Chapter 7
Chapter 7
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Charles peeked at Shawn, who was knee–deep in paperwork, and then huddled closer to Fred and murmured the latest buzz: “Shawn summoned me last night, said to find a place for Try to bunk out of the hotel before I swing back to the
“You’re not exactly swamped today.” Fred shrugged it off.
“That’s not the issue. Fred Charles retorted, feeling a bit ganged up on.
“Ti Shawn’s reaching out to an old flame, that’s out of character. If it’s true, then Natalie might be in for a bumpy ride and could be packing her bags, Fred mused.
“No way! They’ve been hitched for almost three years. Shawn’s got the hots for her for sure. Let’s make a wager on it!”
Tm not taking that bet”
“Why not?” Charles blurted, his voice climbing the scales of irritation. He nearly jumped out of his seat, thinking Fred was on Tracy’s side, which only fueled his fire.
“Both of you if you’re just gonna loiter, keep it down. Otherwise hit the road and find something else to do. Don’t hover around me.” Shawn interjected, eyeing them like they were pesky flies. He was on the brink and half–tempted to punch
them
“Fred why won’t you bet with me?” Charles plopped back down when he caught Shawn’s ire rising, still prodding Fred on his reluctance to bet. He was dead set on rallying for Natalie.
“Beause I ain’t wasting my breath on a pointless bet with you.”
“C’mon, Fred! You can tell Shawn’s got a soft spot for Natalie, right? I knew it! I’m never off the mark.”
“It’s as plain as day–even to a dunce like you”
“So why’s he at the airport, fetching Tracy? And why’s he untangling her hotel stay and house–hunting for her?”
“What’s it to me what he’s up to? When it comes to romance, he might as well be dumber than a dodo.
“For real. Fred? Is it cool to talk smack about Shawn? Though I guess I get it; that’s about the only time I think I am one up
on him. Heh”
The two were just kicking back in Shawn’s office, not exactly burning the midnight oil.
“Hey, Fred, you been slacking on the celebrity circuit lately? I’m still holding a grudge over that last bit of buzz. How about you pick up some extra shifts for Charles around here?” Shawn robed.
“Shawn, today’s my rare day off! And that last scandal wasn’t my bad. Paparazzi were all over the place. Anyway, I scrubbed all the stories right after they broke–no traces, Fred shot back feeling a bit self–assured
“Absolutely, Shawn! Wrapped up everything today. Found her a crib and even sorted the moving logistics,” Charles chimed in, kren to show he’d been on the ball.
Shawn gazed in the two unflappable characters and was at a loss for words. He figured it was time to pack it in and head for the homestead Out of sight, out of mind.
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Chapter 7
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Just as Shawn rose to grab his jacket, Charles was quick on his fee to tag along. “Shawn, you bailing? Let’s roll together!”
Shawn halted and turned to look at the duo trailing him. He felt a tad uneasy and questioned, “Why are you guys shadowing me to my place?”
Can Fred and I crash at your pad for dinner tonight? It’s been forever since I’ve had a taste of Natalie’s cooking. Charles said, grinning, trying to butter Shawn up.
“Not gonna happen.” Shawn replied, shooting down the idea flat le’d never come across such audacity.
“Why not? You’re not the one doing the cooking anyway. I’ll call Nat right now,” Charles declared, whipping out his phone before Shawn could object.
When Natalie saw Charles on the caller ID, she jumped to the conclusion that something was amiss with Shawn and picked up in a hurry. Hey, Charles Is everything okay with Shawn? Did he tie one on again!”
Hearing Natalie’s immediate worry for him. Shawn felt a bit of an emotional thaw.
“All good. Natalie, Charles reassured. Tm just with Fred at the office. We’ve been here for a bit, and since it’s getting late, we thought we’d tag along with Shawn for dinner. But he shot us down, so I’m calling you instead.”
“He’s just pulling your leg. You guys on your way out? I’m about to get the cooking started.”
“We’re just stepping out the door. No need to go all out; we won’t be eating a ton. Just toss together a bowl of spicy tripe for me. Charles quickly piped up.
I’m in for some fried chicken, Fred chimed in without missing a beat.
These two weren’t holding back–they dove right into ordering up a feast. Shawn snatched the phone away. “Don’t bother cooking for them. Just make a pot of congee; that’ll hit the spot. Then he hung up.
“Cmon, Shawn, don’t be a tightwad! We don’t drop by that often–only a couple times a month. Natalie’s cooking is the bomb. Charles teased, trying to coax more out of Shawn.
“Yeah, Shawn, we’re just there for a freebie meal. We’ll chow down and then bounce. We won’t cramp your style. Fred added, totally nonchalant
“Should I be grateful you guys aren’t trying to move in with us?” Shawn retorted, giving them a stern glance.
“Can I move in? Or maybe just relocate to your ‘hood? I’ll look for places on the market tomorrow, Charles replied, all excited, thinking Shawn was actually extending an invitation
“If you even think about moving here, I’ll ship you off tomorrow and don’t come back till you’ve seen another year and a half,” Shawn warned, dead serious.
I was just yanking your chain, Shawn! It wouldn’t work for me to move in.”
Charles’s audacity was something else. Fred kept qujet, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. At this point, it was better to lay low and look forward to the grub
They kept the banter going as they hit the elevator, headed to the parking lot since Charles and Fred had driven in. The trio cruised out in their separate rides, making their way to Shawn’s place.
They pulled up almost simultaneously, parked, and strolled in. Natalie had timed it to a T–she’d just put the tunishing souches on the last soup and was setting it out on the table. “You guys caught dinner just right,” she said with a bright smile,
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Chapter 7
greeting Charles and Fred as they came in.
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“Natalie, I smelled the food from outside. Charles rushed to the dining table, eyes wide at the spread. All his favorites were there spicy tripe, fried chicken, grilled fish, mushroom soup, and salad. The table was loaded.
Wow, this is too much Wish Aaron and Hayden could join us, Charles said, already grabbing a piece of meat and chewing. praising Natalie’s cooking
“I just made a bit of everything, so it’s not too much. You all should try everything. Next time, let’s invite them and I’ll make more. Natalie replied.
“Whoa, that’s plenty!” Charles sand, trying to grab more, but Shawn slapped his hand away. “Wash up. Shawn frowned.
I’ll get the tableware. Natalie offered, but Shawn held her back.
“Sit and relax. You’ve worked hard on this feast,” he said firmly.
“Right, Natalie, sorry for making you run around. After dinner, just chill. Charles and I will clean up, Fred said, grabbing the tableware with Charles. They both headed to the kitchen.
Seeing Shawn’s frown. Charles quickly added, “Yeah, we’ll help clean up later.”
“Good, you two have your priorities straight, Shawn said, looking a bit happier.
They all sat down to eat. Natalie didn’t have much of an appetite, but the guys were starving. They cleaned the table.
After cleaning up, Charles and Fred made a quick exit.
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