“May I help you?” She looks at me intensely, certain she recognizes me.
“I was after Finn.”
“Alex? I mean Lex? I mean… sorry, I can’t remember what Charlie…”
I smile, she relaxes almost instantly. “I prefer Lex. Sorry, I didn’t mean just to show up unannounced.”
“Sorry! Excuse my scatterbrain, please come inside. I’m Jen, by the way.” She holds the door open.
“We met at prom. Are you sure? It might be best that I wait outside.”
“Oh, Finn won’t be home for another half an hour. Please come in, but I’m warning you, the kids won’t leave you alone.”
I follow and take a seat in her living room while Jen offers me an array of beverages. Minutes later, a little girl walks in. She’s maybe five.
“This is my daughter, Mikayla. Mikayla, this is Charlie’s boyfriend.”
Boyfriend—the word sounds juvenile. Even more reason to announce to the whole world she is my wife.
“You’re pretty,” Mikayla says as she stands in front of me.
“Why, thank you. So are you, Mikayla.”
“My daddy says that Mommy isn’t allowed to talk to pretty men because they might steal her.”
“Mikayla! Excuse her, please, it’s a ‘Mommy and Daddy’ joke. Oh, and sorry about calling you her boyfriend. I’m not sure what word to use.”
“Hopefully not for much longer,” I reveal.
“Are you serious? Wow! I spoke to Charlie a few days ago. She’s so happy, Lex. I’m glad you two found your way back together again.”
“How much has she told you?”
“Just that you were living together, but tell me, Lex, do you have a death wish by wanting to speak to Finn?”
As soon as she says the words, the screen door slams, and Finn yells out to his family. He enters the room, his eyes suddenly turning to me, the rage clearly visible. His tall stature overshadows a short Jen, and his clothing looks bulky. I guessed by them he’s a firefighter. I’m not one to be disrespectful to those who help our community but…
“Jen, what’s he doing here?” he asks in a bitter tone, almost spitting out his words.
She stands before him, placing her hands on his chest to calm him down. I guess now would be the best time to give him the reason. I’m not afraid of this jerk, never was. In fact, I despise him for obvious reasons.
“Finn, I wanted to speak to you.”
“I got nothing to say to you, Edwards. Charlie may have forgiven you, but I don’t forget so easily,” he shoots back.
“I’m not here to cause trouble, especially in front of your family.”
He asks Jen to take the kids to the backyard.
“You have some nerve showing up here. You think people won’t start talking shit again?”
“Finn, I don’t care what people think. I’m here because, for some reason, you mean something to Charlotte.”
“Damn right, I do! She’s my fucking best friend. What are you gonna do? Buy me off?”
Why didn’t I think of that idea? Except, now I’m that Lex and apparently, I am compassionate according to Charlotte.
“Yes, because that would make Charlotte happy.” My words are laced with sarcasm.
“Then tell me why you want to show your face in this town again?”
“I’m asking Charlotte to marry me… properly.”
Without warning, he throws a punch at me hitting me right in the jaw. Fuck! I’d been hit in the ring, but I’d expected those punches. I touched my jaw, the pain spiraling throughout me. I lift my hand to my chin, the slight tang of blood lingers. Fucking dickhead.
“Finn!” Jen enters the room, pushing him to the side, scolding him for punching me.
“I’m sorry. Lex… let me get you an ice pack.” She returns moments later, and I place the cool pack on my face.
It helps. God, I’m so ready to hit him back.
Why did I fucking let my guard down?
“What makes you think Charlie will say yes?” Finn’s nostrils flare, the adrenaline spiking as he tries to push Jen aside.
This time I’m ready.
“You’re her best friend, I’m sure you can answer that,” I shoot back.
Jen motions for me to sit, and I do on the large couch and begin to speak. I explain to them my intentions and the fact that I need their help to pull this off. Jen rushes to my side, hugging me, and I sit there feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Not knowing what to do, I hug her, this stranger I barely know.
“You broke her, you know… she was a damn mess,” Finn speaks quietly.
“I know,” I simply answer, always so acutely aware of my actions.