When Saturday rolls around, I decide to take Charlie out to brunch. I would take him out to breakfast, but he never wakes up before nine. Not that I mind. I’m sure he’s catching up on all the sleep he didn’t get living on the streets. Even before that, I can’t imagine he slept well at home, given the circumstances. The fact that I can provide him a safe and peaceful place to lay his head down every night is my greatest reward. And one I probably don’t deserve. I still don’t know how I managed to be lucky enough to have him fall into my life, but I swear I won’t ruin this. He deserves this, someone taking care of him, looking out for him, providing for him, letting him know that he is worthy and good, and I will not screw it up. Even if it means I have to deny myself the one thing in five years that has brought me joy.
“I’m ready,” he says, entering the living room. I turn from where I’m sitting on the couch. He’s dressed in the snug-fitting white jeans and the tie-dye crop-top sweatshirt he showed me at the mall with the ribbons through the sleeves, his Keds are on his small feet, and he looks incredible.
“Great.” I stand. “Let’s go.” I’m realizing, with it getting a little chillier out, Charlie will need a jacket, and make a mental note of it. He’ll fight me on it, but whether he stays with me or not, it won’t be negotiable. I won’t have him freezing this winter.
I slide my own shoes on and grab my keys and wallet, and we head to the truck. I take him to a local mom and pop place that I love. I haven’t been in a while because I’m embarrassed to go alone, and I never have anyone to take with me.
“This is cool, Papa Bear,” he says when we pull up. The outside of the restaurant is brick that’s been painted in all different breakfast foods. It’s quite the sight, but I love it. Through the window we can see families with young children and elderly couples enjoying their food and chatting. Waitresses and waiters walk by.
“I hope you like it,” I say. “It’s my favorite breakfast place.”
“Then I’m sure I’ll love it,” he tells me, and I grin as we get out of the truck.
I shove my hands in my pockets to keep from reaching for him. I’ve been less tactile with him the past few days, and I know he’s noticed. I just feel like it’s for the best if I have any hope of keeping things platonic between us. He frowns at me but doesn’t say anything.
Fuck, I hate this. I don’t want to hurt him, but I don’t know what to do. God help me. I’m so crazy about him.
I open the door and the bell above it dings, signaling we’re here. There’s a hostess behind the counter as we approach, and she gives us a beaming smile. She’s probably about Charlie’s age and in college, I would guess. She has her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and leopard print glasses frame her face. She wears the typicalSunny’suniform—black pants and a bright blue polo with a sun on the upper left side.
“Good morning, and welcome toSunny’s,” she says cheerfully. “Two?”
“Yes, please.” I smile back at her, and I notice Charlie grinning too, which eases a little of my guilt.
She grabs two menus and makes her way around the counter. She grins at Charlie. “I like your outfit,” she says. “Mind if I ask where you got it?”
“Macy’s.” He beams at her. “And thank you.”
She nods. “This way, gentlemen.”
She takes us to a small booth across from a window and an elderly couple and sets our menus down along with some silverware. “Your server will be with you in just a moment,” she says, and then wanders off.
“Good morning,” a middle aged woman says when she reaches our table. It’s mid morning and I’m guessing she’s had a time of it already because she looks fucking worn out, but she’s trying her hardest to give us a smile. Still, there’s no missing the bags under her eyes and her slumped shoulders. Her dark hair is graying and her skin has a fair amount of wrinkles, making her seem older than she probably is.
“Morning, gorgeous,” Charlie says, giving her a radiant smile. Her cheeks turn pink. Fucking charmer.
She smiles widely at him. “Well aren’t you a sweetheart. I’m feeling better already.”
“Rough morning?” he asks, then takes a peak at her nametag and adds, “Dorine?” and I can’t believe how fucking wonderful he is.
“You could say that.” She gives a soft smile. “Just some tough customers. Got a lousy tip from the last table and that didn’t help. But enough of me complaining.” She holds her pencil to her pad and glances back and forth between us. “What can I get you handsome fellows to drink?”
“I’ll have coffee,” I say.
“Cream and sugar?” she asks.
“Yes,” Charlie pipes up, and I grin at him. “He won’t use them but I most definitely will.”
She laughs. “So, coffee for you, too?” she asks, and he nods. “I’ll be right back.” She smiles at us again and scampers off.
“You are all kinds of wonderful, you know that?” I tell him when she’s gone.
He just shrugs. “She seemed like she needed cheering up. It’s not a big deal.”
“It was to her,” I say, my eyes meeting his. “Not a lot of people would have even noticed she was struggling, let alone tried to do something about it. She came over here upset and left smiling. That matters. Don’t minimize that, Charlie.”
“Here you go,” Dorine says when she returns a minute later with two steaming cups of coffee, creamer and sugar. “You guys ready to order?”
I can’t help noticing that her smile is still there, and not forced, but genuine. I order the breakfast sampler so I can have a little bit of everything, and Charlie orders the cheesecake pancakes. Why am I not surprised?
