Don't Give Up On Me - Unedited

Chapter 27

This was slightly awkward. For all the parties. Hunter stood rigid expecting Charley to say something, even a glare would be sufficient. No reaction scared him more. It was the not knowing was worse.

Owen would rather run down to the beach, bury a hole and shove his head in the sand. Mia, being the quiet timid shy girl that she is, didn't know what to say or where to look. She felt her first impression just went horribly wrong and Charley would hate her before even giving her a chance.

Charley decided this would be the perfect moment to burst hysterically into a fit of laughter. The other three however had the equal glances of confusion wondering if she had lost her marbles.

Owen however joined in on the laughter elated to see his sister finding the situation so amusing.

"Talk about a small world. At least you know two out of three Mia so that's not so bad. Nice to you meet you anyway." Charley stretches out her arms and embraces the tiny black haired girl standing nervously before her.

"Oh, nice to meet you too!" Mia gently hugs back, almost afraid to touch her.

"Shall we place our bags inside and then head for some lunch?" Hunter asks the trio, weaselling in on some form of conversation.

"I'm with ya there Aidan, I'm starved." Owen replies patting his belly to emphasis his hunger.

The two females break apart and Charley smiles taking the girls hand to drag her with her through to the cottage as some sort of comfort. She doesn't want her first impression on the girl to claim her brothers heart to a bad one either.

"Wow" All four gasp in unison. The cottage, though may appear small and quaint on the outside could not mirror the reflection on the inside. All open planned with the living area to the bright painted in soft neutral creams and browns with luxurious leather reclining chairs and state of the art television and sound system sits in view of the main wall. The kitchen is white tiled flooring with yellow walls and all top of the range kitchen appliances with a granite topped island and matching work tops. At the far end wall is the patio doors leading out to a deck with wooden stairs to lead to the soft golden sand on the beach. Perfect.

Both couples retreat to the bedrooms, dump their bags without a second glance and leave for the cars again to go in search of lunch. Charley, trying to help her brother out decided on some one on one time with Mia might help the girl break out of her shell more. She obviously knew the men quite well so now it was her turn.

"Hey Mia?"

"Yeah?" A timid response breaks the girls lips. Charley can't help but feel bad for the girl.

"Do you fancy some shopping with me? All I brought is the clothes on my back and my purse."

Mia instantly brightens at the girl bonding time, feeling she must be doing something right if her boyfriends sister wants to casually hang out.

"Sure! That'd be great!" Her enthusiastic response brightens Owens eyes, marvelling at his sisters thoughtfulness and effort. He discreetly sends a wink her way to show his gratitude.

"So lunch and shopping?" Charley pipes up. "When you're all ready."

The four divide into two in the separate cars. As Charley settled in she snuck a glance at Hunter and noticed how tense he sat with his mouth set in a grim line.

"Charley" he exhaled rather loudly "about what Mia said."

"Hunter it's fine, honestly. We all have pasts and it's not like I thought you were celibate or anything." She gives out a feeble laugh. "Mine is seriously fucked up so I'm getting it easy with your past."