Altered Affection/j.b. (COMPLETE)

Chapter Two

      Kim parked my mom's car in the driveway whereas Charlie's police cruiser was on the curb. We got out and jogged to the door where I knocked. I heard the TV turn off and footsteps. Then the door opened a second later.

      "Hey, girls. Come on in." Charlie smiled widely and stepped aside. We walked in and I laughed at the mess. 

      There were papers stacked high on the coffee table and beer cans piling in the trash can. The sink was clean of dishes, which meant Charlie had been eating at the diner.

     "What's so funny?" he asked. His face was puzzled.

     "Charlie, I'm gonna have to come by and clean for you three times a week! Kim, this is why you don't leave a man alone in a house." We giggled and I headed to the kitchen, opening the fridge.

     "At least he went grocery shopping," Kim said. I pulled out ground meat and the makings for tacos.

     "What are we having for dinner?" Charlie asked.

     "Tacos sound good? I only know how to make a few things." I winked at Kim.

     "Are you kidding me? You're the best cook I know!" Charlie laughed heartily, returning to the living room and turning on the TV. A Mariners game was on. Kim cleaned up the kitchen and living room, taking the trash out and checking the mail.

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     Finally the tacos were done and we all sat at the table.

     "So, what's this news you had to tell me?" I said after chewing a bite.

     "Oh, yeah! I almost forgot. Bella is moving back. She's a junior this year. Her mom and step dad are touring. He plays minor league baseball." Charlie rolled his eyes and went back to his food. Kim and I exchanged looks.

     "Wow... I haven't talked to her in years. Can't wait." I forced a smile and finished my food. As Kim and I stood at the door, ready to leave, Charlie brought out his wallet.

     "Oh, Charlie, no. You don't have to pay us for cleaning and cooking. We enjoy spending time here!" He shook his head and handed Kim thirty-five dollars. She thanked him and jogged to the car.

     It was about to rain and starting to get chilly. Then he handed me seventy-five dollars and smiled.

     "I know you've been saving up for a car for years now. How much are you at?" he asked quietly.

     "About thirty-five-hundred. I'll have plenty by next December." I smiled and hugged him, stuffing the money in my pocket.