Complex Charm

Chapter 10

Charmaine couldn't stop thinking about Quincy on her way home. It almost felt as if he couldn't believe she declined him another chance. Clearly, even his good looks and sincerity wasn't enough for her to take him back. She knew he'd come with the intention to get his way, but thank God she stuck to her guns. She silently wished him well and tried to dismiss him from her thought. Without much luck doing it on her own, she dialed up Donovan to see how she was doing. 
Unfortunately, she didn't pick up after two calls, so she left a message on the second try. She figured it was family time, but she really needed to talk to someone. Anyone. Then she thought about Chad. In times of vulnerability, the wrong move gives room for instant regrets. But Charmaine didn't care. Plus, she was sort of warming up to him since the banquet they went to together. She hasn't been this close to anyone in years. Before she could decline the thought, her phone was dialing. To her surprise, he picked up on the second ring. 
"I was wondering when I'd hear from you again," Chad answered. "How are you?" 
Charmaine caught herself smiling a bit and instantly cursed to herself. She just ended a lingering relationship, and now she was picking up on another one. Maybe. She wasn's sure. It just didn't feel right. But Charmaine was always one to be extra on things, so she waved the thought from her mind. 
"I know. I'm sorry. I haven't been doing too well mentally, so I had to take a break before getting emotionally involved."  As if this was the best time to finally do so. But she spent the last two weeks immersed in her work, trying to numb the desire to welcome love into her life. She was okay by herself. Really, she was. But then she started to desire things that only another can give her. She values herself enough to know what she will tolerate, and she feels she's reached her limits. But this road trip made her realize just how imperfect she was to get back into that field. 
"I understand," Chad replied. "I figured I'd give you space, hence why I only called after our time together after the banquet. I don't want to pressure you into anything unless you're interested." 
Charmaine breathed a sigh of relief. For some reason, she felt that Chad really meant what he said. 
"I appreciate it, thank you." 
"No problem, I could only imagine how that goes. It's a toll to bear, being the busy people we are. Just know I'm here." 
"Yeah, I've been trying to get a therapist to work with my schedule and sort this thing out. Not much luck so far, but I'm pretty determined." Charmaine thought to talk about her recent breakdown, but decided against it. Slow down, Charm.
"Oh, yeah. I definitely support seeking help with mental health. Someone who doesn't judge and instead helps you find solutions on how to handle things. You'll find someone soon enough. But if I may ask, what's been going on? Asking as a friend."
Sure you are, Charmaine thought. "Oh, it's just trying to let go of the past and move forward. I would go further into it, but there is a lot that you don't know about me. I wasn't always this well put-together. This took a lot of pain and suffering." 
"I understand," Chad replied sympathetically. " Same here. It took a lot for me to become the man I am today. We're all lost in some way, Charmaine. Maybe we crossed paths to help each other find our way. Maybe that was the magnet that brought us here."
Charmaine chuckled. "Sure, maybe." 
"Hmm, only time will tell. But I hope you continue to give us a chance. We certainly did have a great time at the banquet, so there has to be something between us." 
"Yeah, that was fun. And you looked great, thanks to me." 
Chad laughed. "Right, couldn't have done that without you. But you...you were the one getting all the attention. You don't know how much attention you hold just by your presence, do you?"
Charmaine's smile widened. "No, I'm too busy getting things done to focus on that. But I did dress to impress."
"Even if you wore a housecoat and slippers, you'd still achieve the same amount of attention you had that night. I'm pretty sure of it. The way you exude class and sophistication, with a hint of sass. The first time we worked together, I felt that before you introduced yourself. You should own that more, Charmaine."
"Okay sir, you're pushing it with the housecoat and slippers." Charmaine couldn't help but laugh when he said that. The thought of Quincy melted away. 
"Well if I own it more, you'd be sick of me. Men say anything until the woman embraces what she once detested."
"True, but I doubt that you would do that to get under someone's skin. Like you always tell me, 'Everything in moderation.'"
"With style, yes. I'm not perfect in the area of taking the high road just yet."
"Hmm, there's more to you than I thought...Ms. Hawthorn."
And what a thorny shrub she is. It's as if her family tree was destined to be prickly. A Hawthorne, complex and charming...
As they continued chatting, Charmaine hears a sputter coming from her vehicle. 
"Damnit," she says in the middle of her conversation. 
"What's going on?" Chad asked.
"I forgot to stop for gas and it just hit me as my car started slowing down. Ugh, I'll have to call you back." 
"Oh wow. Don't beat yourself up, though. If you tell me where you are, I can get someone to you to fill up. On me."
Charmaine thought it was so typical for a man to become a Captain Save-a-Wo, but she kindly declined. I'm a big girl. 
"I appreciate it, but no worries. I've got it handled. I'll get back to you soon." 
"No problem. Let me know when you're taken care of." End.