I recommend reading chapters 1-4 first.
(All characters are over 18 and this is a work of fiction.)
Again, big thanks to LaRascasse and Oldnakeddad for editing and advising! Any mistakes are likely because I decided to change something after they worked their magic.
I love hearing your thoughts and opinions so comment or leave me feedback.
Enjoy the show and don't forget to vote!
*****
* * COLIN * *
Charlie announces out of nowhere.
"I'm going to throw a big Fourth of July party and it's going to be awesome!"
I look up from my computer screen and frown.
"Yeah?"
He chuckles.
"That's not usually the response I get when I decide to throw a party."
"Well, I'm going to be at a lake house near Bend for the Fourth. I leave Friday for a much needed week in the sun and water."
I'm beyond happy to get away from the city for a while, hit the lake, and relax. Clarke-Co always gives the whole week off so everyone can celebrate. Charlie's Fourth of July party actually throws a damper into my plans.
"That sounds great. Only you and Jesse?"
"That was my intention, but his family's doing something for the Fourth so he'll be in Washington."
Charlie catches my eye and raises his brow slightly.
"Why aren't you going to Washington with him?"
I shrug.
"I thought about it, but I haven't been to the lake in years and, since we have the week off of work for the holiday, I want to take advantage of it. I know it's selfish and I don't think Jesse is particularly happy about my choice."
I know, for a fact, Jesse's not happy about it. Charlie twists his face in disgust.
"So, you're going to go by yourself. I'm all for solitude, but that sounds terrible."
"I agree, it's not ideal. Everyone has big plans for the big weekend, though. I was going to ask you, to come with me, but you're throwing this big party. I'm trying to convince Glen to fly in, but he's on the fence. I need someone to drive the fucking boat.
If I can't board the boat, then what's this all been about?"
I smile when Charlie picks up on my reference, but as he leans back, he looks bummed. I know I am.
"I wish you would've told me a week ago. I would've gladly joined you."
"Cancel your party and come with me. There's no one else I want to invite. I don't have that many friends."
I'm trying not to beg, but I want him to go. Jesse and Charlie are my only real guy friends. I don't want to spend the weekend with Natalie or Bethany. They're busy anyway...I checked. He rolls his eyes and the sarcastic look on Charlie's face makes me laugh.
"Sure, let me cancel on the three hundred people who are invited!"
I gasp.
"Three hundred! Holy shit, man. That's massive."
We lead very different lives. With pride and a giant smile, he says.
"I believe in going big or going home."
I pout.
"Well, shit, looks like you'll be going big and I'll be going to the lake...alone!"
I look at Charlie and muster the saddest eyes I can. His lip curls into a slight smile, but he shakes his head, no. I let out a disappointed huff, but keep my eyes on Charlie, pleading. Without breaking eye contact, I reach into my desk drawer and pull out my weapon of choice...Charlie's Kryptonite.
Charlie looks at his computer for a moment, so I slip on my glasses. I already have contacts on, now I can't see crap. That's okay because it's only the look I'm looking for.
"Please, don't make me go alone."
Charlie looks at me, again.
"Are you fucking serious?"
I think he's rolling his eyes and trying not to laugh, but I can't tell for sure with contacts
and
glasses.
"You're an asshole, you know that? How dare you put your glasses on? That's low, really low."
I continue to pout.
"I know, but...I want you to go. You never hangout with me outside of work. I thought we were friends. Maybe it's only me that wants a friendship. I can't stop you, if you only want to be work colleagues."
None of this is true of course. I'm only laying it on as thick as possible. Guilt, sex appeal, you name it. I'm not above the influence, or in this case,
being
the influence.
"I have no respect for you. Stop looking at me. Take your glasses off!"
He waves me off. I may not be able to see him clearly, but I can hear the playfulness in his voice.
"Fine."
I return the glasses to my drawer, drop my head in defeat, and mumble.
"I'll cancel my trip since I can't go alone. I'll go to Washington with Jesse, instead. He'll be pumped! I'll simply let a part of my soul die."
I manage a shallow laugh. I only want to spend some time on the water. Charlie teases me.
"Jesse is one lucky man. He scored with you. I'll tell you what...I'll go with you."
I perk up.
"Really?"
He leans back and smiles, devilishly.
"I have one condition."
"Name it."
Anything. I'll do it
.
"You have to woo me this weekend. Take me to dinner."
I smile, knowing he won't approve.
"McDonalds? Taco Bell? Chick-Fil-A? You name it!"
He gestures his thumb up. Signaling higher and nicer.
"Nope, some place nicer."
I balk, playfully.
"Panera?"
He returns his focus back to work, not willing to play around.
"Okay. I need to finish planning my party. Have fun in Washington."
I shout.
"
Fuck! Okay
!"
Charlie looks up from his computer, waiting for me to suggest a new option.
"Famous Dave's?"
He furrows his brows, then quickly returns to his work.
Yeah, I figured
.
"The Observatory?"
He doesn't look up from his work, only shakes his head no and sings playfully.
"You're not trying very hard."
Bastard
.
"Fogo de Chao?"
Come on, this place is nice and a little pricey. He uses his fingers to indicate I'm getting close.
"Okay. Fine. Seven o'clock, Saturday night. El Gaucho!"
"Don't forget to pick me up in your grocery getter."
He's wearing a shit eating grin.