Chapter 24

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Engfa's POV.

"You should ask her," Joe nudges me as I hustle around the bar, ensuring everything's shipshape.

"Why can't we chat later? Besides, shouldn't you be working too?" I quip while serving up drinks.

"Tomorrow's the ideal moment," he persists. "Are you even listening? I could fire you, you know."

"Nah, you won't, you adore me too much, plus since I've met you, you haven't fired a single person" he retorts and I roll my eyes.

Stepping back, I let him handle the pouring. I wipe my hands with a towel and look at him. "What if she declines?" I worry, the fear of rejection gnawing at me.

"Why would she? You're both into each other," Joe counters.

"But is it too soon? We've barely been on one date," I ponder.

"Look at Heidi and your best friend. They jumped right in, didn't they? And they haven't known each other that long either so who cares, If you like her, go for it," Joe advises.

"Of course I do, I'm just jittery," I confess.

"How about some tips?" Joe offers, earning a playful slap from me. "You're gay, Joe. How's that gonna help me?"

Undeterred, Joe continues his tasks. I want to ask Charlotte to officially be my girlfriend at the carnival tomorrow night, but my nerves are a whirlwind. As her dad pointed out, it's not just one heart on the line—it's two. With the weight of my past and the trials of the year I was away, doubt gnaws at me. What if I falter? What if I end up hurting her, or worse, what if she hurts me?

Wearing my heart on my sleeve has always been my Achilles' heel. I've trusted the wrong people and given second chances to those who didn't deserve them. But with Charlotte, it's different. Despite the risks, I'm hopeful. I truly care for her, and I want this to work out.

Just as I'm lost in my thoughts, my phone rings, pulling me back to reality. It's Charlotte, and her voice instantly calms my nerves. Our conversation is brief but comforting, a reminder of the bond we share.

"Hey Char."

"Hey sweetheart, what are you doing?"

"I'm at the club but I'm leaving soon, what about you?"

"I've been doing paperwork for hours, we just got a big client."

"You sound tired, don't overwork yourself."

"I won't, I'm craving cheeseburgers so bad but I'm so tired I probably won't be able to get out of bed until tomorrow morning." She says laughing.

"Of course you are." I say and also laugh. "Alright I'll let you be, I just wanted to hear your voice."

"Alright, I'll see you later."

I wait until she hangs up and then put my phone down. I glance at Joe, finding him grinning mischievously, prompting an eye-roll from me. "What's with the look?" I tease.

"Ah, you're like a kid with a new toy every time she calls," he remarks, earning a playful shove from me. "Anyway, off to do something Charlotte-related?"

Ignoring his question, I make my exit, hearing his laughter trailing behind me, which elicits a small smile.

Exiting the club, I head to my car, opting for the Audi over the tempting Porsche to avoid any impulsive racing urges.

At the nearest fast-food joint, I grab cheeseburgers and milkshakes for Charlotte and Olivia, before heading to Charlotte's house.

Navigating the short drive, I hope Charlotte isn't already asleep—it's only 9 pm on a Tuesday, after all.

Arriving at her doorstep, I knock, and soon enough, Charlotte's dad opens the door, his intimidating grin almost giving me a heart attack.

"Ms. Waraha, what brings you here?" he asks, his tone a bit too menacing for comfort.

"Um, is Charlotte awake? I brought her some food and she said she was craving cheeseburgers," I stammer nervously, feeling like I'm facing down a lion.

"I see," he replies cryptically, stepping aside to let Charlotte approach.

"Dad, who's at the door?" Charlotte's voice interrupts before he can say anything else.

Seeing me, her eyes widen in surprise. "Engfa, what are you doing here?" she asks as I hold up the food bags.

"Dad, can you give us a moment?" Charlotte requests, to which he obliges, shooting me a handshake that feels more like a test of strength.

Once he's gone, I breathe a sigh of relief, closing my eyes briefly to calm my nerves.

"What did he do this time?" Charlotte asks, her warm smile instantly soothing me.

"Nothing I can't handle, cute eyes," I reply, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Is your dad ever gonna call me by my name though?"

"He says you have to earn it," she says with a roll of her eyes, to which I nod resolutely.

"If that's what it takes, then I'm up for the challenge," I declare, determined to win over her dad eventually.

"Look at what I brought you," I gesture to the bags.

"You didn't have to, sweetheart. I didn't mean for you to leave work," Charlotte says, her voice soft with gratitude.

"I wanted to, and I was going to leave around that time anyway," I reply, and she nods in understanding.

"I got you a milkshake too, and I also got one for Olivia," I add, offering the small gesture of thoughtfulness.

"Thank you so much, and Olivia is sleeping, so I'll give it to her tomorrow," Charlotte says, her appreciation evident.

I hand her the bags, and she quickly takes them inside before reappearing moments later.

"Do you want to come in?" she offers, to which I decline with a chuckle. "So your dad can hunt me down? No thanks."

"I'm kidding, but sorry, I've got some paperwork waiting for me at home," I explain. "How did it go with your dad? You never told me."

Shrugging, I admit, "Oh, nothing much. Just got labeled a disappointment once or twice."

"I know you're not ready to fully talk about it, but I'm here for you, Engfa, for anything. You can always count on me." Charlotte says, her sincerity tugging at my heartstrings.

"I know, beautiful," I reply, giving her a genuine smile. "And I appreciate what you did tonight, thank you."

Her tight hug grounds me, her scent calming my racing thoughts. "You should go inside, it's getting cold," I suggest as we pull back.

"Alright, text me when you get home and drive safe," Charlotte says, pecking my lips before heading inside.

I watch her go before heading to my car, my mind already racing with plans for tomorrow—a special day that I hope will bring us even closer together.

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