“You’re just saying that to make me feel better.” It’s not working.
“I would know since I was on the police department. Many things happened that you’re not aware of.”
“I guess you’re right.” Charlene knew there was no stopping Sal from talking to Seth about his findings. After all, Sal did work for Seth and she really shouldn’t ask him to keep information from his boss. “You do what you need to.”
“Don’t worry Charlene. I’m not telling anyone about the connection between you and Larry. No one needs to know you broke the guys heart when you were just a kid.”
As Sal got up Charlene said, “I thought you said it wasn’t my fault.”
“I’m teasing Charlene.” He had his hand on the door but didn’t open it. Instead he asked, “Is there anything you want to talk to me about?” She shook her head. “Are you sure? Because I’m here to listen if you need me.”
“No. I’m just…tired.” That was true.
“Okay. Get some rest tonight. You really look like you’re…stressed.”
Oh I am.
“Thanks Sal. I will. Tomorrow everything will be back to normal.” My normal.
He left her alone and shut the door behind him. Charlene slumped over, resting her head on her hands on the desk. She was on an emotional roller coaster and she got on the ride herself. She knew she was going to get hurt by getting involved with Seth. Day one he had her read the policies. But she did it anyway. He didn’t coax her or trick her or anything. All he had done was to be himself and that was more than she could handle.
It would be one thing if they had discussed anything this morning on the way into work. But instead Seth was on business calls the entire time. When they had arrived at the office, the affection that had been there last night had disappeared. Seth, the businessman, had returned.
He had told her before that he was at Lawson Steel because he loved what he did. She had only seen what she wanted, a funny, sweet, passionate man. But that was not who Seth really was. Not if you asked anyone else.
He hadn’t said anything to her, but even this morning she could see the internal battle taking place within him. Seth probably hadn’t planned on all this happening either. He was most likely facing the issue of how to tell her this cannot happen again. He was probably trying to figure out how to let her down gently. But she couldn’t stand the thought of him telling her it was a mistake. It was going to feel like a knife to her heart. Her time with Seth was something she never wanted to forget, even though it needed to end.
That’s why she was doing this. Quitting. Going back home. It was easier for her to end it and hold onto the memory of one of the sweetest times she’d ever known.
Damn you Seth for stealing my heart.
The tears rolled down her cheeks and onto the desk. How was she going to do this when she was already crying? That’s why she was telling Charles instead. If she did this face to face with Seth, she probably wouldn’t be able to get a word out between sobs.
Her cell phone rang and she lifted her head, wiped away the tears and looked at the caller ID. It was Sofia. She was another person Charlene couldn’t talk to right now. It would be okay if they were only going to talk about Liliana, but she had a feeling Seth was going to come up in the conversation. Sofia always tried to wiggle his name in there. Not today.
She ignored the call and let it go to voicemail. Even before she put the phone down, it rang again. If it was Sofia, she would need to answer, in case it was an emergency. But this time it was Charlene’s mother. Great. Another person I can’t talk to right now.
Her phone beeped announcing they both left voicemails. She’d listen to them tonight, or maybe tomorrow. When she was in the mood and ready to talk. Sure enough her phone rang again and it was her pharmacy. Probably calling to inform her that her prescription for birth control was ready for pick up. Ha. Like I’m going to need that any time soon.
She couldn’t imagine being with anyone after Seth. Not just because of the sex either. Their connection was unlike any she’d experienced before. And the more she got to know him, the stronger it became. Cutting it off now definitely was going to be easier than later.
Her phone rang once again. Really! Is everyone out to taunt me today?
She didn’t even bother looking at her phone. Instead she turned the volume off. That might not have been a wise decision, because shortly afterwards, she had a knock on her door.
Charlene took out her pocket mirror and gave a quick check to make sure her mascara hadn’t run all down her face. Thankfully it was waterproof.
“Come in,” she called out.
Dylan popped his head in. “Just checking on you.”
“I’m fine. Why? Is there something wrong?” Charlene asked.
“No. Sofia called you and you didn’t answer. And I guess your mother called and you didn’t pick up either.”
“And my mother called Sofia, who called you. Doesn’t anyone realize that I’m at work?”
Dylan chuckled. “Since my wife sent me down to check on you, I don’t think they believe I work either. Should I report back or will you?” he asked.