Complex Charm

Chapter 15

The food was done, but they were still in the restaurant. Chad kept requesting more sangria, he and Charmaine kept sipping.
And talking.
And sipping.
They looked up and realized that they were the only ones there and the busboys had every table and booth cleaned and ready to open the next day. It was time to go. They finished up the rest of their libations before Chad called for the check. Their waiter said that his owner friend would take up the bill for them, so he left a hefty tip for him. The waiter was very thankful. Charmaine wondered if he did that because she was there, or if he did that all the time. She continues to observe him as he chats it up with the staff before leaving. With the number of drinks they had, he still carried himself like he barely had a drop. 
After the doors of the restaurant closed, they decided to go elsewhere because they couldn't stop talking. Charmaine hasn't been this excited to have a man in her company in a minute. 

Chad was so interesting- he talked about how although he was privileged growing up, his dad instilled in his head that the things his parents had were not his. "My father would tell me that because I didn't earn the things I was born into, I was not going to live life as an entitled and spoiled army brat. At first, I would get annoyed because he wouldn't let me take his Corvette to go pick up my prom date my senior year, but how could I expect that old man to do something he has never done in my years of knowing him?"
"Mm," Charmaine shook her head. 
"But when I think about it, he was preparing me for this big opportunity this entire time. He told me a few years before he passed that he didn't want to pass his business down to me unless he knew I would handle it like it's earned. I appreciate him for that. Young Chad was wild." Chad sighed a bit, then took a remaining sip of his sangria. Charmaine couldn't believe she didn't know much about him. 
"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that," she said.
"It's okay. We were able to get close before things went downhill. He developed stage IV lung cancer and didn't tell anyone until it became too apparent to hide. That's when I was angry at him for keeping it from me. He told me he didn't want me kissing up to him because I felt bad for him, or to do right by him for personal gain, you know? I told him if I had known, there would have been more time for us to get to know each other and maybe even like each other more. He turned out to be pretty cool. Just wish things were different. That's a lot of time we can't get back." 
"I understand," Charmaine reached for his hand. Chad smiled a bit, intertwining their fingers together.
"I wish I knew more about you within this time of knowing each other. It's been what, 3-4 months?" 
"Well, we would have gotten there, but...we haven't been able to talk since..."Chad started to mention, then stopped. "You had more important things to do. How would that be for us to keep bringing up death and relationships on top of what you've been dealing with lately? That wouldn't have been right."
"True," Charmaine agreed. 
"But it's not an easy thing for me to talk about either. I'm seeing a therapist as well, not as much as I used to, but I'm still working some things out mentally. I thought it wouldn't hurt to dissect what could be holding me back from everything. This is my first date in the last 3 years." 
"Wait, what?" 
"Yeah. I did go out, but that's not the same as dating to me. I'd hang with my friends, and they would try to tell me about someone they knew who'd be interested, but for some reason, I didn't see myself with them. Didn't feel a connection. I know, I sound like a girl. But I had my fun and would rather spend my time working or hanging with people I do care about. Plus, I'm like my father now when it comes to the company I keep. Most people just know me because of my name and what they can get from me." 
They continued to walk to the bar lounge next door where there was a rooftop with a view of the city. They opted for water to supplement the drinks they've had and grabbed a seat at the edge of the rooftop. Then Charmaine spoke.

"You know, I never really hear guys talk about dating like this. I didn't even think that this was a date." Charmaine played dumb a bit but wanted to know what Chad would say.
"Oh? Then what are we doing? You know I'm interested in you, and you're not the type of woman who would go on a date for a free meal. No matter how much you love food." 
Charmaine laughed. "Yeah."
"And if you weren't feeling the same even a little bit, I don't think you'd show up to see me. Unless you felt bad for leaving me hanging during this tough time." Chad's stare was hopeful and serious. 
"Honestly, it's a bit of both," Charmaine replied. "I do still feel bad. You didn't deserve that cutoff, regardless of what I was going through. But I'm just...scared. Getting attached means getting hurt again. And while I'm here, I don't want to get attached and regret it. 
"Who says you're going to regret it? I'm here putting myself out there for you, and I know loss just as much as you do. But I fully intend to make your time with me worth it."
Charmaine kept thinking about the date- non-stop chatting about everything from work to family to their long bucket lists. And they still wanted to talk more. The restaurant closed and they found another place just because they wanted to continue the conversation. She didn't want to leave his presence, and he wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the night with her. 
"Okay. I appreciate your patience with me, by the way."
"No problem. You're worth waiting for." Charmaine blushed a bit while Chad grabbed for her hand.  They left the lounge and realized it was 12:30 am. Her car was the only one in the parking lot from the restaurant, and Chad's driver was pulling up. Charmaine knew she wouldn't be able to drive, so she began to call an Uber. She'd pick her car up the next morning. 
"Would you like me to to take you home? You can save your money on that Uber and if you'd like, I can get someone to drive your car back." 
Charmaine wasn't sure if she wanted him to know where she lived, but she knew that it was either getting a ride with a complete stranger, drive drunk, or catch a ride with a man she doesn't want to leave. 
"Sure, you can take me home. I'll just come back for the car tomorrow morning. Thank you." 
"No problem." She checked to make sure no valuables were visible, and the lot was clear with no signs of vandalism. Plus a security guard was on watch, which she didn't see until they left. 
The driver asked for the address to her home, which she shared. It didn't matter if the address was saved, for some reason she thought to take his advice and let her guard down. Hopefully, she would wish she hadn't. She sat back as the driver took off, sinking into the heated leather seats. So buttery, she almost wanted to fall asleep. 
Their hands didn't stop connecting, as they were suddenly too tired to talk. They just sat there, Chad's thumb gliding Charmaine's palm as she closed her eyes. They have been heavy for the last hour, and she trusts the company she's in enough to rest. 
Then he appeared in her dreams. 
She was back at the coffee shop, saying her last goodbye to him. Before he was gone forever. 
Her memory of Quincy sure picked a perfect time to startle her awake from a perfect date.