Complex Charm

Chapter 2

"Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that." -Ally Condie

"You work so hard, girl. Why don't you chill on the weekends?" Donovan asks.

Charmaine lets out a sigh as her friend pays for her veggie bowl. It has been awhile since she's seen her best friend of 25 years. They met up at the farmer's market for lunch a few hours before Charmaine wrapped up work earlier that morning. Despite the slight headache from her indulgence in Prosecco last night, she was so happy to see Donovan. Once they found a place to sit, she prayed over her heavenly Mediterranean salad topped with salmon and cilantro cream dressing. So good.

"Because I hate being out on the weekends," Charmaine replies. "Too many people out and about- as we can see here- and I'd rather be where no one else is. Besides, I'm more productive that way." They were lucky to find the vacant table among the crowd of market shoppers that Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful day, so everyone was there. The sun kissed Charmaine's deep melanated skin, giving her an undeniable glow to pair with her favorite maxi dress. It looked as if she was draped in a Tuscan sunset. She loved how yellow looks on her. Donovan was just as stunning in a beautiful emerald green jumpsuit. It flattered her curvaceous figure, and complimented her light brown eyes. While eating, they looked into the crowd to observe unique style and obsess over adorable french bulldogs. Turns out they were just surrounded by cargo shorts and flip flops. Nothing against comfort, but why does one need all those pockets? Charmaine will never understand.

Donovan takes in a spoonful of lettuce, tomato and corn drenched in balsamic vinaigrette. While chewing, she looks at Charmaine, who senses an unwanted question coming up. She was right.

"But how will you meet people if you're never where they are?" Donovan asks.

"I get out when I want to. I just love having space do whatever I want, whenever I want," Charmaine replies. "And for your information, I'm not really trying to meet anyone."

"Girl, please. You say that, but deep down you wouldn't mind being up under something fine." Charmaine was taking a sip of her passion fruit tea when she almost spit it up from Donovan's comment. Donovan laughs and shrugs, "Go ahead and choke. You know it's true."

Charmaine cackles, half-halfheartedly agreeing. Granted, she doesn't really care about that part of life... until it's a late night, when nothing about her career is crossing her mind. She pretty much buries herself in her job, thinking up new ideas when on the run. Her mind is never not moving. But when everything's quiet... she wonders about sharing a life with someone. Not just someone. THE someone. Ugh. Why are we like this? She wonders.

"Well, I feel like he'll come when he needs to," Charmaine assures, more so to herself than to Donovan. "I just hope he's not something I've had before. Oh God, give me something new. Somebody who can take care of me when I need it, instead of me doing all the work."

"Amen, girl. I know what you mean about space." Donovan takes a sip of her water. "Ever since I gave birth to Ali, it's been like I'm always wanting to scream my head off. While she is always under me, you godson Shane is showing that toddler jealousy. He needs me, and Ali needs me. Thank God I'm not alone in this, with James being the best man I could ever ask for. He knows when I need a minute, so he'll take 'em for a ride to the park or something."

"I can help, too!" Charmaine volunteers. "If you need to bring them here for a little time off. You know, to give you both a break. Just let me know."

Donovan smiles. "You know you're not gonna be able to keep an eye on a toddler and a newborn while working as much as you do. Getting them to sleep at the same time is a challenge. And don't get me started on eating."