Crossroads

Chapter Three

"So, you've seen her?", even on the phone, there was no hiding that Matt's tone was both a mix of surprise and relief, "That's bloody well fantastic!"

Tom could not agree more.

It was great to know that his decision to reach out had not been in vain and that without even taking about the past, they were able to at least put it all behind them and decide to get-together for the rest of Char's stay in Venice beach.

"I did."

After breakfast, he'd taken her back to the hotel so she could freshen up and take another shower before he picked her up again for lunch.

He knew just the perfect restaurant and decided he would also take her biking to wait for the sun set later.

There was so much they could both do.

"How was it?"

"It was awkward for her at first but she eventually warmed up", he admitted and then sighed, "Don't tell her about this because I lied through my teeth but it was kind of funny how I knew she was here."

If there was someone amongst all of their friends who spoke up much about how he disliked the way he and Char allowed themselves to fall out the way they did, it was this guy. Tom knew he wouldn't be able to skip through anything with Matt or he might end up pestering the woman instead.

"Wait! Didn't she give you a ring?"

He raised a brow. "No."

"Oh!"

"I was out on the quay yesterday, shooting a video, and when I was about to edit it last night, the cameras apparently captured Char. She was hiding from me behind a tree."

"BUGGER! Was that what the call at five in the morning all about?!?!"

Tom grimaced. "I'm sorry mate. It completely escaped me that you would, of course, still be sleeping. I was thinking you might know if she decided to visit here."

"Since I got to call you an arse, we're already even. Anyway, I sent her a message that your shoot has been pushed back and you would most probably be home. I even gave your number to her."

"She didn't mention that." Not even when they were comfortable enough to tease each other. Char admitted no such thing as knowing he might be in Venice beach too.

"Unless, of course, she was trying to avoid you." The exasperation from the other end of the line was palpable.

"I'm not sure though that I can already ask her IF she was indeed trying to avoid me."

As it is, despite their very "agreeable" hangout, he could sense a wall that had never been there before.

"Well, IT may be better if you didn't. I'm only happy the both of you are talking again."

"I'm happy too. I didn't realize how much I missed having her around."

"That's because you were a right plonker for allowing what others say affect your friendship with her. The whole gang sometimes just wants to kidnap the both of you and put you in a room to talk."

He shook his head. "Good thing you guys didn't do that."

"We were close to doing it", Matt replied, "Rup was supposed to get you so drunk, you'd walk blindly into any trap."

He laughed. "Ah! That's the reason you failed. When did Rup ever outdrink me???"

"Haven't you noticed why he hasn't shown himself lately when you go home to London? We've all put him under detention."