Spanish lessons

7. Unpacking baggage

Charlotte watched Harry walking off with his phone, talking quietly. She figured it must be important, otherwise he wouldn't have taken it and interrupted talk- and playtime with the two ladies. At least that was her impression of him from what she had seen in the little time they had spent together so far.

"Well, little lady, it's just the two of us now. How about you show me what awesome toys you have there?" Charlotte crawled across the blanket they had set out and sat herself next to Aria, who was playing in the sand, a few colourful sand molds spread around her. She was currently holding a little fish and creating a group of fish swimming around her in the sand.

Charlotte watched curiously how the toddler handled the toys with her tiny hands, a warmth spreading in her stomach and transferring to her face in a smile. By looking at his princess, she could only start to imagine the endless love Harry must feel for her. Whatever hardships and exhaustion raising a child could bring, the big grin with her sparkling green eyes Aria showed Charlotte that moment would make up for it a thousand times.

"Cha-cha make fish too!" Aria held out one of the molds to Charlotte.

The girls continued to shape the sand into fish in what felt like content silence to Charlotte. She let her gaze roam across the beach, searching for Harry's broad back and yellow trunks. He had walked away just out of hearing distance, his left hand resting on his hip.

"Another one!" Upon hearing Aria's high-pitched voice and feeling the grip of her small hand on her arm, Charlotte realized she had been staring. Blinking rapidly, she directed her gaze back to Aria.

Just moments later, Harry plunged down on the blanket. Stroking Charlotte's arm softly, he shuffled closer to her.

"Sorry about the interruption. That was my manager Jeff. I have this sort of huge but very secret thing coming next year and he had to clear some details with me. He wouldn't have called if it wasn't important, he knows I normally don't take calls on my days off. You two alright?" There was a clear undertone of worry and apology in his voice.

"You don't have to explain yourself, Harry. I am sure you wouldn't have let something trivial interrupt your precious time with your daughter. And yes, we are fine. We created the whole crew of Finding Nemo while you were away." Charlotte pointed to the sand shapes the two ladies had created around the blanket.

"You forgot yourself." They were now sitting so close together their arms and legs were touching. Charlotte could feel the strength and support radiating from his body, and unconsciously leaned her back against his chest just a bit.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"You said precious time with my daughter. You forgot yourself. We are three people here."

The single butterfly in Charlotte's stomach spread his wings again.

"Yeah well, matter of habit. I don't consider myself much of enjoyable company. I have learned to enjoy my own company a lot, inevitably. So I don't expect other people to do so." Charlotte tried to shrug it off.

"Heey, you remember we agreed to do this? And I can say that without a doubt having seen Aria's excitement this morning which was not only for the beach, but also for you coming with us. We, and me especially, love having you here with us. Your company is very enjoyable. I rarely come across people who are so easy to spend time with, so if I have done anything to make you not feel my appreciation for your presence, please tell me so I can shower you with attention and appreciation next time." Harry's tone was cheerful, but Charlotte was sure he was completely serious.

"Sorry. It's just you don't see her that much anyway, I don't want to intrude. But you are right, it was a mutual decision to do this, myself included. And I too enjoy your, and your daughter's, company a lot." If that wasn't plain obvious, Charlotte added in her head.