Charlie's Hero by Nic Starr

Author:Nic Starr [Starr, Nic]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2015-06-08T00:00:00+00:00

CATCHING A movie was a completely different experience when done with Josh, maybe because Charlie focused more on Josh’s reaction and enjoyment than on watching the movie himself. The comedy was total slapstick, the kind of movie with in-your-face humor, stupid and ridiculous, no subtlety at all. And he loved every minute of it.

Josh was engrossed in the movie from the moment it started until the credits rolled at the end. He chuckled out loud, leaning forward in his seat as he shook with belly laughs and wiped tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. Every so often he’d look at Charlie, his eyes shining in the dim theater light, as if wanting to share each particularly funny moment with him. Charlie also enjoyed the occasions when Josh reached across and put his hand on his leg, nudging him to point out something he found amusing but then resting his hand there for a while.

As Charlie sat there, the realization hit him hard. He wanted to share everything with Josh, from simple moments at the movies, to hikes, to dinners, but also the more mundane moments of everyday. Even shopping and household chores were better when Josh was around. Charlie wanted Josh to be a part of everything he did, and he wanted the same for himself in Josh’s life. Dealing with his nerves and meeting Andrew had been a first step in the right direction. He was so fucking happy that Josh was taking even the tiniest step toward their future.

“So what did you think of the movie?” Charlie asked as they sat in a café afterward.

“Awesome.” The smile on Josh’s face echoed his sentiment. “I needed a good laugh, and it delivered in spades.”

The waiter placed a heaped plate of nachos between them. “Thanks,” they both said, and didn’t waste any time diving in. Crunchy corn chips, oozing cheese, and just a hint of heat from pepper and spices. Once he’d satisfied his hunger, Charlie wiped the mess from his fingers and washed it all down with a hefty gulp of the icy cold Coke. He pushed the nachos closer to Josh, indicating with a nod that he’d had enough and for Josh to continue eating.

“You should eat more,” Josh said as he frowned at Charlie.

“I’m stuffed. You go for it,” Charlie replied.

“Do you want me to order you something else?” Josh asked, lifting an arm to flag a waitress. “Maybe a burger? Or they do a great pasta.”

“I’ve had heaps. I promise.”

Josh raised his eyebrows in the universal “if you’re sure?” gesture. Charlie smiled and nodded. He couldn’t get the silly grin off his face, warmed by the thought of how Josh was concerned he’d had enough to eat. He found he liked being looked after.

Josh lowered his arm, no longer trying to attract the waitstaff’s attention. He reached instead for a corn chip, then proceeded to devour the nachos. They chatted about movies while Josh ate and Charlie sipped on his Coke. Piped-in

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