Page 24

“Just let it go, Brooks.”

“We have to talk about this.”

Charlie shakes me off. “No, we don’t.”

“Charlie—”

He’s inside before I can argue with him.

Charlie’s been in love with me? Since when?

I scrub a hand down my face and watch the snow fall in the street lamps. My mind is spinning. How in the world did I not know this?

Memories of Charlie throughout the years flash through my mind. I moved to Moose Falls in third grade and ever since, Charlie has been in my life.

Walking to school together. Playing soccer together as kids. Telling him things I never told anyone.

I never once got the impression that he loved me, but was I just oblivious?

At least, until last week when I started feeling new things for him. Why in the hell is all of this coming to the surface now of all times?

A wind blows through, sending a biting cold through me.

Life has been nothing but change lately. Huge, gut-punching life changes.

Through it all, Charlie has been one of the few constants. He held my hand—figuratively—during the entire process. He was there for me.

Now discovering this?

I don’t go back inside for my coat. I know the short walk to Charlie’s from here will only take a couple of minutes. Right now, I can’t be around other people.

Because, for the second time in a month, my world has tilted on its axis.

Because of Charlie.

Snow crunches under my shoes as I walk the familiar path toward Charlie’s house.

I wasn’t supposed to hear that confession. It wasn’t meant for me. But I heard it. I don’t know how I can everunhearit.

Fuck.

Large flakes soak through my sweater as the house comes into view. The living room light glows softly.

Comet is at the door as I step inside. “Hey, buddy.”

I let him run out to do his business and play in the snow. Watching him settles me. At least, as much as possible right now.

Fuck.

What the hell am I going to do?

I don’t know, but everything has changed.

I only hope Charlie and I can figure this out.

Because I’m not ready to lose him.

Chapter Nine