Accidents Happen - 14. Chapter 14 - Scott's View

Chapter 14 – Scott’s View

The alarm rang and Scott crawled out of his bed. The alarm had purposely been set there on the opposite side of the room to force him to move. Well, to get him out of bed and prevent him from breaking another alarm clock with his cast. He groaned and went to scratch his face, nearly knocking himself out with his cast.

God damn thing is always getting in my way. I can't wait for this fucking thing to be taken off.

Scott grumbled and continued into the bathroom where more problems awaited him. He had slowly gotten the hang of getting through his daily routine with one arm. He wasn’t exactly ambidextrous, but he managed fairly well. Besides today he was meeting with one of the teachers to get his new literacy program off the floor, so he had to look his best. A tie was out with no way to use both hands.

At least they reduced the size of the damn cast. I can get my sweater over it. The pants will just have to do. I think the boat shoes so I don’t have to figure out how to get socks on now.

He gazed into the mirror and his blues eyes looked back. He noticed the little lines around the eyes that were starting to show and the gray in his hair. Fuck it, I am not a child. I earned those.

Wishing he had time for coffee, he slipped his coat over his shoulders and slipped out into the daylight, carrying his laptop bag. Grateful his apartment was centrally located he decided he would walk over to the school. It was only about six blocks and it would let him relax. As he walked he couldn’t help but look around for Charlie. Wish the kid had at least called me. Would have liked to know he wasn’t like so many of the other damn guys around today.

The walk to the school seemed to take no time at all. He entered the school and was directed to the school’s secretary.

“Hi, I’m Marie. How can I help you?”

“Hello, Marie. My name is Scott Reeds. I’m here about the literacy program. I am supposed to meet a Mrs. Justine Ride.”

“Oh, I’m sorry no one told you. Justine can’t do it. She arranged with another teacher to take over. Mr. Charlie Wagner will be working with you.”

No. It can’t be. I can’t be that lucky that I find him so easily.

“Mr. Wagner? May I ask where I can find him?”

Marie smiled and filled Scott in immediately. She gave him a visitor’s pass and told him to returnit to her when he was ready to set up for the day.

“Thank you so much, Marie. Would you mind terribly if I left my laptop with you till I need it later?”

“Sure thing. It will be as safe as can be.” Marie smiled politely and placed the bag under her desk out of the way.

Scott smiled and walked down the hall toward Mr. Wagner’s room. He knocked on the door, but got no response so he stepped inside. He watched as Charlie leaned over and continued to write on the board, stopping to check only the papers in his hand as he continued the lesson on the board. He smiled widely as he realized he had definitely found Charlie again. Composing his face he stepped into the doorway.

“Well, Mr. Wagner, it is nice to see that it isn’t only on the streets you get lost in thought and ignore things around you.”

He watched as Charlie seemed to freeze for a moment before turning around to face him. Charlie looked like a kid caught with his hands in the cookie jar. He stood there silently watching Scott.

Oh, this is going to be fun. I can’t resist when he looks this nervous.

“I guess the cat has your tongue.” Scott watched as Charlie nervously licked his lips before replying.

“Um, no. I mean, uh, damn. Sorry. How are you, Mr. Reeds?”

Scott noticed a worried look cross Charlie’s face. This was working out better than he had hoped for. I never have seen someone so open with their emotions. He telegraphs his every thought. This is going to be a lot of fun. He slid his coat off and laid it across a few desks that were pushed together. He noticed Charlie give him the once over and then Scott decided it was time to start toying with Charlie.

“How am I? Hmmm. Well, I guess you would know if you took the time to find me.”

Well he never did come to see me. Let me see how he handles this. Wow. Look at that smile and eyes. Maybe he isn’t as open as I thought he was.

“Well, Mr. Reeds, I did call the hospital to check on you so I could go up to visit but you had already been cleared and left.”

Damn, he did check on me. Well I’ll be.Scott smiled and moved toward the smell of the coffee. Having missed a chance earlier he was glad to see this pot. He poured out a mug of coffee before turning to face Charlie. He neatly juggled the cup between the hand with the broken arm and his other hand. The cup was nearly to his lips when he decided he would see if he could shake anything else out of Charlie.

“I see. So a man saves your life and your concern only lasts as long as he is in the hospital.”

Scott watched as the mask fell neatly over Charlie’s face. He could no longer tell what Charlie was thinking.

“Actually, no, Mr. Reeds, I didn't forget about you. I did stop by your store to find out how you were doing.”

Scott looked up suddenly. Christ he did check on me. Why didn’t I know?

“However, you weren’t in. Your daughter kindly told me that when she sold me a book.”

Scott had been about to swallowhis coffee and almost choked on it when he heard Charlie mention the word daughter. If it’s who I think, she is in deep shit! Scott took a deep breath and slowly stalked his way closer to Charlie. I am going to kill her.

“Would you mind, Mr. Wagner, repeating that last part to me again?”

Scott could see Charlie straighten up. When he spoke next he was calm, clear, and direct.

“When I went to see you at your store you weren’t there.”

Scott could feel his blood pressure rise. I am so going to have to kill her. Scott took a look at Charlie and then saw him step back. Shit, I’m scaring him away. That is so not what I wanted to do. Breathe, you idiot, before you ruin this. Scott took a moment and sat down Indian style on top of a student’s desk. His uninjured hand grabbed the side of the desk in a death grip while he ran the finger of his other hand up and down the side of the coffee mug. He cleared his mind and took a deep breath before speaking again.

“Mr. Wagner, would you mind telling me the other half of that sentence again?”

“Your daughter was kind enough to tell me you weren’t there.”

“Would you please describe my daughter to me?”

The look Charlie shot him let Scott know he basically sounded like an idiot. She dresses like she is dead all the time. I might just have to kill her and make her wishes come true!

“I would think you know what your daughter looks like,” stated Charlie like he was talking to an idiot.

Scott couldn’t help it. The anger nearly boiled over and he was about to comment, but managed to hold his tongue. Charlie looked nervous, but Scott noticed him once again square his shoulders and continue on. “She has blue eyes like you, dark hair, and pale skin. She wears a lot of black clothing, or did the day I met her.”

The anger kept boiling and Scott was not happy. This was supposed to be his chance to really get to know Charlie now that he had found him again. Instead Julie might have ruined it for him before it even began.

“I am going to kill Julie.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Reeds, is there a problem?”

“Yes and no. Well, at least that explains something.”

For a moment Scott relaxed. Charlie was here, there was still a chance he might get what he wanted. He caught Charlie looking over his hands. Wonder if he likes big hands or something?

“If it is alright then, can we get back to the reason for your visit? I understand you have an idea to help out with literacy and decided to begin with the first grade class.”

“Well, actually, it was a customer who came in to my store on Monday who gave me the idea. After seeing my reading area she suggested I start off trying to recruit help from the local school and see if it would fly. After she left I typed up the proposal and dropped it off at the school. However I didn’t know it would lead to us meeting again.”

Charlie seemed to be a rapt listener. Scott quickly outlined how he came up with the idea for the program. Explained how his customer had given him the idea and how he appreciated the suggestions she made. The longer he talked to Charlie the more comfortable he felt.

“It sounds as if you have a very loyal customer there.”

“Actually, it was the first time I met the lady. She had come in looking for a book for her granddaughter, but we spent about an hour talking about different things. I will say this, she is an impressive lady. She explained if I was willing to do an outreach program with the school it would help bring new customers in and win me good graces with the school. That way if they were planning on buying new books for the classrooms or something like that, my store would be in a prime position to benefit.”

“She sounds like a savvy business woman. So she is the one that suggested my school?”

“Yes, she explained that if you hooked kids at a young age on reading, you would end up with customers for life.”

“So what are your plans for your literacy program?”

Scott found he was thrilled to explain it all to Charlie. Charlie seemed to absorb it and never get bored as Scott droned on. He couldn’t help but notice Charlie didn’t have a ring on and thata shy smile continued to play constantly around his face. His cute little nose wrinkled up when he took something in. Finally, he paused for a deep breath before finishing up.

“So that is why I need the teacher for the first three meeting. Can you do it, Mr. Wagner?”

Scott watched as Charlie nodded and his eyes became bright.

“Just let me grab my calendar, Scott.”

Scott could feel the smile spread across his face. Finally, was afraid I wouldn’t ever get him to call me Scott again.

“What dates were you looking at for your literacy program? This way I can make sure I am there for the first ones and can make up flyers to send home so the kids are aware of it.”

“Well the first one will be on the Saturday of the weekend before Thanksgiving, then the first Saturday of December, and then the third Saturday of December before they leave for Christmas vacation. I hope by then to make so that every other week, as we change the book they can get the discount on we have a reading time, helping parents learn how to read to their children, teaching children to read, and the outreach to adults as well eventually.”

“Sounds a bit ambitious, but it should be doable. I marked the dates down so I will be there. Do you need anything for your assembly later?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

I just have to figure out how to get you to come to me.

Scott was about to change topics when there was a knock at the door and tall thin woman walked in. Her eyes traced Charlie’s form for a moment. Don’t even think about it. Then she turned her attention on Scott.

“I’m sorry, did I interrupt something?”

“We were just meeting about the first grade assembly today. This is Mr. Reeds, the man who is starting the literacy program. Mr. Reeds, meet Ms. Webb, she teaches the first grade class in the other wing.”

Webb seems too appropriate for this broad. My god, she moved from him to me so fast I nearly got whiplash. I know better than to let her get the upper hand. Scott moved quickly to his feet and directly to Samantha’s side.

“Nice to meet you, Ms. Webb. Mr. Wagner and I were discussing how to initiate the literacy program. I do hope you and your students will enjoy the book reading later.”

“Oh, I didn’t know such a handsome man would be doing the literacy program.”

Oh lord. A child is trying to capture me. I don’t know if I should be flattered or she should be embarrassed. Wow, she is even trying to show off her chest. This is just what I don’t need right now. Charlie isn’t being any help here. Well let me maneuver her to the door so I can end this.

“I do so hate to cut short our time together, but Mr. Wagner and I only have this short window before his students arrive to get this all settled. I’m sure you understand, Ms. Webb. Perhaps we can discuss your ideas for books at another time.”

Scott smiled and even shook Samantha’s hand as he said goodbye before closing the door.

“Thanks for nothing, Charlie!”

Scott watched as Charlie shook with laughter. He laughed loud and hard, and then turned to Scott trying hard to look like an angel. Oh is he good!

“I’m sorry? Did you want me to do something?”

“Charlie you are evil. Why did you let her try to corner me like that?”

“Because if she was busy with you, Scott, Samantha was leaving me alone.” Charlie giggled for a moment. “Besides, it looks like you were able to handle it.”

I am so going to make him pay for that comment.

“Anyway, the students are due any moment. Did you have anything else you needed?”

Is there anything else I needed? Hell, how do I get you to go out with me so I can get to know you? I doubt you would accept an outright offer for a date. How can I propose this and get you to accept? I’ve got it. Scott couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he spoke.

“Yes, Charlie, there is. Could you be at the book store after work today?”

Scott noted the sudden nervous look that crossed Charlie’s face. Don’t overdo it, Charlie. Just tell me yes. Come on.

“If you need me to be, I’m sure I can get there. What time?”

Gotcha. Now I just have to get everything ready.

“Oh say around six thirty tonight. I’ll tell you what; I will even make sure you are fed, okay?”

Scott watched as Charlie silently nodded his consent.

“Good. I have to go set up for the students then. I’ll see you later.”

It was just a quick stop back at Marie’s desk and then he was brought to the auditorium. He set up his computer making sure it connected to the projector and that his remote worked. The program for the kids went off wonderfully. Scott couldn’t have been happier. He watched with great pleasure as Charlie led his class out of the auditorium. He felt like he was walking on air as he strolled over to the book store after his truimph.

Scott was nearly to the front door when he spotted Julie behind the counter. Julie, you are so going to have pay up for nearly making me miss Charlie. If you want to be my daughter then I guess you should meet the man I am bringing home for dinner.

The door jingled as Scott walked in.

“Hi Da..Scott. If you are in, I’m going to head out. I know you keep saying you can’t afford us all the time.”

“No, Julie, just relax. I have a lot to do today and could really use your help here. I know Nick opened and you just came in at one. Would you be able to stay till around eight tonight?”

Julie’s eyes lit up. She had only planned on working three hours, but this meant she might be able to afford those new boots she had seen. Well the boots were expensive and working for Scott wasn’t all that hard. She smiled and counted what that extra money in her paycheck would bring her.

“Sure. If you can afford it, I can stay.”

“Good. Don’t worry, dinner is on me tonight.”

Julie smiled. This was a side of Scott she had rarely seen. He seemed so happy.

“By the way Julie, remember the good looking woman who came in last week? You know the one who spent so much time talking to me about the book for grand-daughter and all?”

“Yeah, she was the one who suggested the program you said. Oh, that is why you are in a good mood. That started today, didn’t it?”

“Yes. She was asking if we had a signed copy of Harry Potter. You don’t by chance remember who you sold the first one to, do you?”

“Nah, it was just some kid who had a roll of money. Sorry, Scotty.”

Julie, before this night is over you will know what sorry means.

“No problem. I’ll be in the back if you need me.”

Scott made a call to Nick to make sure he would be able to come in for a few hours around six, promising him extra money for helping him getting the rest of the delivery out onto the shelves. Scott even told Nick he was getting dinner for the gang. Then he began combing through the local restaurants. Finding which ones delivered and what he wanted. He called three different ones and put in orders to have the food dropped off around six forty five through the back door of the store. He cleaned up a bit and changed places with Julie at the register around four. He had her clean up the folding table and set it up for him. He told her they would close the store at six thirty or so, that way they could eat in comfort.

Once she had set up the table they switched back and he set the table for the four of them. Dinner would be for four, but he was planning on something different for dessert.

By six sharp Nick was in the back room sorting through another delivery. He was told they would be having dinner and he kept looking at the table and seeing that it was set for four.

“So, Scott, umm … who do you have joining us?”

“Oh, just a friend of mine. Figured it was time he got to meet you two, seeing as you are both such a big help at the store.”

Nick just smiled and went back to work. Scott in the meantime kept pacing. He hoped Charlie wouldn’t get cold feet. Every few moments he would pop out and look outside. Julie just figured he was waiting on the food to arrive.

Julie as usual was engrossed in another vampire story and barely noticed as a middle aged guy headed out the door. It took her a moment to realize someone had come at the same time. She glanced up and noticed the coffee first. Then she saw he held a cake carrier in his hand. He looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t place him at first.

She watched as he turned to look at her and then at Scott as he emerged from the stacks that lead to the back of the store. Then the lightbulb went on and Julie placed the guy with the cake as the same one who bought the Harry Potter book. Naturally, if he was here now that also meant he had to be Charlie, the guy she and Nick were always supposed to lookout for. She was screwed and she knew it.

“Oh shit, it is going to be a long night!” Julie exclaimed.

Scott watched as Charlie shook his head, seemingly resigned. Damn. I was so going to make her pay, but I think Charlie is upset and I don’t know how he will handle this. Little girl you don’t know how lucky you are.

“Charlie, I’m so glad you could make it. I am going to close the store down for a while. We are going to have dinner in the store room. I want you to meet my work family.”

Charlie looked up suddenly and right at Julie. Julie had the good grace to blush and look at her feet.

“Julie, is anyone else here right now?”

“No,” began Julie awkwardly. “The last customer left just as Charlie walked in.”

Julie could feel Scott’s eyes on her and she blushed again.

“Okay, would you take Charlie back and get him seated? I just want to lock up and put up a sign. I’ll be right back.”

Charlie followed Julie back and she took his cake and set it on the extra desk Scott kept back there. Nick was just finishing separating out all the different titles into their genres so they could be put on the shelves when he noticed Charlie. Unlike Julie, Nick placed Charlie immediately and swallowed hard. A moment later Scott walked back and there was a knock on the door. He opened to the first of three delivery guys. Each one seemed to arrive within moments of one another. The delicious aromas of Italian, German, and Greek foods filled the air as the food was set on the table and opened.

The conversation at first was strained. Scott kept it light and carefree. He explained how when he opened the store Nick had been hired first.

“Yeah, you needed someone to help with the grunt work,” kidded Nick.

“Well, you are good at it aren’t you?”

“Thanks a lot, Scott.” Nick just laughed.

Scott had been comfortable and joked with both Julie and Nick. He hoped that Charlie could tell that he really got along with his employees. Scott figured if Charlie could see how he related to them he migh even understand why Julie occasionally called him Dad.

“Julie here came to work the hard way. She spent more time the first week with her nose in one of my books than anything else. Eventually, worried she would fall into one, I hired her and that way if she was here she could at least earn some money.”

“Yeah, you just love me for my fashion sense,” said Julie as she stuck her tongue out at him. Then she speared a bratwurst and began to munch.

The rest of the dinner was spent getting to know each other. Charlie let it slip that he was single which had Scott leaning forward with bright eyes. Julie apologized for not filling in Scott about Charlie being to the store earlier. Nick just kept quiet about anything he felt might make the night unpleasant. As the last piece of gyro was eaten and cleaned up, Scott smiled.

“Nick, do me a favor and close up for me tonight? Julie, thanks for staying for dinner but you can go home.”

“Sure, Scott. No problem. It was nice meeting you, Charlie.” Nick smiled and slid out through the doorway and waited for Julie.

Julie smiled shly. She walked over and kissed Charlie on the cheek. “Thanks for not blaming me.” She blushed and nearly tripped as she rushed after Nick.

Charlie stood there stunned as Scott smiled at the blush that had risen in Charlie’s face.

Nick went up and opened up for the last hour till nine. Julie grabbed her school bag and headed out.

“You got awfully quiet, Charlie.”

“Oh, just thinking really.”

“What about?”

“I thought you were married.” Charlie had said quietly and he couldn’t seem to meet Scott’s eyes.

“Nope, I have never been married.”

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

Scott looked at Charlie. Damn he is cute. I hope he doesn’t run.

“You aren’t prying, Charlie. Julie just gave you the wrong impression of me.”

Charlie just nodded his head and appeared to be lost in thought. Scott watched as Charlie paced to the doorway that led into the store. He paused and looked back at Scott.

“Never been married Charlie." God this is harder than I thought it would be. "I just haven’t found the right person. Besides, I’m gay, Charlie.”

Charlie stood there and appeared frozen to the spot.

“Are you okay, Charlie?”

“Did you just tell me you are… gay?”

“Yup.”

“Oh.” Charlie looked up into Scott’s blue eyes and blushed like hell.