Take Care Of Me (Charlie Barber X Reader)

Chapter 7: Should Have Seen It Coming

Your schedule allowed a total of just ten days for Charlie to finish packing. When Charlie had texted you all the details, it seemed like this move was exceptionally urgent with the tight deadlines he had communicated. You couldn't help but wonder what the rush was.

Aside from being tasked to order a whole list of new furniture, you had agreed that you would go over to his during the day to help box up his items. Since Charlie would be busy at the theatre from Mondays to Saturdays, he handed over a set of spare keys so you could let yourself in.

–

It was now slightly past noon, you made your way over to Charlie's house after collecting a parcel for Exist Ghost from the post office.

The address Charlie sent you led to a street of cosy townhouses located in Williamsburg. The streets were lined with big trees, still bare and recovering from the winter. The area had a strong classic, New York charm and its atmosphere felt a lot calmer. It seemed like just the right place for Charlie.

You found his unit which was located on the third and top floor of one of the brick-fronted townhouses. You stepped in and were immediately greeted by Charlie's scent – musky, malty with a hint of something sweet like vanilla or honey. You took off your shoes at the door and locked it behind you. Checking the time, you saw that you still had a good hour before the cardboard boxes would be delivered.

Charlie's home was an apt reflection of your impression of him – homely with an intellectual streak. The walls were painted an off-white tone which perfectly matched the dark wood furniture and warm colour palette of the curtains and couch. You made your way into the living room which was segmented off by a low half wall.

The large shelf that lined the entire wall behind the television set caught your eye. It was filled to the brim with books, other box-shaped items, picture frames and little knick-knacks. You scanned the pictures that were at your eye level and you felt your heart sink. Everything made sense now. There were multiple pictures of Charlie, another woman with a short, blonde haircut and a young boy who had familiar, soft hazel eyes.

You took a deep breath to steady yourself. Deep inside, you knew you shouldn't be surprised but somehow coming to terms with the reality still hit you hard. It breached your mind of how stupid it was of you to think that Charlie could have been more than your boss. You looked back on all the moments you shared, trying to shed your rose-tinted glasses and you realised that Charlie was being nothing more than polite. You had seen the way he interacted with everyone at Exit Ghost, always gentle and kind and you realised that you were no different. You took another deep breath, focusing on the sensation of your lungs filling with air before letting out a heavy sigh.

You wandered around his home, noting the first room on the right which Charlie had instructed you not to touch just yet. You opened the door to find a child's room with a short bed that was now stripped of its sheets. The room looked half bare, with only a few toys and books sitting on the top shelves, a carpet rolled up in the corner and a few boxes already packed and stacked along the far wall. You wondered what Charlie's son must be like. Was he as serious and brooding as Charlie or was he more like his mum?

Before you knew it, the boxes had been delivered and you got to packing. You started in the living room, clearing the shelves and wrapping up fragile items. Every time you got to a new framed picture, you felt like you were uncovering a little bit more about Charlie's family life. You tracked all the holidays they went on – visits to beaches, carnivals and even a few touristy spots like the Eiffel Tower. You noted the birthdays and big holiday celebrations. Charlie looked so happy with his deep dimples on full display and eyes pressed into sparkling crescents.

It was a little before 7 pm when you received a text from Charlie:

'I'll be coming home soon. Want to grab dinner?'

Something about the casual tone of his text made you a little angry. You knew full well that it wasn't his fault. It was entirely your mistake for foolishly misreading your interactions and yet, you couldn't let that hard lump in your chest go. A part of you wanted to say yes but the other knew you weren't in the right state of mind to see Charlie – even if it was just as boss and employee. You reasoned with yourself for a moment. Charlie was just your boss, and your married boss at that, there was no reason for you to feel this upset and let alone, upset at him.

And yet, despite all your annoyance, you couldn't bear to say 'no'.

'I'll be heading home.' You replied curtly before tucking your phone into your bag and calling it a day.