Chapter 197 Invitation
Trent's POV
When Charlie suggested talking to her brother-in-law, I was shocked. I wasn't quite sure how I felt about talking to other people about this contract shit I've heard about. But I had to admit, I was intrigued. Just what the hell did he have to do with all of this?
I know who Richard Kingston is. I don't think there is anyone in California who doesn't. Actually, anyone in the music industry would know his name. Not just his father, Dean Kingston, but Richard has a multi-million-dollar record company. And he's a musician in his own right.
I know her sister married him, that isn't exactly a secret. But a lot of their 'love story' was kept out of the news, so I don't really know how it all went down. I do know that Charlie's life got infinitely better as soon as she was taken from her aunt and uncle's custody. She started to smile a lot more after that.
But just what the hell does he have to do with the contracts? My mind has been turning this over for the rest of Anatomy. I look down at my very intricate doodles and sigh. Yeah, I'm going to need Charlie's notes again... Maybe I'll just stay at her place all weekend to catch up on my studying.
When class is finally dismissed, I reach for her hand, making sure she doesn't bolt on me again. I would really hate for history to repeat itself. Melissa isn't in this class, but that doesn't mean her friends won't try something to hurt her.
"We are talking to Richard Kingston?" I ask, still shocked. I'm used to the spotlight being the quarter back in high school, but he's a pretty big celebrity.
Come to think of it, why the hell is everyone calling Charlie trailer trash when she lives in a fucking mansion? That just doesn't make any sense to me!
"Yeah, but not here," she whispers looking around like she's expecting someone to spy on us or listen in our conversations. And right now, I'm not sure she's too far off the mark.
"Where would you like to talk?" I ask. I don't really care, as long as I get to be with her while we get our answers.
She bites her lower lip and she's blushing, and damn I want to kiss that lip! I want to suck it between my teeth and-
"Come home with me," she whispers, giving me a hopeful look.
My heart picks up speed. I know she's not asking for anything she would think is inappropriate, she just wants a safe place to talk. But the fact that she would bring me into her sanctuary makes me really happy.
I want to jump in the air and shout 'hell yeah!' But she might change her mind! I don't want her to do that. I want her to feel comfortable with me. I want to get closer to her, until all her walls are down and it's just me and her.
"My cars at the dorms. Can I catch a ride?" I ask. I probably should just go grab my car, but I really want her to drive me to her place. I know that sounds weird, but if she's the one doing it, it's all her choice! I'm not pushing her to doing it. And I fucking want her to choose me!
She blushes again and gives a shy smile. "Yeah, come on," she whispers, tugging me toward the student lot.
I don't know why, but this makes me feel like I've won a fucking huge victory!
The ride to Charlie's apartment isn't long and her home is exactly what I'd expect from her. Not a lot of frills or anything flashy, just efficiency and order; and only what she really needs.
She pulls me down to her small couch and takes out her hands with shaky hands. I don't know if she's nervous because I'm in her home, or if there is something else that is bugging her, but now is the time for me to find out.
"Are you okay?" I ask again. I really want a straight answer out of her. My little Angel is equipped in the art of misleading information. And I don't like it.
I know she wasn't okay in class, and I know she was trying to come up with an excuse but never got to it. I'm sure she would've said she was fine or it was nothing to worry about, but just because she tells me not to worry, doesn't mean I'm not going to fucking worry about her!
"Well... I don't know," she whispers. "But we can talk about that later."
She might be getting away with the answer right now because there are more important things to worry about, but she'd better believe we will be coming back to the subject later!
She dials a number, puts it on speaker, placing it between us. Then a man's voice picks up on the first ring.
"Charlie! Hey sweetheart, is there something you need?" The man practically croons.