Interrupted (The Progress Series) (14 page)

Sam grabbed Charlie’s hand and they casually strolled down the pebbled path through rows of flowers in full bloom. Daylilies, daisies, tulips, and roses in bright reds, vivid purples, and brilliant yellows.

“So, tell me more about Kung Fu,” she said.

“You mean Wu Shu?” he asked.

“Is there a difference?”

“Yes. Well, I mean, they usually go hand in hand. Hmmm, how do I explain it? So, Kung Fu is a level of focus. It’s not what
you
consider the traditional terminology, which is usually associated with the Chinese martial art.”

“Okay, I’m with you so far. Continue.”

“Most people think Kung Fu is just a martial art. It’s not. In fact, it’s a multitude of things. It’s patience, focus, determination, and harnessing all energy to put forth your one hundred percent. It’s self-defense, discipline and breathing techniques. Wu Shu is the Chinese martial art. Kung Fu is what you use to achieve it.”

“Wow. I feel kind of stupid for not already knowing this. So…how did you get into it?” she asked.

“Oh, I got into it about ten years ago. My parents were fighting all the time and I needed something more constructive to do
away
from the house. I’ve always kind of been someone who keeps to himself, but if I wanted to concentrate on my art, I was always in my room. With two screaming adults just upstairs, my focus was constantly interrupted. So I found a cheap way to escape once a week. I don’t go every week anymore, but I try to get there once a month.” He squeezed Charlie’s hand and gestured to a stunning rosebush that stood before them. “This is what I wanted to show you.”

Charlie turned and was fascinated by the tones of red and the vines of white and pink that streamed down each petal. “These roses are gorgeous.” She leaned in and sniffed the center of the flower.

“Known for its strength and beauty, the
Charlie rose
is a mixture of cherry red and silvery pink. It’s a tall rose that makes a statement in gardens across the United Kingdom. Their fragrance is irresistible, and they’re nicknamed the Cheerful Charlie,” Samuel said.

“Okay. How do you know this is called a Charlie rose? Are you some sort of genius? You’re like a walking encyclopedia,” she said. “No one just knows stuff like that.”

“Well, I’ve always been interested in stuff like this because of my mom; she has a medicine wheel in her backyard.” He laughed at his mother’s eccentricity. “But no, Charlie, I’m not a genius. I was just reading the plaque.”

She rolled her eyes and looked down at the words engraved into the metal sign. “Wow, that just wiped away any credibility for my intelligence,” she murmured. “See, this just isn’t fair. You’re doing all of these sweet things for me, and I haven’t done a single thing for you. I’m just not that creative, I guess.”

“Oh, you’re plenty creative. I’m sure you can think of something,” he said, pulling her against him by her jean pockets.

“So, tell me, Mr. Bordeaux, what can I do for you?” she asked insinuatingly.

“Hmmm… I suppose you could kiss me.”

“I could. But there are rules,” she said, releasing his grip on her pockets as she took a step back, teasing him.

“You’re killin’ me, Charlie. Killin’ me.”

She leaned over and gave him a brief kiss on the cheek. “There. That will just have to suffice.”

*

Samuel drove Charlie back to the gym where she gave him another quick kiss on his cheek before driving home.

The next day, Charlie started her new job. Her boss’s name was Kelly, and Charlie wasn’t her biggest fan. She was extremely strict and not as personable as Charlie had been used to in the customer service industry. But, Charlie was grateful to have a boss who told her exactly what she could expect from her and be able to criticize her if she was doing something wrong. There was a part of Charlie that respected Kelly’s crass honesty.

Charlie was scheduled to work for a few hours every day. She was getting to know the property, memorizing the twenty-four buildings’ numbers and locations, and delivering late rent letters.

Charlie arrived home from work and Bill lay on the couch sleeping. The chemotherapy and radiation had merely made him tired so far, as it had only been a few days.

“Oh, hey Charlie. How was work?” he asked, adjusting his posture on the couch.

“Sorry, Pops. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. The hockey game is going to start in a few minutes.”

“Where’s Mom?”

“I think she went to the store. She should be back in a bit.”

Charlie took her shoes off and hung up her jacket. “I’m gonna grab some dinner. Can I get you anything?”

“No. I haven’t really been too hungry today.”

Ignoring his answer, Charlie opened the cupboard. “How about I make a peanut butter sandwich? We can share.”

“Sure, Charlie.”

After throwing together the sandwich, she threw some chips on both of their plates and sat next to him on the couch.

She took her first bite and Bill set his plate on the coffee table.

“Charlie, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”

“Yeah, what’s up?” she asked, taking another bite.

“I don’t want you worrying about spending time with me.”

She stopped chewing and picked up the remote to mute the television.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Look, I know what you’re thinking. And you might be right. I don’t know how long I’m going to be around, or whether or not the cancer is gonna take me this time. But I know you, and I can see what you’ve been doing. You don’t need to spend every minute around here making sure you’re taking care of me or spending time with me.”

Charlie swallowed and put her plate next to his on the table. She kept her head down.

“We’ve had a lifetime of memories, Char. And I know how you feel about me; I love you too, kiddo. But, how horrible would it make me feel if you avoided spending time with your friends, avoiding making new memories, at my expense?”

“I—” Charlie tried to speak.

“No, listen to me, Charlie. See? This is what life is about. Life is making mistakes, falling in love, working your ass off, and partying your ass off just a little bit more,” he said as Charlie giggled. “It’s about laughter and jealousy; it’s about making the right choices and living with the consequences of the bad ones. It’s about experiencing emotion and all of the ups and downs that come with it. And for me, it’s about being able to come home and tell an exaggerated fish story to three of the most beautiful women I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing, and their eyes lighting up just when I’m getting to the good part.” Charlie fought a tear and nodded her head. “Charlie, I see what you’ve been doing, and I love you for it, kiddo. But we have a lifetime of those memories together. Don’t waste your time around here, avoiding the ones you could be making with the people out there. Besides, it’s not like I’m gonna drop dead tomorrow. We still have some time.”

With a sniff, she smiled and wiped her eyes.

“Thanks, Pops.” She laughed. “Now, eat your damn sandwich.”

He laughed and picked up his plate to take a bite.

*

It was so close to Sunday she could taste it. And though she felt as though the timing may have been inappropriate due to her father’s condition, she also considered that she had stayed a virgin for twenty-three years. Perhaps she could forgive herself for the desperate need she felt for Samuel, every second of the day.

It was different, somehow. The idea of sleeping with Samuel wasn’t because she wanted to get rid of her virginity. It wasn’t because she had been pining over him for over a year. It was merely because she wanted to share that part of herself with him.

*

Sunday, Charlie woke refreshed and every day her arm was less achy than the day before. Her parents had already decided to spend the day together alone, so she didn’t feel as guilty going to see Sam.

Hey, you.
Charlie smiled when she read his text.

Hey yourself. May I see you today?
Lord, he better say yes. I’ve shaved every inch of my body.

Don’t be mad. But, I have some work to do. Deadline tomorrow. Need to see you tonight, though. Can I call you later?

I’ve never hated someone’s job so much in my life.

I suppose. :(

Don’t be mad. I WILL see you today. <3 Sam

Okay, so the heart helped.

Now what am I gonna do? Well, it’s a perfect day for a walk. Since I can’t seem to get my ass off the couch to exercise—and even if I could, I have a very inconvenient cast placed on my right arm—I might as well do something active. I’ve gained six pounds since I started dating Samuel. So much for my metabolism.

The spring air was starting to feel more like summer. The sun shone down on Charlie just long enough for her to miss it after Minnesota’s long winter, but not enough to where she overheated. After a leisurely two mile walk, she arrived at home where there was a note on the door written on the back of an envelope:

Hey you. Finished work early and came to pick you up. But you weren’t here.  Call me. Xx

Charlie raced through the door and turned on the shower. Within seven minutes she was out again, drying herself off while she texted Samuel.

I’m home. Come get me.

By the time she put on her dress and deodorant, Samuel was pulling into the driveway. She threw on a light coat and met him outside.

“Where’d you go?” he asked.

“For a walk.
Someone
ditched out on me today, so—” she trailed off.

“I know, I know. I’m sorry. Are you angry?”

“No.” She winked.

“Come here,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her close. “You look…” He stepped back to look at her dress, the hem of which rested six inches above her knee. “You look exquisite.”

“Does this mean you might consider breaking the rules again?” she asked.

“I might.” He smiled. “Come on, let’s go.”

“What are we going to do tonight?” she asked, setting herself down into the truck as delicately as possible.

“A friend of mine makes his own wine. So, I got a couple of bottles. I thought we could get some food delivered and just…talk.”

“Talk?”

A smirk played on his lips, “Yeah, Charlie. Just talk.”

*

Conveniently, Gabe was gone for the evening. Samuel had set up the dinner table with white candles and pink tulips. Just outside the sliding glass doors that led to the backyard, Charlie could see the lilacs blooming and a crabapple tree with bright pink petals. The yard was surrounded by a tall wooden fence, squaring off the property. The sun was just going down, so it made everything appear to have a purple, hazy shade.

“So, Chinese or pizza?” he asked.

“Mmmm. Definitely Chinese.”

“Take a look at the menu, I’ll grab the wine.”

After placing their order and pouring two large glasses of wine, Samuel joined Charlie on the couch, where she had her legs tucked under her.

“Are you shivering?” he asked.

“A little. I probably should have worn some pants.”

“Here.” He passed her the blanket that was on the back of the couch.

“How long until the food gets here?” she asked.

“Too long.”

She smiled, taking a sip of wine. “Well, you wanted to talk, so let’s talk.
And
you’re obviously not interested in cuddling, or you wouldn’t have handed me a blanket.” She smirked, assuming that he was just as eager as she was for the
last
half of the evening.

“No, Charlie. I don’t want to cuddle.”

Oh, okay…

“If I touch you, I won’t be able to stop this time,” he mumbled.

Oh! Okay!

“Well then, let’s just sit back and try to enjoy the evening,” she said with a wide grin, and took a seductive sip of her wine.

*

After dinner, Charlie and Samuel walked to the backyard, where he had another two empty glasses and the second bottle of wine set atop an old quilt in the grass.

“Oh, well, this looks planned. Were you expecting something tonight?” She smiled, letting the buzz in her head reach her mouth.

“Well, three out of four ain’t bad.”

She furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”

“Three out of four
weeks
—” Not even able to finish his sentence, his hands were on Charlie’s cheeks before she blinked. He took charge of the embrace as her head eased backward with every nudge of his tongue onto hers. He was taking his time tonight, not as eager as he had been before. Reveling in the taste of her lips, he moved his hands to her back, slowly dipping down to her backside and back up again.

Charlie tucked her thumb into the waist of his jeans, but her cast bumped his stomach and he let out a grunt. “Ha! Sorry!” She continued trying to kiss him, both of them giggling over the clumsy embarrassment.