The luckiest

Chapter 7

I get home to find Charlie there and its only just before six P.M. He helps me bring the girls in from the car and kisses me on the cheek.

“Hi.” He says as he takes Cara out of her seat and puts her in the playpen with Caitlin.

“Hi.” I feel as if I have done something really bad. Images of Cane flash through my mind. I must be crazy. What was I doing?

I look away from him and proceed to busy myself with unpacking the girls’ things. Charlie starts  helping me, “How was your day?”

“OK. Your's? You’re home early.”

“Yeah. I’ve given Ben, the head barman, the night time management job. It won’t cost as much as hiring someone new.”

“You think he can handle it?”

“Yeah, he’s up for it.”

I smile at him and he looks at me like he’s thinking something, “What?”

“I know.”

“Know what?” my head starts spinning with explanations and I think he knows about me seeing  Cane today.

“I know you’re mad and I know its been a busy few days for us. I also know that I am going to make it all up to you.” He comes to hug me from behind and for a moment all is forgotten, ”I love you, baby. Always. Please don’t be mad at me.”

I melt right there and turn around to kiss him. He’s gorgeous with the beard he’s let grow out. I  want him right then and there, but I glance at the girls who are both smiling at us and watching.

“Charlie.” I whisper, “We have an audience.”

He looks at the twins over my shoulder and sinks his face into my neck, “Later.” “Yes, later.” I smile apologetically.

We occupy ourselves with the girls for the next hour or so, getting them ready for bed and a story. I  begin dinner once they are asleep.

“Hmm. What’s cooking?” Charlie asks as he seats himself at the breakfast nook, his Mac open in front of him.”

“Just some pea and mint soup with bacon bits. There’s a French loaf in the bread bin. Could you slice it for us?”

“Smells great, Gin.” He kisses me in the neck as he passes me.

I suddenly feel that pang of guilt again and wonder whether I should tell Charlie I saw Cane. Then  again, it isn’t like I had planned to see him.

“Gin?”

“Yeah?”

“You OK?”

“Yes, I am. Ready to eat?”

He sits down again, “Uh-huh.”

We eat in almost complete silence and luckily Charlie seems preoccupied with whatever he’s reading  on his Mac.

“Work?”

“Yeah, well, kind of. Its stock prices. We’re still invested in King Tech. Well, its trading as Tech-Nu now.”

“Oh OK. Technically, its you who is invested.” I roll my eyes.

“No, we are.” He looks at me thoughtfully. “Everything OK with you? You’re off.” I shake my head, 

“No, I’m good. I’m just tired, I guess. Its been a busy week so far.”

“Why don’t you go to the Stage Neck Inn tomorrow and then have one of our Mom’s watch the  girls?”

“I don’t want to burden them.”

He strokes my hand, “We should start looking at sitters. You need to get out more during the day.” 

“No, I need to go back to work.”

He smiles, “So soon?”

“Charlie, I’ve been home since I was about seven months pregnant. I’ve barely worked in my field.”

He looks shocked, “I thought you didn’t mind being home with the girls.”

I feel like crying, “Charlie, no. Don’t get me wrong. I love being home with them, but I need to do something more.”

“I don’t know, Ginny.”

“Wait, what?” It takes every ounce of strength I have not to get up and walk away from the table.  

“What I meant was, I don’t know whether its so great to leave the girls with a stranger full time.”

“But I should leave them with a sitter to go and have a spa day? Have you lost your mind?” I’m  yelling and I can see Charlie starting to get nervous.

“Ginny, calm down. The girls are sleeping.”

“I won’t calm down. I just want a life. Is that so hard for you to see?”

“I thought this was your life. That you were happy being a family. What’s changed?”

I look away and I don’t know whether its seeing Cane, getting a taste for our more carefree days or  just the exhaustion, but I feel like I have more to offer than just being the girls’ mother and Charlie’s  wife.

“Ginny. Talk to me.”

I have nothing more to say to Charlie and leave the table without another word. After a quick  shower, I get ready for bed and then proceed to lock the door.

An hour or so later, Charlie tries to get in, “Ginny. Open the door.”

“No. Sleep in the guest room. That’s all you are here lately anyway.”

“Ginny, that isn’t fair. I’ve been working.”

“Yeah. Wish I could say the same. Goodnight Charlie.”

I don’t sleep much that night, but I need to prove my point. How could he think I was content being at home all day, when I've made my intentions clear about working again?

When I wake up, he’s gone. I've check the guest rooms and he isn’t there. Not a trace of him. Panic hits me like a punch to the gut.

I head to the girls room and there he is. Asleep on the blow up mattress in between the two cribs.  He looks like he’s slept peacefully. Bastard!

I try hard not to wake them as I leave, but Charlie must hear me, “Ginny.” He whispers. 

“Yeah?”

“Let’s talk.” He follows me to the bedroom and shuts the door.

“Baby, I’m sorry.”

I let him hold me and soon his lips are on mine, his kiss so deep and promising. His hands drift to my  lower back and he cups my ass, lifting me up onto his hips. He moans into my mouth and I  completely lose sense of myself or us having to talk.

He has me pinned to the wall, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist. He stops kissing me and  then stares directly into my eyes, “I love you and I’m sorry, Ginny.”

“Charlie. Not now.”

“Ginny.” He gasps before he pushes into me. His breath brushes my neck as he buries his face  beneath my jaw. I feel as if I am about to lose myself completely before its even begun.

“Charlie. Stop.”

“No.”

“Charlie, I’m going to...”

He pushes harder and faster. Every muscle in his back and arms tensing. He whispers in my ear  again, “I love you, Ginny King. Always.” And just like that, everything unravels.

Charlie follows soon after and we both collapse to the floor.

“Charlie?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.” He kisses me again.

“You need to do what makes you happy.”

“I will, but I also need my husband around more.”

“Soon, baby.”

Charlie gets ready for work and leaves after breakfast. He seems somewhat rejuvenated and I feel  hopeful.

I do all the morning chores and then sit with the girls in the living room. While they play, I look for vacancies online.

I see something in Cape Elizabeth that’s half-day at the middle school. It’s a decent salary and has benefits. They would need the person to start immediately. Without thinking twice; I submit an  application via their website. It dawns on me that I would have to find a sitter.

I call my mom.

“Mom?”

“Ginny. How are you?”

“Great. Listen, I have to ask you something.”

“Sure.”

“I’ve applied for a job in the Cape. Its too early to say for sure what will happen, but I would need a  sitter. The only thing is; I was thinking more part-time. Like I get someone in Monday through  Wednesday.”

“And I do the Thursday and Friday?”

I love my Mom, “Yeah. If you’re keen? It’s a half-day job.”

“When you get it; let me know when you need me.”

“You’re OK with this though?”

“Ginny, of course! I would be delighted to help. Honestly, Hope doesn’t come around much any  longer, so we would love the company.”

“Mom, they’re more of a handful than company.”

She laughs, “Listen, you just let me know how things go and when you need me.” 

“Thank you, Mom.”

We chat a bit longer and then I get back to looking at job vacancies. Nothing else is as appealing as the CE job. I find one more at one of the women’s groups in Portland. Even though I want to move  away from working with adults; I apply anyway.

I then look at sitter agencies. The most recommended one seems to be one that uses mainly older  women. Its comforting somehow, I send off an e-mail to Charlie with a link.

He doesn’t take long to respond. He is keen to check out the agency. I don’t mention the job applications. I decide to wait and see if anything comes from either of them.

Dinner is shepherd’s pie and salad. I manage to get some carrots in the girls and bath them before Charlie gets home. He’s there by eight and doesn’t seem up for much conversation. We speak  briefly about his day and he looks absolutely exhausted. A far cry from this morning’s Charlie. It  makes me feel slightly moody.

“I’m going to have a nice hot bath. Care to join?” I linger at the study door where he’s buried  himself under invoicing.

“Uh, no thanks, Gin. I need to finish the books. I’ll be up in about an hour.”

“Sure. Goodnight. I love you.”

“Love you too.” He doesn’t even look up. Now I’m pissed.

I begin to wonder whether another night locked out of the room would do him good. I doubt it, but I’m tempted.

Once submerged in the bubbles, I call Holly to check up on them and also to ask about the sitter they use.

“Hey Ginny. You’ve been quiet. Everything OK?”

“All’s well. How are you guys?”

“We’re great. Morning sickness is just really bad this time. I forgot how horrible this was.” She tries  to make light of it.

“That’s awful, Holly. I hope you’re taking something more than ginger tea this time. How’s things with Hope?”

“I actually spoke to David about sending her to New York. Her grandmother has suggested to Marie that Hope attends one of the private schools there.”

I’m taken aback and actually really proud of Holly, “What did he say?”

“He’s seriously considering it. He mentioned that Marie wanted to sit Hope down and tell her the truth about Julian Garcia.”

“Hmm. She’s just turned thirteen. Do you think its wise?”

“You know what, if its going to give her a better sense of things and is good for her, then I’m all for it. Of  course David is panicked she’ll cut him out. Especially now.”

I feel exhausted just listening to it all, but I also feel as if a big part of it is my doing. “So, what else is happening in Portland? Have you seen your other brother?” 

I scoff, “No and I am not keen to.”

“Aww Ginny. Life’s too short.”

“It is, isn’t it?” I soften a bit and realize I hadn’t paid a thought to Jamie or Emma in ages.

We spend some time talking about the kids and when we’ll see each other again. We hang up after a hour or so. I remember that Charlie should be upstairs soon and quickly get done.

When I finish up, he is still not there. I don’t feel like sleeping alone again and head down to the study, only to find him fast asleep in his chair.

He’s so handsome. My heart swells with love and adoration for him. I gently rub his shoulders and  he rouses, “What time is it? Am I late for work?”

“Honey, its Friday night. You fell asleep here. Come on. You’re coming to bed and you’re calling in sick tomorrow.”

He’s so tired, he’s out of it.

“Want some warm milk?”

“Uh, no thanks. Just the bed is good or am I still being punished?”

I laugh, “No, baby.”

“Good.”

“Shower first and then bed for you.” I suggest.

When he gets to bed, he snuggles up against me and I drift off within minutes. I dream of Charlie staying at home while I work.

“I love you, but I have to go in though, Ginny.”

Charlie is standing in front of me, while I feed the girls at the kitchen counter that afternoon,

I don’t say anything. Its just after twelve and he’s received a call from the day manager, saying a produce order never arrived and they’re running low.

“Lily does the kitchen and Ben does bar.” He says, not seeing the issue.

“Honey, either you need to fire Lily or demote her. She isn’t doing a good job.” I am serious, “Also,  it will mean less time at the pub.”

He shrugs, “Baby, I can’t do that.”

“Charlie, it’s a business. There are things you are going to have to do that you don’t like or will make others unhappy.”

“We’ll talk later.” He doesn’t seem impressed with me, but I couldn’t care less and will do whatever it takes to ease his stress.

“OK, but you won’t like my honesty.”

“I love your honesty and I love you.”

He kisses me one more time and the girls, then leaves. Its clear his heart is heavy and he’s tired, but hopefully during summer we can hire new staff to take a load off the poor man.

Its after six and I am pissed. Charlie still isn’t home and he hasn’t called. I call him, but he doesn’t  answer. So, I call his mother and ask her to watch the girls while I head over to the pub.

Charlie’s car is still out back. I make my way through the front doors and turn left into the corridors and then straight down to his office. Before I open the door, I hear giggling. Charlie is quiet and the giggling female inside starts up again. Immediately, I shove the door open. Lily is sitting on the corner of the desk while Charlie is showing her something on the computer monitor.

My blood is boiling. Charlie looks startled. I walk in and notice that Lily doesn’t move. “This looks cozy.”

“Ginny. We’re just busy with stock checks.” Charlie explains.

I believe him, but I am not happy with the way they’re doing it. The dark-haired vixen that is Lily,  giggles again and eventually gets up.

“Hi Ginny.”

I don’t say anything as she gathers her things off the chair on the opposite side of the desk. “See you tomorrow, Charlie.”

“Uh, yeah, tomorrow Lily.”

I shoot him my dirtiest look and wait for her to close the door, “Oh no!”

“Ginny, now listen. Yes, she’s a horrible flirt, but she’s not even a distraction for me. More like an irritation.”

I feel like strangling him, “The fact that you know she’s flirting is what makes it worse. How long has this been going on? Is this the reason you’ve been here all day, every day?”

He stands up, his hands up in defense, “Now you know that isn’t true.”

“Well, s**t, Charlie. Just, s**t!” I can’t control myself. Before I know it, I’ve picked up his Mac and chuck it across the room, “Now do inventory without that!”

“Ginny!” he’s clearly appalled.

I lift my hand for him to stop coming towards me and find myself turning on my heel. “Ginny, please! Let me explain.”

“Charlie, one more step and I will make a scene.” I warn him.

He wants to say something, but seems to decide against it.

“Don’t even speak. In fact, don’t come home.”

“Ginny, come on!”

I am out the door before he can say anything more. I hear him slamming something and cursing.

I’m so angry, the tears I thought would come, just don’t. I manage to fetch the girls without alerting  his mother to anything. In fact, I don’t even call my Mom like I usually do.

I bath and feed the girls and head to bed myself. My mind is racing and I have no idea of what I will say to him should he come home.

Its almost eleven that night when I hear a noise in the kitchen. I grab my Taser out my nightstand and head toward the stairs. I check on the girls and lock them in.

I remember our little plan should anything like this ever happen and crouch under the entrance hall  table with the phone.

Whoever it is, is scratching around the kitchen and making no qualms about the noise level. I decide to leave my hiding place and take the attack to the kitchen. I won’t wait any longer.

Slowly, I manage to sneak in through the living room and into the breakfast area. This guy is actually  rummaging through my wine rack!

He can barely stand, he’s so drunk! I flip on the lights after recognising him, “Charlie!” 

“Ginny, wow! You look nice. Going some place?” He’s falling about.

“How did you get here? You didn’t drive, did you?”

“Good ol' Jamie.”

“What?”

“He brought me here. To your house. Hope its k.” he points in my direction. 

I want to slap him sober, “You can sleep in the downstairs guest room.”

“No. I’m sleeping with my wife. It’s a man’s right, you know!”

He clumsily makes his way toward me, “Let’s be honest. I love you. You love me. We’re both fairly nice people. Cane likes you. Lily likes me, but I don’t like her, no!”

He’s completely wasted; poor man.

“Charlie. Get to bed or sleep wherever, but I want you gone in the morning.”

I want him to speak to me when he’s realised his entertaining of his manager’s flirting is not acceptable.

A part of me is relieved he hasn’t listened to me and come home, but I still want to throttle him.

I wake up to the smell of bacon and pancakes. My hunger gets the better of me and I head  downstairs to see Charlie feeding both girls their cereal and a set breakfast table for us.

“What’s this?” I muse.

“You know what.”

I shrug, “Hmm, not sure I do.”

“Look, we can play around this, but let’s just call it. I fu-“

“Language.” I warn him.

“I messed up.”

“You didn’t seem to think that when I walked into your office yesterday.”

“You broke my Mac. It had to be serious. I’m an i***t when it comes to other women. I don’t care if  they’re flirting because I can’t read them like I can read you and I don't want them!”

“You expect me to believe that Charlie King?”

“Yes, I do. You know how hopelessly in love I am with you.”

“Look, clearly Lily has got to go or she needs to start treating you like her boss and not some guy she’s doing!”

“She actually e-mailed me her resignation last night.”

“What?”

“Yeah. She admitted that she was wrong and that she was also bored. So, just like that, she’s gone.” 

“I know this is wrong, but thank God!”

We eat breakfast and Charlie continues to tell me, that how, in panic mode, he called Jamie to come and speak with me, but instead, Charlie got ripped.

“Why not call David?” I ask, “You two are closer.”

“Are you nuts? And have him rip me to shreds?”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I laugh.

We laugh and talk a bit more and I tell him about the jobs I applied for. I also tell him about seeing Cane for the sake of honesty and fairness. He first just groans and then irritably asks what he wanted. I don’t tell him too much about  what Cane said.

“That guy just doesn’t quit, huh?”

“I guess not.” I laugh nervously.

We thankfully move on from the Cane topic and start to devise a staffing plan for the pub. Turns out; Charlie just needs more reliable staff. He hates the idea of letting people go, but when they do half-assed jobs, they have to go.

He doesn’t go in to work and I am relieved. We spend the day with the girls and even go for a walk.  I am relishing the time with him.

I notice though that he doesn’t mention the jobs I applied for again. I think he’s avoiding it. Well, he’s got another thing coming if he thinks I am going to stay at home raising a brood of kids!

The next week passes so quickly and Charlie has already reshuffled staff without having to let go of  too many of them. We’re at dinner on the Wednesday evening when I break the news to him.

“Charlie.”

“Yes?”

I push the pasta I am eating about with my fork and avoid eye contact, “I got an interview for the job in CE.”