Saving Charlie

Chapter 5

Charlotte Hensen

I've been on edge the whole day and it's all because I'm having drinks tonight with my colleagues and Braxton. I know it'll be fine, it's just the setting. I don't like bars or nightclubs. The noise, drinking and dancing, it's just not me. Taking a deep breath, I changed out of my work uniform and into my usual outfit of dark skinny jeans and simple dark red sweater.

I leave my hair up and just as I slide my boots on, Allison comes into the locker room.

"Hey, girl. You ready? Braxton is here." She stated, smiling widely.

"Almost. You go keep him company. I'll be right out." I replied, smiling back.

At least Allison will keep Braxton busy. Its almost like having an obligation to play the hostess to Braxton. That means

introducing him and making sure he's having a pleasant time. Its hard enough trying to include myself in the group, now I have

Braxton to worry about.

Sighing, I picked up my purse, steeling myself for the night that was ahead. Stepping out into the hallway, I noticed Braxton right away. He was standing directly across from the door watching me intently.

My eyes scanned him briefly, he was wearing dark jeans with a white-neck t-shirt and a black sports jacket. I see him in casual

clothes all the time outside of the office, but it never fails to amaze me how he can still look so rich and powerful in such simple attire.

"Sorry, I didn't realize we were meeting here." I apologized.

"Peter told me he dropped you off at work this morning. I figured you'd need a ride." He explains.

"Thanks." I nodded, truly needing the lift.

"I need a ride too. Do you mind?" Allison asks, sweetly.

Watching Braxton's eyes heat with irritation, I gave him a weak, apologetic smile.

Braxton stays at my side until we get to his black Porsche Cheyenne, no doubt using me as a buffer between himself and Allison. He opens the passenger side door and we both watch as Allison walks forward, slipping past me.

"Thank you." She purrs, oblivious to his growing frustration.

He quickly opened the back door for me.

I mouthed, "Sorry." knowing he wanted to avoid Allison's attention. He nods in understanding.

Braxton closes my door and Allison turns towards me as he walks around the car.

"Can you get a ride home with someone else? I want him to take me home, if you know what I mean." She added, winking.

I almost wince knowing her hopes are going to be dashed by the end of the night.

"Yeah, l'Il call a cab."

"You're the best." She states, sounding relieved and happy.

Braxton gets in the car and Allison immediately starts chatting about the car and asking questions about his day. He answers

each question patiently until we arrive at the bar. I feel bad for not being honest with Allison yesterday, regarding Braxton.

Hopefully, Allison finds someone else tonight. As it is, I don't think he's likely to forgive me.

Walking into the bar, I notice a group of nurses I work with and head towards them. Although I rarely go out with my co-workers, we're all friendly and know a lot about each other. Working such long hours, you inevitably develop close relationships. Pulling out an empty chair, I sat down, placing my purse under my seat.

Braxton sits next to me and Allison slides into the chair beside him.

"You came!" Stella vells, obviously a few martini's in. I smiled at her slurred words.

"Yep."

"Its going to be a great night! Doctor Swingslow's coming!" She yells, emphasizing Swingslow.

Knowing exactly who she's talking about, because most of the nurses call Dr. Winslow by this nickname. "Really?" I responded,

not actually caring. Laura, another coworker, leans across the table and whispers.

"Yep, and hopefully, later tonight we'll both be coming. My mouth drops open and I giggle at her forwardness.

"I invited him and he said yes!" She states, excitedly. Laura's had a crush on the doctor for awhile, as do most of the nurses and

probably all of his patients.

"That's awesome." I responded, as I saw her eyes land on Braxton and widen. "Oh, I'm sorry. This is Braxton Greco, a family friend.

Braxton, this is Laura."

"Its nice to meet you, Laura." Braxton replies, while Laura continues to gawk.

"Dr. Swingslow? I thought it was Winslow?" Allison asks, Stella.

Clearly lost on the nickname.

Snapping out of it, she turns to answer Allison. "It is, but he's very well…endowed." She explains, holding her hands apart.

We all laugh until someone hushes us, we all turn to see the beloved doctor walking towards the table. The waitress stops

next to Braxton's chair, getting my attention.

"What can I get you?" She inquires, politely.

"Two Sam Adams." He orders and turns his body towards me.

"That's what you want, right?"

"Yes, thank you." I replied, as the waitress replied that the rest of the tables drank orders.

"Did you eat dinner?" He questions, sitting back in his chair.

"No, not yet." I answered.

"Do you want to eat something here? Or stop on the way home?"

Remembering Allison's plan, I glanced behind him to see her listening intently. She quickly leans into Braxton's back and asks,

"Charlie, will you come with me to the bathroom?"

"Sure," I replied.

"Excuse me." I replied, to Braxton.

Standing up, Allison smiled at me as she took my hand. We walked to the bathrooms, stopping just outside of them.

"I'm such an i***t. He's into you! Why didn't you say something?"

She questions, clearly embarrassed.

"Who? Braxton?" I asked, knowing he was the person she was referring to, but asked for time to formulate a response.

"Yes, Braxton. I feel like a complete moron now. I think that's how you treat him. I didn't see it before."

She stated, shaking her head.

"You have it all wrong-" I started to say, but stopped.

This is the only way I can get Braxton off the hook.

I shrug bashfully instead.

"You're so lucky! I guess I have to try my luck with Doctor Swings-low." She jokes, shaking her head.

As we make our way back to the table, I say, "Only if you want your hair pulled out by Laura. made she's quite fond of the doctor."

I feel Braxton's eyes on me like I always do and make sure to keep my eyes averted. I know he isn't interested in me, he respects my

grandfather too much for that. I'm sure my grandfather tasked him with the job of taking care of me tonight, but his appraisal

still makes me anxious.

He stands up when we get to the table and pulls out my chair.

Sitting back down, I picked up my beer and picked a hearty gulp.

My grandfather may like his expensive 100-year-old scotch, but I'll take a pint of lager any day.

"I ordered appetizers. Those cheese sticks you like and fries."

"Oh, that sounds great. Thanks." I replied, appreciative of his thoughtfulness.

My mouth is already watering. My biggest food addiction is mozzarella sticks with ranch dressing.

Looking around the table, I noticed Doctor Winslow sitting across from Braxton. Stella is basically trying to get in his lap,

while Laura glares at them and Allison is talking his ear off. Our eyes meet and I give him a amused but sympathetic smile. I'm

sure no man wants a drunk woman trying to get in his lap while another begs for his attention. He definitely looks uncomfortable.

"I was surprised when Stella told me you were coming." He mentioned, leaning forward to stop Stella's mention.

"I usually don't, but it's Allison's first week here. I wanted to come." I explained.

"Yes, I see that you're becoming friends." He responds, glancing quickly at Allison and then back at me.

"Yep, she is great." I replied, as Braxton's arm went around my back, resting on my chair.

"I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Doctor Ryan Winslow." He introduces himself to Braxton as I sit further up in

my chair.

"Are you a friend of Charlie's?"

"Yes." Braxton replies simply.

Lifting my glass, I took it to my mouth. I drink greedily, feeling uncomfortable with how Dr. Winslow is glaring at Braxton's arm.

When the mozzarella sticks and fries are set in front of me, l forget about the awkwardness and reach for the deep fried goodness, dipping it in the ranch cup. After the first bite, I realized I didn't offer any to Braxton and slid the basket towards him.

"Want some?"

He picks up a fry and we finish the rest of the food quickly.

When the waitress comes around to take orders for more drinks, I feel Braxton lean towards me.

"Do you want to leave?"

Looking up, I saw Dr. Winslow is still watching us.

"Yes, please."

Braxton stands up, pulling out my chair for me. "Bye, guys. See you at work."

I hugged the table, as I hugged Allison goodbye and waved to a dejected looking Stella.

Walking towards the exit, I had to stop suddenly when someone walked in front of me, which caused the front of Braxton's body to bump against the back of mine. His hand comes to my hip to steady me and his fingers brush against a sliver of exposed skin.

My heart feels like its going to jump out of my throat. When the man finally passes us, I start walking again and his hand drops.

We walked to his car in silence, goosebumps still tingling on my skin.

In the car, Braxton holds the door open and I climb in. Taking a few deep breaths, I try to calm my racing heart. It was nothing.

Charlie. It was an innocent touch, nothing more. Braxton gets behind the wheel and starts the engine.

"Are you still hungry?"

"No, I'm fine. Thanks." I told him honestly.

He starts the car and pulls into traffic. We're about a mile from home when he breaks the silence.

"That Doctor is interested in you." He states, his tone thick with accusation.

"Yeah, that was strange. He's never even spoken to me except to inquire about a patient." I replied, truthfully.

Thinking over my past interactions with the Doctor. He's never hinted at anything, or maybe I just didn't pick it up.

"You noticed though?" He asks, confused.

His head quickly turned to scan my face.

"Yeah, he was kind of obvious." I replied, not understanding his confusion.

"Yeah, he was." He chuckles, I can almost feel the vibration of his laugh.

Pulling up to my grandfather's house, I thanked him while opening the door. He cuts off the engine and gets out as well.

wait for him, thinking he might be sleeping here. He does that occasionally, since it's fifty minutes to get back to the city.

We walk to the house and I use my keys to unlock the door.

"Are you staying the night?" I asked, opening the door. When he doesn't follow me, I turn to look at him.

"Are you asking me to stay?" He questions, his voice low and intense.

I tilted my head to the side, looking at him.

"Only if you want to. I know it's a long drive back to the city and its late. You can stay in

the room you usually use." I responded.

His ridged stance changes and he shakes his head. "It's not too far. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, thanks again." I waved and shut the door.

Walking tiredly into the house, I peeked into grandpa's study, smelling the sweet fragrance of a cigar.

"You smoked a cigar?" I asked.

"No, only half a cigar." He corrects me, smiling mischievously.

I groaned, crossing my arms. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Tell me you love me and go to bed. You look tired, Charlie."

"Alright, but you're getting off light. Love you. No more smoking." I demanded, pointing my finger at him.

His hand rises in salute, "Scouts honor."

I rolled my eyes.

"You were never a scout." I blew him a kiss and walked up the stairs.