Take Care Of Me (Charlie Barber X Reader)

Chapter 2: Sorry To Keep You Waiting

You awoke to the sharp ringing sound of your alarm. Not wanting to be late on your first day, you promptly got out of bed. You washed up, made your bed, and got changed – as you got dressed, you couldn't help but second guess your outfit choice. You wanted to be presentable enough but you couldn't help but think about your 'interview' yesterday and how Charlie's hand brushed yours, causing your cheeks to blush a little too quickly – and you couldn't deny that there was something about that incident that made you feel like putting a little more effort into your dressing.

It had been a long time since you felt anything like that. Since moving to New York for college, you had always been busy studying and working weekends at Dameron's – a quiet little bar downtown. Sure you had been on a handful of dates but things never progressed to more than just that, dates.

But you didn't necessarily mind that either because school, work and your friends kept you busy enough. And maybe there was a part of you that feared the unpredictability of it all. You had seen your fair shares of messy relationships and if you were being honest with yourself, you were afraid of that too. It was simply too big of a risk for your heart.

–

As you walked towards the theatre, you couldn't help but feel your heart thumping louder and louder as the distance closed in. You adjusted your hair and tugged at your backpack, trying not to overthink things.

You got to the building and pushed at the door only to be met with resistance. Confused, you checked the time. It was 8.50 am. You figured that Charlie was just running late so you decided to wait.

A few minutes passed and you checked the time again. 9.02 am. You wondered if texting Charlie would be overbearing so you decided to wait a little more.

It was now 9.20 am and Charlie was still nowhere in sight. At this point, your nerves had melted away and the only thing that was bothering you was the cold. You decided that ample time had passed so you texted him but you worded yourself very carefully to make it less stressful on his end.

'Hi Mr Barber, I've reached the theatre but it seems like the main door is locked. Is there another entrance I should take?'

You received a reply almost immediately.

'On my way. Wait for me. Be there in 15'

Before you could reply, you received another message.

'Sorry to make you wait in the cold'

For a man who was so disorganised, you couldn't help but wonder why he took the effort to extend any care but you weren't complaining. With all that time to spare, you decided to get a coffee instead and something in your head told you that Charlie would likely like to have one too so you headed to a nearby coffee shop. Luckily, there was one just a block away.

You placed your order and got the same thing Charlie had ordered the day before – a hot coffee with milk and no sugar.

It was perfect timing, as you walked back to the theatre, you saw Charlie approaching. He had a flustered look on his face as he took long strides down the street. His raven hair occasionally lashing his cheeks from all the movement. The serious look he wore made your stomach churn. It was obvious that he was not in a good mood. As he neared, you greeted him.

"Morning Mr Barber," you plastered your best smile on in an attempt to make him feel a little better. All he said in response was, "sorry to keep you waiting," as he fumbled with his keys to unlock the door.

To your surprise, he pushed open the door and motioned for you to go in. You weren't expecting him to hold the door open for you like that. And that same buzzing warmth swelled in your cheeks once again.