Complex Charm

Chapter 14

The time has come. 3 pm. Chad texted Charmaine a few hours before to let her know that that reservation for them at Ephesus Grill still stands, but he's running behind closing a deal with a prospective partner. "I'm so sorry, Charmaine. I know I told you I would be free after 3 o'clock. I'm usually very punctual." He wasn't lying. He was never late for appointments, and he was in her driveway for the banquet at least 30 minutes earlier than he said he'd be. So while Charmaine hated when she had to wait, this was a first for him. 
Hope he doesn't think he can pull this off with me, she thought. She didn't want him to take a foot because she gave him an inch, so she decided she'd set her boundaries when he does show up. Until then, she steps up to the hostess to find their table. 
"Hi, I'm with Chad Barnes," she tells the lady at the stand. 
"Oh, hello Ms. Hawthorne! Yes, he let us know that you would be here on time. No worries, we'll take good care of you. Right this way." 
Charmaine was taken aback but wondered why. Chad was obviously a man who had connections, so it shouldn't have shocked her that she was receiving this kind of treatment. Who does she know in her personal life who can phone into a restaurant with a request to take care of their guests? This kind of treatment was foreign to her. But...she liked it. 
It's a trap, she felt her inner "hater" say.
Oooor....he just really likes you, and you're not used to anybody being this extra. Especially a man. Chiiilll. YOU DESERVE! 

Charmaine was a bit torn. She was excited and on edge. Wanting to give in, wanting to hold back. She sat at the table reserved near the kitchen, where she could watch as the head chef shouts out orders and creates dishes she'd never seen before with greek food. In her opinion, she had the best seat in the house. 
Then her waiter Cecil approached her as she was admiring the passion going on in front of the stoves. 
"Hello, Ms. Hawthorne."
"Hello!" She replied. 
"Mr. Barnes said that you loved sangria, so I went ahead and brought a carafe of our housemade version. And I made sure to include a pitcher of water for you. Would you like to try any appetizers?" 
She took a look at the menu for a few seconds and decided on the roasted asparagus wrapped in prosciutto with melon and balsamic, along with a side of crabcakes. Cecil the waiter nodded in agreement with her choices and returned to the kitchen to place her order. 
Not too long after he left, Chad entered the door. He was still in his charcoal suit but decided to lose the tie to bring it down a bit. He looked great. Too good. Charmaine was glad she decided on a simple black dress from Banana Republic and her Tony Bianco heels. If she dressed how she felt, it would have been a v neck tee, ripped jeans, and ankle boots. She wanted to feel better, though. One way she knew how was to dress how she wanted to feel and be perceived. And Chad perceived her the way she wanted him to. 
"Oh, my God," he said as soon as he saw her. "You look...ugh, amazing." He came in for a hug, and Charmaine did. not. fight. it. 
"Oh, thank you," she replied. "So do you. It's been a while, right?" she asked with a tremble in her voice. Why was she so nervous? 
"Yes, it has. And I'm so sorry for being late. I didn't mean to waste your time. This guy I'm working with...he's a work in progress. But I'm so glad you are still here. Did the staff treat you well?" he asked as he waited for her to sit back down. Okay, gentleman. 
"I mean, someone told them that I was a sangria gal, so... I'm excellent. And not a bad table, either." She gave him the smile that confirmed he is winning her over for his attentiveness. How did he know she'd like the seating? And to go ahead of her and let the waiter know her preferences beforehand? Whew. 
"Well, that's what happens when you're into someone. I like to be proactive. I'm that way in everything." 
"I believe you," Charmaine smiled. "I hope you don't mind, but I already ordered some appetizers. I hope you like asparagus and crab cakes."
"Oh, I love it. And the calamari is delicious, too. And don't worry about it, get whatever you like." 
Charmaine never thought she'd be dating a blue-eyed blonde. EVER. And here she was, front and center... LOVING IT. 
"So, have you decided on what you wanted to try for your entree?" he asked.
"Not yet, but I'm stuck between the cioppino or the grilled swordfish with vegetables." 
"I think you'll be fine with either one. They season their food really well, too."
Charmaine almost threw her head back in laughter. "I can't believe you just said that!"
"What? Let's be honest, I may be white but I know what bland is. And this food is anything but. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here." He winked at her. "I wouldn't want to do you like that." 
"Good. We'll see if you're telling the truth." She requested the fish stew for her entree, he went for the bistecca filet and Brussel sprouts with a side of crispy calamari. Thankfully Charmaine was only one glass of sangria in, so they were able to have a decent conversation. 

Of course, she asked Chad about work and he started to go on about the partner he just ended the day with. Ten minutes into the conversation, he stopped. "You know, Charmaine. I love that you are interested in my work and obviously, you know I love my work as well. But I think we should get into something that isn't related to our careers. What's going on with you?"
With that, Charmaine put down her nearly empty glass. 
"How have you been? I understand that things happened and you needed time, but it was like you ghosted and there was no way to see if you were okay. I'm sorry, but I really want to know."
"I don't blame you," Charmaine responded. "Again, I'm sorry. It's been a lot on me, what has happened one and a half months ago. It wasn't easy, but I think I can trust you with the fact that I'm seeing someone about it." 
"I'm glad to hear that. And it wasn't your fault, you know? People are impatient and careless. But I know if it's someone you cared about, it's hard to just walk away from it. I'm here for you, though. However you want this to go. Platonic...or more."
Charmaine stared into Chad as he said those words. She knew he wanted more, and she did too. It was a tough spot now, as she hated being vulnerable. She was before, and she risked being hurt in the process. 
"I know that you want more. And honestly, I do too. With you. You're a different feeling, Chad. A wonderful feeling, and that scares me so much."
"How do I scare you? I know, PTSD is a real thing. My ancestors were wrong for what they did, and I do what I can to use my privilege for those who don't have it." 
She had a thought, then swallowed it. She wasn't trying to argue with him, at least he acknowledges he is better off.
"I have a question. What are you looking for in a woman?" she asked. 
"I look for passion in her. Not just for me, but for what she does every day. How she carries herself. I think that is a great way to tell how she feels about her."
"Do you believe that people can fake it until they make it?"
"I do. However, when I first came to you for help with my image, I was nowhere near where I am today. I didn't think I had what it took to run a business on my own, much less for somebody else. But once you showed me the importance of a tailor, getting the fit of my clothes perfected, I carried myself to a higher standard after that. Now, I'm running a corporation with a little bit more confidence." 
Charmaine chuckled at her first memory of him. "I remember those pleated pants you came to me with. You were so adamant about keeping them, even though I told you that much fabric was not needed. I taught you well." 
Chad smiled. "Yes, you did. And I admire that you are an independent woman. I just wish that you'd let someone else take care of you for once." 
Then Charmaine tensed up a bit. "That is easier said than done. Most men I've dated would hold that over my head, and I don't want that again. And it's just something I was raised not to do." 
Chad's brow furrowed a little. "Would you like to talk more about that?"
She sighed. "Well, besides men in my family using that as a way of dominating their partner, most of the women were in bad marriages. They endured so many things from their husbands because they were uneducated and didn't have jobs that paid them enough to get themselves and their children out of those situations. So my cousins and I were brought up to get a higher education, find a job that pays well, and if a man just happens to be in the picture...marry him if you want to. But don't stop working and definitely, don't let him hold anything over your head."

Chad's eyes widened in disbelief. "Whew. Okay, noted." 
"Yeah. And while I understood why my mom instilled that in me, my own reason is that I want to be a helpmeet for my man. I don't want to just know how to throw down in the kitchen and do other domesticated things, I want to also be able to switch roles and complete something if he can't. That way we're winning even if he's down. I don't want to need you because I need bills paid. I don't want to need you because I want to go shopping. I want to need you. Not your wallet, not your things. Not your connections. You. And as much as men don't like that more women want to be independent, there are women like me who just you from you. Nothing else."

She was wondering what Chad was thinking. Does he think I'm crazy? Was I getting too sensitive? Why won't this dude say something already? 
Chad leaned in to caress her hand two seconds after that thought. "How you described that just made me think how ignorant we men are. I used to think that women wanted to dominate us by being on their own. And honestly, some really are. Not that we don't need women to run things. I mean look at this sh*tshow of a nation right now. But the trauma behind why women go to great lengths to not repeat a cycle in their family? I'm just...wow. That has to be one hell of a burden to carry, breaking a generational curse."

"Yeah," Charmaine nodded. "I never really thought of it that way, but it makes sense."
"You really are. And I'm not just saying that because I admire you." 
"Thank you."
"My pleasure. I'm really glad we got to talk about this. Making me think I've made the right decision to pursue you." 
"Now that I think about it, I'm glad you remained persistent. I think I'm feeling the same way." 

Hope you guys like how this is going! 

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