finish setting everything up as soon as I hear voices out in the hall. I hesitantly listen in when I hear my name.

"I don't know, Owen. She's just been distant. She's taking on more shifts."

"Did something happen?"

"I don't think so. The first day was amazing and then it just went downhill."

"Did she hear you say you love her?" Savannah's voice is so much sweeter in person.

"I don't think so. She was asleep, but I told her all throughout the day that I love her."

"Saying I love you sunshine is different than saying I love you, Kenedi."

"She has a point, Char." He sighs defeated making me frown.

He really is upset about it.

I text Sofia telling her it's a 9-1-1 so she'll call me asap. I quickly run over to the couch pretending to be on my phone as they walk in.

"KENEDI!" I almost drop my phone glaring at Owen. He tackles me in a hug making me groan.

"Can't breathe." He quickly loosens his grip. "Yeah yeah hi to you too." I laugh patting his head.

"Hi, Kenedi!" I scream running over to Savannah. She screams hugging me giggling.

"Savannah! Oh my god hi!" Charlie smiles tightly making my smile falter. I really screwed up.

After I talk to Owen and Savannah for a few minutes, I walk up behind Charlie and wrap my arms around his waist.

"Hi baby."

"Hi." I frown slightly tightening my grip on him.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." He walks out of my arms leaving me feeling empty. I sigh shakily and walk into the bathroom seeing Sofia calling me.

I quickly catch her up on everything nearly in tears.

"I really fucked up, Sof."

"Yeah, but this is just proof that he likes you."

"But if he likes me, shouldn't he have been fighting for me?"

"Maybe he thinks you're distant because you don't feel the same way."

"What do I do?"

"Add Madi to the call and get her opinion. She knows him better than I do." I nod quickly adding Madi to the call.

Sofia catches her up as I try to listen into Owen and Charlie's conversation. Something about a new years kiss?

"Charlie likes you, Kenedi. I don't know how many times I have to say it before you believe me." I sigh just feeling stupid for the whole thing.