The Problem

CHAPTER 9

CHARLIE

I have been stood in front of this house for about two minutes and I'm still not ready to walk in. Yasmin texted Laura, letting her know about the event slash dinner. I don't know how the hell she got her number but she did. I haven't got a clue if she will actually come but now I have to do this with a drink.

Walking in, I can hear light music playing and plenty of people dotted around the house. My aunties, uncles, cousins and much more are here. In the corner is my grandparents, from my mum side. They are sat on the sofa talking amongst themselves. No sign of Yasmin though.

As I approach them from behind, I lean down and place a kiss on their cheeks. "Oh Charlie! How good to see you! Don't you look so beautiful!" My grandad chimes.

Grandma grabs my face and smothers it with kisses, "Oh my gorgeous girl! How are you?"

"I'm good guys. How are you both? It's been a while since I've seen you."

Pops smiles, "That's because you forgot us. Our body's won't last very long. You have to start putting some effort love."

I chuckle, "You two have been travelling around the world. Every time I have asked, you guys have been too busy. So that isn't my fault."

Nana laughs, "That's true but you have money, next time just travel to see us!"

"Easier said than done."

"So why are you talking to us instead of mingling with your cousins and sister."

I shrug, "Yasmin is nowhere to be seen and I don't like any of my cousins."

Nana shakes her head, "Charlie, you need to stop being stubborn and talk to them. I would have thought that attitude of yours would leave, the older you got. But I guess your still a big baby."

"I say this all the time." That voice.

Turning around, Laura is stood there with a soft smile on her face. "I didn't expect to see you," I admit.

She smirks, "There's a lot of things you don't expect of me. But here I am. Now can you get me a drink or what?"

Nana laughs, "I like her. Come chat with us while my granddaughter gets you something refreshing."

Rolling my eyes, I place a kiss on Laura's cheek then walk off to the kitchen. In the process, my mum bumps into me and grows a wide smile.

"I was hoping you would come! Just didn't expect to see you," she states then hugs me.

I laugh, "Yeah I was going to just stay in bed. But I guess I want to ruin dads day."

She shakes her head, "Charlie. Please behave. We don't want a fight here."

"Mum I'll do what I always do."

Yasmin walks in, "Well well well. You came! Now where's your girlfriend?"

Mum gasps, "You have a girlfriend? Why have I never met her! Oh my lord, Charlie show me her now!"

I groan loudly and pour two glasses of red then walk out the kitchen. Heading towards Laura, I scan her body. She's slightly bent over while speaking to my grandparents as they are on the sofa. She's in a tight red dress, it's just above the knee with red heels. Her hair is down, curled and smooth looking. She turns around and it's hard not to look at her with so much want.