Charlene quit yanking on her boot and served an exaggerated look of surprise. “Forget Debbie? You’d ditch the woman you’ve been living with for five years? And your four year old son to run away with a drug dealing stripper on a Hindu pilgrimage to Bali?”
He looked straight at her, “No. I said I’d run away with you.” Charlene blushed. He turned away and stared straight ahead. When she said nothing he turned back and smiled.
“Well that’s very sweet Freddy. But I’m…” she paused, mid contortion and pulled at the heel. “…I’m … Uhh.” Her hands slipped off and she punched herself in the face. “Oh fuck these god-damned things. We have work to do, and uhh. What the hell’s gotten into you?” She let her right foot rest on her left thigh and sat back rubbing her nose.
“I love you Charlene. I want to be with you.”
“What are you talking about?” Her face flushed.
“It feels good to tell you that.”
“Screw this.” She popped open the door and got out. She walked a few paces listening to the hollow space in the world of rain. There was a low rumble of thunder in the distance. Freddy got out. He spoke to her over the top of the car.
“Charlene? You know, you and Finn. That’s not really going anywhere is it? And all that stuff about living with his father. I think you and I could be so happy together, and…”
“Freddy.” Her tone silenced him.
“I’m sorry. I promise, I won’t say another word.”
Her indignation dissolved in exhaustion. She wanted to get off her aching feet. She walked back to the car, and sat in the car with her feet on the curb. She spoke with her back to Freddy. “You know Freddy, it’s not right. I confide in you like a friend, and you can’t just go and do that.”
“Do what?”
“Do that crazy obsessed I’m-in-love-with-you thing. I’m sick of it. I’m trying to figure out what to do here. You know, with Finn, and my kids, with my life. And the whole time you’re sitting there waiting for your chance. It’s sick.”
“I’m sorry.”
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